Valedictorian: Katie Gowing

Rockefeller College outstanding students Michael Allain, Katie Gowing, Gina Tan, and Max Sevor all finished their undergraduate careers with a perfect 4.0 GPA, earning valedictorian status. Learn more about Katie’s accomplishments and what’s next.

Name: Katie Gowing
Hometown: Houston, Texas
Majors: Political Science; Public Policy and Management
Awards: SUNY Chancellor’s Award for Student Excellence; President’s Award for Leadership: Outstanding Senior; Governor Mario Cuomo Scholarship for Public Service; Spellman Highest Academic Achievement Award

What activities were you involved in during your time at UAlbany and Rockefeller College?

I competed on the NCAA Division I Women’s Soccer Team at UAlbany as a central defender and defensive midfielder. We earned a bid to the NCAA Tournament, winning the America East Conference Championship, and I was an All-Academic and All-Championship Team selection.

What were some highlight experiences of your undergraduate career?

After my internship at the Rockefeller Institute of Government and publication of Beyond Roe, a report on reproductive health, I was invited to the Reproductive Health Act bill signing and reception following at the Governor’s Mansion in Downtown Albany. Besides an amazing sushi bar at the party, I also had the honor of meeting Governor Andrew Cuomo, Sarah Weddington, the lead attorney for 1973 Supreme Court Case Roe v. Wade, and had dinner with Alphonso David, the now-president of the Human Rights Campaign. The Rockefeller Institute has provided me with countless amazing opportunities, and I cannot thank everyone who I have worked with there enough for their continued support and kindness.

What accomplishment are you most proud of and why?

While it is not a particularly impressive award, I am extremely proud of my America East Conference Offensive Player of the Week Award. I was awarded Offensive Player of the Week for my performance against the University of New Hampshire. Despite my position as a central defender, I scored both goals of the game resulting in a 2-0 win. The conference bestowed me the honor amid a long season of highs and lows for me due to an injury. Although I was constantly in and out of my cast and the MRI machine, I was still able to perform for my team and garner my first career player of the week award.

What is next for you after graduation?

I will be attending UCLA School of Law in the fall as a Graduate Opportunity Fellow pursuing my JD. In the future, I hope to practice civil rights law and represent those who have been wrongfully convicted.