The latest addition to our series of Stover Alumni Spotlights features Drew Hreha, a member of the Class of 2021.
Q: What are you doing now?
A: Professionally, I am the Appeals Manager for the Libertarian National Committee, where I manage our emails, various fundraising, marketing and operations projects and represent the party at outreach events and conferences. In my personal time, I am the Chair of the Armstrong County Libertarian Party here in Pennsylvania and a Pub Rep for the Pondering Pub, a Christian community and arts organization founded by fellow Stover Class of 2021 alumnus Daniel Booth.
Q: Where have you worked or served since graduation?
A: After graduation, I finished a campaign for State Representative before joining the LNC Staff in June 2021 and have been with them since!
Q: What initially drew you to the Stover Center for Constitutional Studies and Moral Leadership?
A: I started developing an interest in politics, government and economics during my senior year at Apollo-Ridge High School, and I was already planning to attend Waynesburg University because of the strength and great reputation of the Department of Communication. While researching Waynesburg, I found the Stover Program and was blown away by the catalog of leaders they had met with. From the mission and description of the program, I felt it would be the perfect opportunity to further develop my newfound interests.
Q: How did the Stover Program help prepare you for success? What skills or knowledge gained through the Stover Program have proven most valuable in your career?
A: Meeting with leaders across a variety of disciplines exposed me to diverse skills and viewpoints, but also a unified lesson on what success looks like, no matter what industry you find yourself in. Life in third party American politics is often unpredictable, and I think the exposure to the professional world that I got as a Stover Scholar has helped me to be agile in my work and life. Additionally, thanks to our 2018 Constitution Day play on Pierce v. Society of Sisters, I was well prepared to pen the Libertarian Party's message for the 100th Anniversary of the landmark case earlier this year.
Q: Were there any specific activities, mentors or opportunities that stood out to you?
A: I always really enjoyed our Stover Orientation activities. As a freshman, Stover Orientation was my first activity on campus as a student, and some of the people I met that day are still some of my greatest friends today. Each year after, Stover Orientation was a great opportunity to welcome the new Stover Scholars to the program with open arms, the way I was welcomed by the upperclassmen.
Q: Do you have a favorite memory from your time in the Stover Program?
A: While it is difficult to pick just one, I'd have to say our Pittsburgh trip my sophomore year. The night prior was the 24-hour broadcast for WCYJ-FM, and I was on several shows scheduled through the night. On no sleep, I showed up to meet the bus for our trip, which ended up being a party bus. We all sang along to music on our way into the city and had a great day full of interesting speakers and activities. By the time we got back to campus, I was exhausted, but it was well worth it.
Q: How did being a part of this program shape your college experience as a whole?
A: While at Waynesburg, I picked up a Political Science minor to take more classes with Dr. Stratton, was a four-year member of the Student Senate, took on a leading role on WCTV's political talk show The Waynesburg Effect and pursued other political activities, which ultimately led me on the path to my career today. The memories and friends I made through those experiences made up a large part of my time at Waynesburg, and they all proceeded from my involvement in the Stover Program.
Q: What advice would you give students currently in the program or considering applying to the program?
A: To current Stover Scholars: Make the most of every opportunity. College moves fast, and if you apply yourself and keep a busy schedule, it is sometimes difficult to pause, be present, and fully enjoy the unique opportunities the program provides you with. Dr. Stratton says it best: Cherish the Moment. Always make time to nurture friendships with your fellow Stover Scholars, learn from the upperclassmen and help mentor those coming into the program after you.
To those considering applying to the program: You won't find a program like this, a mentor like Dr. Stratton or a cohort of students and network of alumni that feels more like a family anywhere else. If the mission of Transforming the Polis speaks to you like it did to me, don't hesitate.
Q: How do you like to spend your free time?
A: In my free time I am primarily focused on growing my relationship with Jesus Christ and my involvement with the Community Church of Pine Run. I also enjoy Pittsburgh sports, music and film.
About the Stover Center for Constitutional Leadership
Waynesburg University's Stover Center for Constitutional Studies and Moral Leadership is an interdisciplinary scholarly center dedicated to bringing insights from the U.S. Constitution's Founding Era and from Christianity to bear in the contemporary public square, with the ultimate goal of creatively transforming the ethical state of the polis.
Communication Program at Waynesburg University
Through practical experiences, you'll develop a portfolio of work that will impress employers. Beginning your first week, you will have the opportunity to practice what you're learning in your Communication classes.
About Waynesburg University
Consistently ranked a best value school, Waynesburg University’s Strategy for the 21st Century affirms its commitment to developing an entrepreneurial mindset and ethical leadership skills for all students. Rooted in its mission of faith, learning and service, the private, Christian university is located on a traditional campus in the hills of southwestern Pennsylvania.
