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Where Are They Now featuring Matthew Hughes '03
Current Position - President & CEO of the World Affairs Councils of America (WACA) in Washington, DC
Since January 2023, Matthew has worked at the national office of the World Affairs Councils of America. WACA supports, strengthens, and represents a national network of more than 90 apolitical, nonpartisan organizations working to deepen their communities' global perspective through speaker programs, discussion groups, and educational experiences. Before moving to DC, he worked with the Kansas City affliate of the World Affairs Council.
Since January 2023, Matthew has worked at the national office of the World Affairs Councils of America. WACA supports, strengthens, and represents a national network of more than 90 apolitical, nonpartisan organizations working to deepen their communities' global perspective through speaker programs, discussion groups, and educational experiences. Before moving to DC, he worked with the Kansas City affliate of the World Affairs Council.
While at Calvert Hall, Matthew was involved in:
-McMullen Scholars Program
-National Honor Society- President
-Conclave (Speech & Debate)
-Yearbook
-Regis Writing Center Tutor
-Math League
-Spanish Club
-Forensics
-Homeroom Representative
Education: Matthew earned his B.A.in 2007 and his M.Ed. in 2009 from the University of Notre Dame. In 2014, he earned his M.A. from the University of Kansas.
While at Notre Dame, Matthew worked in the Writing Center and was involved in the Center for Social Concerns and Notre Dame Folk Choir.
How did the McMullen Program prepare you for college and your career?
"Through challenging coursework and meaningful interactions with teachers and fellow students, I developed a desire to understand myself, other people and the world more fully. The McMullen Program helped me learn to ask questions, consider different points of view, and synthesize new information with a purpose. These dispositions and skills have been at the heart of my university studies and work since then."
McMullen Capstone
"My Senior Seminar Project examined the life and work of Federico Garcia Lorca, a Spanish poet, playwright, and activist for the rights of marginalized communities in Spain and the United States. While I didn't realize it at the time, the project helped broaden my global perspective and encouraged me to study aboard in Chile during my junior year in college."
Advice for the current McMullen Scholars
"The world is a big place with so, so many possibilities. Explore as much as you can before setting your heart or sights on a certain outcome for your life. Push yourself outside of your comfort zone whenever you can. You never know where a conversation or experience might lead."
The Benefits of the McMullen Program
"The combination of academic rigor and the opportunity to pursue subjects that interested me were a valuable aspect of the McMullen Program. I felt well-prepared for college."
Back
-McMullen Scholars Program
-National Honor Society- President
-Conclave (Speech & Debate)
-Yearbook
-Regis Writing Center Tutor
-Math League
-Spanish Club
-Forensics
-Homeroom Representative
Education: Matthew earned his B.A.in 2007 and his M.Ed. in 2009 from the University of Notre Dame. In 2014, he earned his M.A. from the University of Kansas.
While at Notre Dame, Matthew worked in the Writing Center and was involved in the Center for Social Concerns and Notre Dame Folk Choir.
How did the McMullen Program prepare you for college and your career?
"Through challenging coursework and meaningful interactions with teachers and fellow students, I developed a desire to understand myself, other people and the world more fully. The McMullen Program helped me learn to ask questions, consider different points of view, and synthesize new information with a purpose. These dispositions and skills have been at the heart of my university studies and work since then."
McMullen Capstone
"My Senior Seminar Project examined the life and work of Federico Garcia Lorca, a Spanish poet, playwright, and activist for the rights of marginalized communities in Spain and the United States. While I didn't realize it at the time, the project helped broaden my global perspective and encouraged me to study aboard in Chile during my junior year in college."
Advice for the current McMullen Scholars
"The world is a big place with so, so many possibilities. Explore as much as you can before setting your heart or sights on a certain outcome for your life. Push yourself outside of your comfort zone whenever you can. You never know where a conversation or experience might lead."
The Benefits of the McMullen Program
"The combination of academic rigor and the opportunity to pursue subjects that interested me were a valuable aspect of the McMullen Program. I felt well-prepared for college."
