As early as fourth grade, Leslie Redmond knew that she wanted a career in politics. Throughout middle school, she aspired to become a judge, and in high school, she set her sights on law school and secured an internship with the U.S. Department of the Interior. As a college student at Barry University, she majored in political science and served as president of Barry’s Student Government Association. In the fall, the Barry alumna will take the next step in her political path by entering law school at the University of St. Thomas in Minneapolis.
“The legal system has always intrigued me,” said Redmond, who graduated from Barry in May with a bachelor’s degree in political science. “I believe that instead of complaining about a system, one must become a part of the system in order to enhance it.”
This spring, Barry’s College of Arts and Sciences presented Redmond with the 2014 Dean’s Award for Outstanding Student for Social and Behavioral Sciences, an annual award which recognizes an undergraduate student within the college for his or her academic commitment and positive representation of the college.
“Leslie is a natural leader,” said Sean Foreman, Ph.D., associate professor of political science at Barry. “You can see it in the way she relates with her peers and her professors. People respect her and like to be around her.”
Redmond, who minored in Africana Studies, graduated from Barry in May with a 3.54 GPA and is a member of the following honor societies: Phi Sigma Alpha, the National Political Science Honor Society; Sigma Tau Delta, International English Honor Society; Phi Eta Sigma National Honor Society for first-year college and university students; and Delta Epsilon Iota Academic Honor Society.
As an undergraduate at Barry, Redmond served as the president and secretary of the Student Government Association; vice president of events for the Student Organization Council; vice president for Phi Alpha Delta Pre-Law Fraternity; a resident assistant; a program volunteer for Africana Studies in the Department of English and Foreign Languages; a volunteer for Barry’s Center for Community Service Initiatives; a member of F.E.M.A.L.E.S.; and a representative for the Resident Hall Association. She also served as a volunteer for Organizing for America, College Brides Walk, Martin Luther King, Jr. Day of Service, the Girl Scouts of the USA, the Community Learning Partnership of Greater Miami Shores, Pridelines Youth Services and the Council on Legal Education Opportunity.
During her time at Barry, Redmond was awarded the St. Catherine Medal, which recognizes outstanding leadership or service, the Dr. George J. Wanko Award for Outstanding Junior, the 2013 Barry Resident Assistant of the Year and the Engaged Citizen Award for the Community Learning Partnership of Greater Miami Shores.
Upon graduating from law school, Redmond hopes to work as a litigator and, later in her career, become a judge.
“Leslie has an infectious enthusiasm of life in general, and I know she will achieve all her goals, because she is willing to work hard,” said Mary Caravelis, associate professor of geography and political science at Barry.
Barry’s mission, as well as its faculty, students and staff, have positively influenced her life in both personal and professional ways, she said.
“I’m blessed to have attended a university with such a great foundation,” Redmond said. “I live by our four core commitments: knowledge and truth, social justice, collaborative service and inclusive community … Without the combination of all the great role models at Barry, I would not have graduated the conscience individual I am today.”
Barry’s mission also influenced her decision to attend the University of St. Thomas for law school, she said.
“The University of St. Thomas’ law school mission focuses heavily on social justice,” she said.
For more information about Barry’s bachelor’s degree program in political science, visit http://www.barry.edu/history-political-science/political-science/