Adam Kania ’23 came to UNH for its homeland security program. It is unique, he says, because students must add a dual major or two minors. So, Kania opted for a homeland security and justice studies dual major with a minor in forensics. His majors fall into the New England Regional Student Program, which afforded him reduced tuition as an out-of-state student.
“There are so many amazing aspects of being in the College of Liberal Arts,” Kania says. “The homeland security major and department sets you up for success. The program provides students with a well-rounded education, including hands-on experiences, and allows for almost any career path. The justice studies major has a lot of research opportunity within it so no matter what your primary major is, justice studies can fit nicely.”
Thanks to a scholarship that paid for his housing, Kania was able to participate in UNH’s Washington Center Program in Washington, D.C., where he had an internship with the Department of Homeland Security that gave him real-world experience as an undergraduate student in what he says could be his future career.
He was attending an admitted students event when he met Andrew Macpherson, assistant professor of security studies. “Months later, as a student, he genuinely remembered the conversation we had during that quick and initial interaction. Since then, he has been supportive of me throughout my time in college even when I did not have him as a professor,” Kania says.
Kania has been involved with Mock Trial for four years and now serves as captain. He is part of the Student Senate as a cabinet chair for the student body president, was an orientation leader and is a resident assistant. It may be surprising to learn that Kania is a certified soccer referee and has been since he was 13 years old. The breadth of his interests underscores his UNH-acquired philosophy.
“The most important lesson I learned from UNH is that it’s never too late or early to explore other passions,” Kania says. “If you are interested in doing something, do it.”
