Alyssa Braver

First Major: Government and Law
Second Major: Philosophy
Thesis: Analyzing the Decision-making of Supreme Court “Swing Justices” from 1971-2016

300 Word Statement

What I am most impressed by at Lafayette is the commitment students have to the causes and organizations that they are a part of. To me, the Lafayette ideal entails not just being a part of many different organizations and activities, but also striving to be truly involved and invested in whatever one undertakes.

A large part of this is honoring one’s commitments, and commitment and dedication is always something that I have greatly valued. With every organization or activity that I am a part of, whether it is writing an honors thesis, volunteering weekly, or being a dedicated club member, I never give anything less than my best effort. Lafayette has taught me the difference between being involved and being committed, and the hard work of those around me constantly motivates me to be a better version of myself. This year I am proud to say that I gained membership into Phi Beta Kappa and Order of Omega.

Lafayette has also taught me to not be afraid to try new things. Stepping out of one’s comfort zone and still giving something one’s all is also an important part of the Lafayette ideal, and this is something that I have constantly sought to do. This year, I auditioned for a musical, despite the fact that I have no idea how to sing, dance, or read music. I ended up loving the experience. I also challenged myself by taking an advanced Spanish class, despite not having studied the subject since freshman year.

My peers and professors at Lafayette have pushed me to be a more committed and involved community member that is unafraid to take risks. It is my hope that I have inspired others in the way that the Lafayette community has inspired me.

Academic Activities/Awards – Total Years Involved

Honors Thesis 1
Honors thesis with Professor Murphy in the Government/Law department entitled “Analyzing the Decision-making of Supreme Court “Swing Justices” from 1971-2016.” My thesis is about determining what makes a justice a swing justice and seeks to analyze how these justices make decisions.
Louise M. Olmsted Prize in Ethics at Lafayette College 1
Awarded to a student, who, in the judgment of the members of the Department of Philosophy, has done outstanding work in theoretical ethics, applied ethics, or a related field.
Minerva & Emil V. Novak Prize at Lafayette College 1
Presented annually to a student(s) majoring in government and law based on overall excellence in academic work and citizenship in the campus community.
Eugene P. Chase Phi Beta Kappa Prize at Lafayette College 1
Awarded to a sophomore(s) who has demonstrated scholarship as a first-year student.
Recipient of the Edith A. Gorsuch and the Henrietta S. Treen scholarships from the Center for Scholarship Administration 1
Scholarships available for students preparing themselves for a profession in ministry, law, or medicine.
Pi Sigma Alpha Honors Society 2
Selected for the Pi Sigma Alpha National Political Science Honors Society, which recognizes “outstanding students in political science.”
Pi Kappa Delta Honorary 2
I am a member of the national honor society for collegiate speech and debate, and also received awards in both debate and speech events at the 2015 national Pi Kappa Delta tournament.
Lafayette Forensics Society: Vice President 3
I served as Vice President my junior year and over my years I have researched a wide array of policies to prepare for National Forensic Association tournaments where I competed competitively.
Dean’s List 4
I made Dean’s list every semester, except for one semester when I had an incomplete for thesis as I started my thesis a semester early.
Marquis Scholar 4
Lafayette’s highest academic scholarship for the Class of 2016.

Campus Service/Activities and Awards – Total Years Involved

Hillel Society: Social Chair and then Vice President of Social Action 4
As Vice President of Social Action, I organized monthly philanthropic events, such as school supply drives and can drives, and larger philanthropic events once a semester such as baking Challahs for Safe Harbor and making cards for hospitalized children. I also planned Holocaust remembrance week for the campus community.
The Levy Award 1
This award was established by Mort and Myra Levy as a way to recognize young leaders in the Lehigh Valley Jewish community chosen from Hillel members who are active on their college campuses.
Kirby Government and Law Society: President and Vice President 4<
I have served as both President and Vice-President within the organization and in theses roles I have helped to organize a variety of government related panels and lectures for the campus community.
The Lafayette Newspaper 2
Delta Delta Delta Sorority 3
I am a member of Delta, Delta, Delta and have been since the second semester of my sophomore year. I have been on various committees and have assisted my chapter to the best of my ability.
Recruitment Counselor 1
Going through recruitment can be a difficult time for some students, and as a recruitment counselor I did my best to assist girls throughout the process feel more comfortable and excited about recruitment.
Academic Progress Committee Student Representative 1
As a member of the Academic Progress Committee I have served the campus community by helping to adjudicate cases of alleged academic dishonesty. I have also reviewed academic petitions and voiced my opinion when it comes to various academic matters.
Tutor for the Academic Tutoring and Training Information Center (ATTIC) 1
I served as a tutor for the ATTIC in Philosophy, which entailed explaining philosophy theories in easy-to-understand language and developing study plans based on students’ needs.
Facility Monitor at Kirby Sports Center 3
As a Facility Monitor, I ensure that the rules of the sports center are enforced and I have been trained to deal with security issues, emergencies, and first aid situations.
Marquis Players 1

Community Service – Total Years Involved

Northampton County Historical Society: Librarian/Research Assistant Volunteer 2
As a volunteer for the Northampton County Historical Society I assisted in librarian tasks such as categorizing books and helping clients with their needs. I also pulled research material, organized archives, transcribed documents, and compiled records into a database.
Easton Area Middle School Hunger Club Helper 1
Through my sorority I got involved with volunteering at the Easton Area Middle School to help with their hunger club initiative. The club is designed to raise awareness of hunger issues in Easton, and as a helper I ensure that students stay on task during meetings and help lead conversations pertaining to hunger as well as assisting students in designing posters and PowerPoints.
Phillipsburg High School Forensics Volunteer 1
As a volunteer for Phillipsburg High School Speech and Debate, I read and edit speeches and help students do research for debate. I also help fundraise for the team and judge at tournaments for the team.
Third Street Alliance Children’s Carnival Volunteer 1
I was in charge of running a game and handing out prizes for Third Street Alliance’s Children’s Carnival.
Food Pantry Volunteer 1
I volunteered at a local food pantry in Somerset, New Jersey, and my job entailed handing out food and carrying groceries to visitors’ cars and ensuring that visitors to the Food Pantry were treated as respected guests. During the holiday season, I also handed out gifts.

Athletics Activity/Award – Total Years Involved

Intramural Volleyball 3
I have participated in the Intramural Volleyball tournament for three years at Lafayette.
Intramural Poker: Winner 1
I participated and won the intramural poker tournament at Lafayette.
I participated and was part of the winning team of last year’s intramural dodgeball tournament.

Special Interest – Total Years Involved

Intern at the Northampton County Court of Common Pleas for Judge Roscioli 1
During my time at the Court House I read and summarized court documents and assisted whenever possible.
Superior Court of DC Intern for the Small Claims Branch 1
As an intern I managed court data, processed court documents, performed quality review checks on docket entries, and assisted the public.
Perrucci Law Corporation Paralegal 2
I met with clients through every step of the legal process, wrote motions, petitions, correspondences, etc., I also researched different areas of law.