RYAN VEGA

Political Science student with strong research background, proven leadership in student governance, and hands-on legal experience as a judicial extern, preparing for law school and a career in legal advocacy and public service.

• Mortar Board Honor Society: Nationally recognized senior honor society for scholarship, leadership, and service.
• Outstanding Sophomore Award- Campus Leadership Award: Recognized as a student leader within the Sophomore Class, demonstrated leadership and served as a role model to others within and outside of the Chapman Community, distinguished leadership in at least one facet of university life.

• Orange County Superior Court- Hon. Craig L. Griffin, Fullerton, CA
• Judicial Extern
• Observed civil trial and motion calendars, including Court Trials, Motions for Summary Judgment, Discovery Motions, Demurrers, Case Management Conferences, and Order to Show Cause hearings.
• Participated in legal discussions with Judge Griffin in chambers about rulings, objections, and oral arguments presented by counsel.
• Gained insight into how high-volume civil dockets are managed and tracked.
• Maintained professionalism and reliability; invited back for future opportunities due to strong performance.

• Kappa Alpha Pi Pre-Law Co-Ed Fraternity
• Served within the Brotherhood committee and helped organize a formal dance
• First Gen-Mentor within the first-gen committee
• Serving within the Rituals committee
• Student Government Association
• Sophomore Class Senator
• Head Chair of the Veterans Task Force
• Member of the Reforming Disability Services Task Force
• Member of the Athletics Task Force

• Serve as Director of Senate for Chapman’s Student Government Association; led successful planning and execution of the Fall 2025 senatorial election and continue to oversee legislative operations and upcoming elections for 1,000+ eligible voters.
• Chaired the Veterans Task Force and served on Disability Services and Athletics Task Forces to improve campus resources and support for diverse student groups.
• Completed a quantitative research project on immigration attitudes (Income, Economic Stability, and Fear of Illegal Immigration) and presented findings at Chapman’s Student Research Symposium.
• Selected for Mortar Board National College Senior Honor Society in recognition of leadership, scholarship, and service.
• Served as a Judicial Extern for Hon. Craig L. Griffin at the Orange County Superior Court, gaining direct experience with civil litigation and judicial decision-making.
• Mentored first-generation students and organized professional and community events through Kappa Alpha Pi Pre-Law Fraternity.
• Received the Outstanding Sophomore Award – Campus Leadership Award for significant contributions to student advocacy and campus life.
• Volunteered with St. Norbert’s Church, organizing food, clothing, and toy drives for underserved families.

State Seal of Biliteracy – Spanish, California Department of Education