By Amanda Respess

B rigitte Rivard knew early on that she wanted to pursue a career in advocacy. Georgia College & State University showed her the many different paths she could take to achieve her goals, and now the class of 2025 graduating senior has been accepted to the Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy at Tufts University.

“The faculty at Georgia College is so special because they're so willing to support and communicate and connect with you on a personal level, which honestly is really hard to find at other at other universities,” Rivard said. “That's something I've really valued, and that's helped me feel seen and heard and given me the room to explore the things that I wondered about. It's a place for open discourse and that's something that I definitely appreciate and has been very formative for me.”

Rivard is graduating with her Bachelor of Arts in Mass Communication degree, as well as a Leadership Certificate. She was selected to participate in the Georgia Education Mentorship program and for membership in Omicron Delta Kappa – “The Circle” collegiate honor society for leadership and scholarship – and Lambda Pi Eta national communication honor society.

“I owe a lot of the opportunities and doors that have been opened to me to Dr. Mock,” Rivard said. Harold Mock is the director of Leadership Programs at Georgia College and an assistant professor of history.

“Dr. Mock is one of those professors that just knows you so well. He's so intelligent, and you always feel really good about yourself leaving a conversation with him. He's uplifting and enthusiastic about learning. He definitely gave me the confidence to pursue this program at Tufts,” said Rivard.

Rivard completed the Intercultural Leadership Program led by Mock, which includes a five-week study abroad in Strasbourg, France, seat of the European Parliament.

“In nearly twenty years of teaching, I have seldom found a student whose motivations for advanced study are as noble as Brigitte’s,” Mock said. “She has a profound grasp of international affairs and diplomacy. As she leaves Georgia College, she is bound for one of the world’s foremost graduate programs in world politics — truly one of the most competitive and distinguished academic programs in the world.”

As part of the Mass Comm curriculum, majors complete two on-campus practicums to gain experience and build a portfolio in their chosen concentration, including strategic communication, journalism and digital production.

“I had my second practicum in the International Education Center. And I really connected with Dr. [James] Callaghan,” Rivard said. “He helped me get where I wanted to go and what I wanted to pursue with study abroad. He's been a really big mentor to me as well, just navigating the world of international schools and being very understanding and helpful.”

The first study abroad program Rivard chose, with Callaghan’s help, was in Geneva, Switzerland, where she studied global governance and the United Nations.

“I met Michel Veuthey, United Nations Ambassador of the Order of Malta, and asked him to give me some insight into what he feels is lacking in the workplace and which skills are most valuable,” Rivard said. “He told me the ability to communicate and articulate thought strategically. That’s what really drew me to Mass Comm.”

“This is where I fell in love with so many aspects of advocacy and diplomacy, especially within the United Nations,” Rivard explained.

Rivard is a long-time resident of Cumming, Georgia, but was born in Canada. Now she is bound for Boston and Tufts, earning a sizable scholarship to pursue a Master of Global Affairs degree.

“It's a little intimidating, but I'm so motivated because I feel so prepared from Georgia College.” Rivard said. “I'm really excited.”

Header Image: Rivard at the Palace of Versailles in France (All photos courtesy of Brigitte Rivard.)