For graduating senior Jazmine Benson, Illinois State University wasn’t just a college choice. It became a foundation for academic growth, leadership, and meaningful connections.

Originally from Homewood, a few miles south of Chicago, Benson graduated from Huntington Beach High School in Huntington Beach, California.

“I decided to attend Illinois State because I felt like—as far as the opportunity, in conjunction with the proximity to my family (in Illinois)—it was the best option for me,” Benson said.

A political science major with a minor in peace and conflict resolution, Benson immersed herself in student life and academic involvement from the beginning.

“I’ve done a lot of things dealing with the Model United Nations (UN) team,” she said. “This was my third year participating on the team. As head delegate, I helped coach and facilitate our team’s research and preparation process for our trip to New York. Next year, I plan to use my experience in leadership of our United Nations Association-USA Chapter.”

Model UN wasn’t her only area of focus. Research quickly became one of Benson’s passions at the University.

“I was able to publish an article in the department’s journal at a research conference last spring,” she said. “My article was focused on alternative right means and political satire, and it was very educational to be able to have the opportunity to present and publish my research. I hope to continue my research prospects as a master’s student within our graduate school in the fall.”

Dr. James M. Scott, university professor and chair of the Department of Politics and Government, said Benson has distinguished herself on campus.

“Her passion for global affairs led her to join Model UN, where she gained recognition for her leadership and diplomacy,” Scott said. “Always striving for more, Jazmine became one of the first students to enroll in the Department of Politics and Government’s accelerated master’s program, exemplifying academic ambition and a commitment to making a meaningful impact.”

Benson will earn a bachelor’s degree this May and is scheduled to earn a master’s degree from Illinois State in spring 2026.

The most rewarding part of Benson’s college experience so far involved student leadership and service, she said. Benson served as a resident assistant (RA) for five semesters in Watterson Towers.

“I love my job,” she said. “I take it very seriously, and I feel like it’s the thing that really inspires me to be academically centered and balanced through difficult times.”

This spring, University Housing Services awarded Benson the prestigious 2025 Janice A. Auguston Memorial Award in recognition of her exceptional student leadership.

Benson said her favorite moments from college are tied closely to the people and communities she found at the University.

“Some of my favorite memories here involved the communities I’ve been a part of and the people that I’ve been able to come in contact with,” Benson said. “Being able to talk to others and integrate myself into spaces where I felt welcomed and appreciated, in addition to being a part of organizations and groups that I was attached to, really made my experience so much better.”

Benson said Illinois State is strengthened by the diversity of its student body and the opportunities available to everyone.

“One thing about ISU is we attract such a wide range of students,” she said. “I feel like every single department within our university has a lot of strong, bright, and really well-educated individuals who are trying to make a difference in their respective fields.

“I’ve met such a wide, vast range of individuals from all different walks of life who all converged at this one point, and it’s really meaningful.”

As she prepares to graduate, Benson looks back with gratitude and forward with a strong sense of purpose.

“I really do appreciate the opportunity that I’ve had during this time,” she said. “Illinois State is a place unlike any other.”

This story is from a series of profiles featuring Redbirds who are graduating this May. For more information about how Illinois State is celebrating commencement, visit the Graduation Services website.