GVPT Student Hannah Soo-Tho Reflects on Her Experience at the 76th SCUSA Conference

In October, Government & Politics student and International Relations major Hannah Soo-Tho had the honor of representing the University of Maryland at the United States Military Academy’s 76th annual Student Conference on U.S. Affairs (SCUSA).

Held at West Point, the conference brings together students from across the country to explore pressing global challenges and strengthen civil–military relationships.

Soo-Tho participated in the roundtable “The U.S. Political System: Meeting the Challenges of Multipolarity,” where she worked alongside thirteen other students over four days to craft a policy proposal guided by two distinguished co-chairs. Their final recommendations focused on strengthening bipartisan cooperation in Congress—an essential step, she noted, in preparing the United States to navigate an increasingly polarized international landscape.

While the academic discussions were deeply enriching, Soo-Tho shared that the most meaningful aspects of SCUSA extended beyond the policy work.

She had the rare opportunity to stay in the room of two West Point cadets, eat in the Cadet Mess Hall, and engage in candid conversations with cadets from West Point, the Naval Academy, and the Air Force Academy, as well as students from universities across the country.

“These experiences gave me a deeper appreciation for my peers’ commitment to service,” she reflected, “and a renewed faith in the next generation of policymaking and military leaders.”

Soo-Tho expressed her gratitude to the U.S. Military Academy and SCUSA staff for hosting the conference, and to the Department of Government and Politics for supporting her participation.

The department congratulates Hannah on her outstanding representation of UMD and celebrates her continued dedication to public service, global affairs, and meaningful civil–military dialogue.

 

Published on Wed, 11/19/2025 - 12:19