Pointer alum reflects, parts advice on graduating class
The Pointer
mbaum925@uwsp.edu
Ryan Wrasse has gone from walking the halls of the University of Wisconsin – Stevens Point to governmental buildings in Washington D.C. I was able to learn more about this fast-moving graduate and learned what has become of him since he has left this storied university.
Wrasse is currently a confidential assistant in the office of the secretary at the U.S. Department of Commerce. He works with the assistant secretary for legislative and intergovernmental affairs on all legislative issues relating to the department. The department has a broad portfolio, including the International Trade Administration, the Patent and Trademark Office and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration to name a few. The confidential assistants make sure the secretary has all of the materials and resources he needs in order to effectively communicate the president’s legislative agenda with the American people. They brief the secretary on issues including the National Weather Service, the Digital Television Transition, the 2010 Census, and most recently, the Big Three Auto Relief Package. Those issues only scratch the surface of the issues in the department’s portfolio.
Wrasse is also part of the secretary’s advance team and has traveled around the country supporting cabinet secretaries, foreign heads of state and diplomats. Most recently, Wrasse found himself on the advance team for the deputy secretary’s trade mission to the Republic of Georgia, Azerbaijan, Kuwait and Iraq.
Since his move, people ask him, “Does Washington really change people?” He believes the short answer is yes, but he refuses to settle for that simple of an answer.
“It changes everyone who comes here. However, it is not always a bad thing. For me, it has reiterated and strengthened my belief in the American people and what this country stands for. It has also helped me realize that Wisconsin and the Midwest will always be my true home. We are in such a bubble here in Washington – there is so much going on and we often find ourselves in the middle of the stories that you see on the nightly news. You just have to remain focused on the ultimate goal – we work for the American people,” said Wrasse.
Wrasse acknowledges that the culture in Washington is nothing like the culture in Stevens Point, Wis. However, the morals, values and strong work ethic that he carries with him today were a result of his time spent in Wisconsin. He tries to treat every day as a learning experience and has had plenty of lessons growing up in the Midwest.
“I have been blessed with many opportunities that I could have only imagined and couldn’t have done it without the support of my family and friends,” said Wrasse.
Wrasse thoroughly believed there was a benefit from getting involved at this campus as many of you may have while you were here. From spending time in the classroom to spending time with friends when he should have been in the classroom, he felt it was all very beneficial to him in the end. His involvement in state and local politics, the College Republicans, Student Government Association and other activities didn’t hurt either, but the fundamentals of what he learned both inside and outside of the classroom is what led to a truly cumulative education.
This hot-to-trot alumnus does wish he did get involved more with one organization.
“The Student Government Association … I always regretted not becoming a student senator,” said Wrasse.
Yes, as aforementioned, he does remember that traditionally overlooked aspect of college: the classroom. Having been a political science major, Wrasse has flashbacks of sitting through Dr. Riley’s administrative law and public administration course. Dr. Blakeman’s law courses were also very helpful to Wrasse and he was glad that he spent as much time in his classes as he did. Many of you, perhaps, have similar fond memories.
“I had a great four years at UW-SP and can’t thank the entire political science department enough. We didn’t always agree politically, but I probably wouldn’t be here today had it not been for their mentorship and support,” said Wrasse.
For those of you in a holding pattern wondering if you can get to where he is, or furthermore, wondering what to do next, he parlays this parting advice.
“Don’t rush – you’ll find your niche. I was fortunate because I knew what I wanted to do early on. However, if you have goals, stay focused and do what you need to do in order to achieve them,” said Wrasse.
