ASU alum returns as distinguished guest of the School of Politics and Global Studies

Each year, the School of Politics and Global Studies at Arizona State University honors an outstanding alum for their accomplishments by inviting them back to ASU to speak with faculty and students.

This year, Robert Bond, who graduated from ASU with a Bachelor of Arts in political science in 2006 and a Master of Arts in political science in 2007, returned to Tempe to serve as Distinguished Alumni Speaker for the school.

“It was a huge formative experience for me,” said Bond, reflecting on his time as a student at ASU.

Although he knew that he enjoyed the subject matter, when Bond chose political science as his major, he wasn’t sure what his career path would be.

That would change when he eventually took Empirical Political Inquiry, taught by Foundation Professor Kim Fridkin, which broadened Bond’s idea of how he could use his degree going forward.

“She made clear how we actually do political science, which as really interesting to me. (Fridkin) eventually invited me to be a research assistant, and that was how I transitioned from thinking about this as just an interesting degree to thinking about it as a potential career.

“(Fridkin) has been a wonderful mentor both while I was at ASU but also afterwards."

“I still remember when Robert was my junior fellow during his undergraduate years at ASU, helping my colleague, Pat Kenney, and I collect data set for a book we were working on,” Fridkin said. “Robert was an excellent student at ASU and he has excelled as a scholar, and I am glad that we are able to recognize Robert’s achievements with the Distinguished Alumni Award.”

After graduating with his MA, he pursued a PhD in political science at the University of California, San Diego. Bond is currently an associate professor in the School of Communication at The Ohio State University.

His research focuses on political communication, political attitudes and behavior, and social networks, particularly where these areas intersect. He was named the faculty member of the year by the graduate students in the School of Communication at OSU in 2020.

While in Tempe, Bond gave a presentation to a room full of faculty and graduate students titled “The effect of campaign rallies on misperceptions.” Prior to Bond’s talk, he was presented with a plaque to commemorate him as this year’s distinguished alum.

Distinguished alum Robert Bond presenting to room full of faculty and graduate students at Coor Hall. Photo courtesy Matt Oxford

“It is so special for (the school) to be able to honor some of our many amazing alums through the Distinguished Alumni Speaker Series," said Magda Hinojosa, ASU professor and director of the School of Politics and Global Studies. "It’s incredibly impactful for our current students to see where our former students are now.”

When he originally found out about winning this award from his alma mater, his first reaction was surprise. Now, back in his home state, sharing with the School of Politics and Global Studies what he’s been up to since he graduated, he feels honored by the recognition.

“I have such warm feelings towards ASU that it felt really nice to be reconnecting and also to get the award,” Bond said.