When Bo Stewart ’15 graduates in May, he’ll have four reasons to be happy. Stewart is a quadruple major—one of a few in this year’s graduating class--in economics, political science, policy studies, and Spanish. Most of his coursework takes place in the College of Arts and Sciences and the Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs. Also a University Scholar nominee, he hopes to embark on a career in international law.

We recently caught up with Stewart to find out how he keeps it all together.

How did you end up pursuing four majors?
I was uniquely drawn to each of my majors. I’ve always loved politics and government, so political science was a natural fit. I also value the concrete, analytical nature of economics. The practical approach of policy studies seemed like an important component of my education. And besides being in love with Spanish and literature, in general, I am a big advocate of learning a second language. So I ended up majoring in Spanish.

What do you like most about being a quadruple major?
The best thing, across the board, is the faculty. I’ve had so many good professors.

Such as?
Susan Wadley, professor of anthropology and the Ford Maxwell Professor of South Asian Studies, has believed in me from Day One. … Elizabeth Cohen, associate professor of political science, has been a great mentor and is staggeringly smart. … Inge O’Connor [G’96], assistant professor of economics, has been an invaluable advisor, always candid and caring. … Carol Dwyer, director of the Maxwell School’s Community Benchmarks Program and for whom I’ve served as a teaching assistant, is another incredible mentor. … And Kathy Everly, professor of Spanish literature and culture, is a wonderful person and brilliant academic.

What else do you like about Syracuse?
The opportunities I have had here have been incredible. In addition to strong academics, the University has SU Abroad, which is a tremendous asset. My semester in Madrid [Spain] was one of the best experiences of my life.

What do you do when you’re not studying?
I’m a member of the Honors Advisory Board [part of The Renée Crown University Honors Program, which is administratively housed in A&S] and the St. Thomas More Foundation Catholic Campus Ministry. I’m also a Remembrance Scholar, where I am honored to represent Scott Marsh Cory. It’s been a life-changing experience.

I’m currently working on my Distinction in Political Science thesis, which explores the relationship between legislator personal wealth and voting ideology.