MSU Texas May 2024 graduates

Kathy Floyd
04 June 2024

Student Life General

Model UN, other programs enhanced Manno’s time at MSU Texas

Kathy Floyd
04 June 2024
2 min read

Federica Manno spent much of her life in her native Italy and attended high schools in Scotland and Spain, but it was Midwestern State University’s campus that won her heart when it was time to choose a university. She graduated from MSU Texas May 11 with a double major in global studies and political science and a minor in nonprofit management.

Federica’s dad, Paolo Manno, is a flight instructor in the Euro-NATO Joint Jet Pilot Training Program at Sheppard Air Force Base and the family – her dad; mom Manuela Donadio; brother Nicolo; and sister Martina – had lived in Wichita Falls several years before, returning during Federica’s high school years. She graduated from Hirschi High School. Nicolo also graduated from MSU Texas this May with a biology degree.

“I had my family here and knew I’d be able to graduate,” Federica said. She felt welcomed by her professors, especially Steve Garrison, associate professor of Political Science and director of the Redwine Honors Program, and Assistant Professor of Political Science Juheon Lee.

Federica was a member of two Model United Nations teams, which has inspired her to want to be part of the

Federica Mannon in her cap and gown

Federica Manno with her family on graduation day at MSU Texas. (l-r) Mom Manuela Donadio; brother Nicolo, sister Martina, Federica, and dad Paolo Manno. Paolo is a flight instructor in the Euro-NATO Joint Jet Pilot Training Program at Sheppard Air Force Base. Nicolo also graduated from MSU Texas with a major in biology.

United Nations. Model UN is a learning simulation in which a team role plays the delegation of a country in the United Nations. Teams travel to the UN headquarters in New York City and meet students from around the world. She encourages other students to be part of that program. “It’s an amazing experience,” she said.

Federica was a member of the Redwine Honors Program, Alpha Phi, and Pi Sigma Alpha, the political science honors society. She was Outstanding Global Studies Student in 2023. Federica also participated in EURECA, the undergraduate research program, with fellow student Jackson Redding. Their funded project was “Multi-level drivers of climate change perceptions and actions: A cross-country analysis,” with Lee as their mentor.

After taking a year off to work, Federica will head to the University of Denver where she’ll study toward a Master of Arts in International Studies and prepare for a career in advocacy and diplomacy or environmental activism. “I want to help those who need help and who may not have a voice,” she said.

Federica decorated her mortar board with “the one where I graduate,” in a nod to episode titles of the sitcom Friends. Graduation may be the ending of an episode in her life but she called her time at MSU Texas the “perfect start” for her education. “It’s a beautiful campus and it was a perfect fit for me. I would do it again,” she said.