����ֱ��

While a student at San Francisco’s St. Ignatius High School considering his college options, Andrew Cudden ’28 took a short drive across the Golden Gate Bridge to Marin County to check out ����ֱ�� University of California.

“Growing up in San Francisco, ����ֱ�� was a school I was always aware of,” he says. “You always meet ����ֱ�� alumni in various occupations and places in the City.” 

While Andrew didn’t initially intend to attend college so close to home, he was drawn to what was on offer at ����ֱ�� - the opportunity to play NCAA Division II soccer, hands-on community engagement, and a network of supportive advisors, faculty, and coaches.

“This was something I could not pass on,” he recalls of his visit to campus. “That day, I decided that ����ֱ�� would be my home.”

Growing up, Andrew loved visiting museums, reading history books, and exploring historical sites. He later became particularly interested in current events, especially politics. Now studying in ����ֱ��’s History, Politics and International Studies Department, Andrew has already gained hands-on experiences aligned with these interests and his long-term goal of a career in law.

Last semester, Andrew experienced the nuts and bolts of political campaigns while working for a candidate running for a local water district seat. This semester, he is gaining insight into the criminal justice system while working with the Multicultural Center of Marin through ����ֱ��’s Books Not Bars service-learning course. 

This summer, Andrew looks forward to working in Washington, DC as a congressional intern.

“Aligning my studies with real-life experience is a dream come true, and I hope to see how Capitol Hill operates daily,” he says. “In almost all my classes, we analyze public policy—witnessing how these policies come to life will help me understand what it takes to write laws.”

While juggling athletics and academics can be challenging, Andrew maintains control of his schedule to maximize his time. This means he can also enjoy exploring his new home, visiting Marin’s beaches, hiking trails, and villages.

“I love the variety of things I can do in my free time—whether it be fishing or playing soccer, my options are limitless.” 

Why did you choose ����ֱ�� for your undergraduate education?
Staying in the Bay Area was not a priority for my ideal college experience, but having access to my home city, the opportunity to show new people the joy of living in the Bay Area and moving away from San Francisco to Marin has been ideal. Having the Marin Headlands, China Camp, and various towns like San Rafael, Fairfax, and Corte Madera on my doorstep has introduced me to a new part of the Bay Area I would not have encountered otherwise. 

Why did you choose political science/history as a degree?
Having the opportunity to focus my studies on my two favorite subjects, history, and political science, was a no-brainer. In the long term, I plan on attending law school and possibly practicing in the future. I am especially interested in business law, specifically transatlantic transactions, as well as building and contracting law. So far, classes at ����ֱ�� that have stood out to me include Dr. Jordan Lieser’s Colony to Superpower and Prof. Eric Sinrod’s Environmental History and ����ֱ��. These courses have been incredibly engaging, opening my eyes to the possibilities of what I want to pursue in the future. 

Soccer has been a huge part of your life. How important was it to you to continue to play in college? 
From a young age, I remember waking up for Manchester United games and traveling all over the Bay Area for matches. Continuing to play in college was extremely important to me, as soccer has always been there no matter what. I always dreamed of training every day with players who share the same love for the game that I do. Juggling athletics and academics can be challenging, but having control of my schedule allows me to maximize my time. The camaraderie on the team, especially in the last few weeks, has been amazing. The banter on and off the field, combined with the competitiveness and willingness to go the extra mile, makes waking up for training even more enjoyable. It’s exciting to see this group grow and achieve success in the coming years.

In high school you were involved with several community organizations. How did these experiences influence your interest in community engagement, and how are you expanding on this work at ����ֱ��? 
The San Francisco Coalition on Homelessness is a nonprofit organization focused on community organizing and creating permanent solutions to homelessness while protecting human rights. Through my work with the Coalition, I have spent time in areas like the Tenderloin, speaking directly with homeless individuals and learning their stories under the guidance of my supervisor, Emmett House. Initially, I had misconceptions about the homeless community, but practicing agere contra helped me confront my biases and see their struggles firsthand. My experiences have deepened my understanding of homelessness, allowing me to form a kinship with both the Tenderloin community and the Coalition while recognizing the importance of direct service and outreach. 

This semester, I am taking Prof. Julia Van der Ryn’s Books Not Bars service-learning class. The course focuses on the connection between the education and prison systems while addressing broader systemic issues in the United States. Throughout this semester—and hopefully into the future—I will be working with the Multicultural Center of Marin's Presente Program. The Presente Program empowers participants by fostering leadership development, emotional intelligence, cultural competency, and public speaking, among other skills. I hope to help others grow and develop, just as I did not long ago, while also forming connections with people I might never have met otherwise.

You have an exciting summer ahead of you. Where will you be working?
This summer, I plan on interning for Kevin Mullin, my local congressman representing California’s 15th District in San Mateo. I intend to travel to Washington, D.C., to gain firsthand experience of what politics is truly like. 

How has your Irish heritage impacted your life?
Irish history is a deeply personal passion of mine, reflecting my life motto: never say die. For over 800 years, the Irish resisted British rule, displaying unwavering courage and defiance while preserving their Gaelic traditions. This enduring fight for freedom resonates with me, as I often feel torn between two countries—Ireland and the United States. While my family may not fully understand this struggle, Ireland represents my heritage, culture, and identity, making it an inseparable part of who I am.

_{Photo: Andrew visits the USS Midway in San Diego over winter break.}