When Bret Schreiber (pictured at right) graduated from Johns Hopkins in 1995, he couldn't envision the level of pride he'd have for his alma mater. Three years later, that pride helped light his way back to the university.

Schreiber, a former political science major in the Krieger School of Arts and Sciences, was recently named coordinator for city and community relations, where he will be working for that department's director, Janet Sanfilippo, most recently assistant provost. Both positions, and the department, are new to the university.

In his post, Schreiber will work closely with Sanfilippo and Annie Kronk, director of state and local affairs, representing the university and its interests to legislative and community leaders.

"Johns Hopkins has for years worked closely with the community and the city and state to enhance the quality of life we share and to resolve issues that affect all of us," Schreiber says. "This office and my job are examples, I think, of the university's intent to continue that effort and to communicate more effectively with all our constituencies."

Prior to coming back to Hopkins, Schreiber was for two years an associate at The Rasmussen Whiteford Public Affairs Group L.L.C., where he helped draft and amend legislation, develop strategy and lobby state legislators for a variety of clients.

He is a member of the Maryland House of Delegates Scholarship Committee, where he is responsible for selecting Baltimore County students to receive academic scholarships.

Returning to Hopkins was not part of this native Baltimorean's plan following graduation.

"Truthfully, I was just so thankful to be finished with school," he says. "But coming back in a professional capacity has instilled in me such a sense of pride for my alma mater. I have a newfound appreciation for all that I got here as a student and what Hopkins means in this town and in the state."