Furman University professor Brent Nelsen had no idea in the early 1990s that two young men in one of his political science classes would go on to become leaders on the global stage.
Recently, out of curiosity, he looked back at his gradebook from all those years ago and made an interesting discovery:
“You do not need to get an ‘A’ to become the president of Finland or a four-star general.”
That’s Finnish President Alexander Stubb and Gen. Joshua Rudd, members of the Furman class of 1993.
Gen. Joshua Rudd and Finnish President Alexander Stubb appeared together with political science professor Brent Nelson at Furman University on Sept. 18. Rudd and Stubb graduated from Furman in 1993.
They were on the Furman campus for a Sept. 18 program at McAlister Auditorium.
Despite the gentle ribbing, Nelson was clearly proud to host a conversation with the two former students.
“This is a momentous night,” he said.
Indeed, Stubb and Rudd are at the center of fast-changing global affairs.
Finnish president stresses rules-based world order
“I would say we’re kind of in a similar moment to when World War I ended or 1945, at the end of World War II. We know there will be a change in the world order, but we don’t know where it will go,” Stubb said.
That uncertainty is stark from Stubb’s vantage point.
Finland shares a border more than 800 miles long with Russia. Following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022, Finland and Sweden became the newest members of NATO.
Stubb has had a lengthy career in government and international relations and diplomacy. He said all countries have their own “values and interests,” but not all share the same level of power.
“What I try to do is to engage, relay information, and have discussions with the bigger players,” he said.
Stubb stressed his hope for an international order based on rules and tradition, as opposed to “transactional” relationships and “unholy alliances.”
Global security increasingly “defined by technology”
Rudd was confirmed in 2026 as director of the National Security Agency (NSA) and 5th Commander of Cyber Command.
He talked about how the 9/11 terror attacks “changed the trajectory of my life.”
Rudd served in Afghanistan and Iraq. “I decided to fight the away game,” he said. “We were trying to keep this nation safe, to keep a 9/11 from happening again.”
He went on to lead military special operations and earn numerous awards.
As NSA director, Rudd has responsibility for “one of the largest intelligence operations in the world.”
Paired with his leadership of U.S. Cyber Command, he said it’s a “dynamic and interesting challenge.”
Artificial intelligence (AI) is, not surprisingly, a front-burner concern.
“Increasingly, the strategic landscape is going to be defined by technology,” he said.
“The character of warfare is moving fast. We just have to move faster.”
Like Stubb, Rudd said cooperation among the United States and European allies is essential for global security.
Advice to students: ‘Dream big’ and have ‘high standards’
Nelson asked Stubb and Rudd to offer advice to current Furman students.
“The first thing is: You’re ready,” said Rudd.
“Temper it with humility, but have confidence. Set incredibly high standards for yourself. Relentlessly pursue excellence in everything you do.”
Stubb had a similar message: “Dream big” and “work hard.”
Sophomores Matilda Chandler and Lauren Braico were among the students who turned out for the program.
“I just thought it would be a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to meet two influential leaders who came from Furman,” Braico said. “It would be a shame to miss it.”
Chandler said she appreciated hearing Stubb and Rudd reflect on the impact Furman has had on their lives.
“I think it’s very inspiring, as we’re current Furman students now, and the world’s open to us,” she said.
Baker Maultsby is a reporter based in Spartanburg covering the Upstate and South Carolina. He can be reached at BMaultsby@usatodayco.com.
This article originally appeared on Greenville News: Furman alumni now shape global affairs from Finland to NSA