Adam Kwasman always knew he loved politics, but TFAS Capital Semester was for him the glue that molded together all the tools to fight for important principles.
“I always had a vague notion that I was interested in politics, but in terms of understanding constitutional liberty and economics, TFAS built that foundation for me,” said Kwasman, who attended Capital Semester in 2004. “It really laid the groundwork for wanting to further these important principles.”
Kwasman describes three things that made his time at TFAS particularly memorable. “First, Professor Tom Rustici gave me a true understanding of economics, teaching me that economics is about the heart, not the brain. Second, Professor Roger Pilon gave me a deep understanding of constitutional law, and the foundations of our American process. Finally, my internship with Congressman Jim Kolbe (Ariz.) provided me with every day, applied experience.”
I have attended many different academic institutions, but TFAS is the one I know I will heavily support throughout my life. No institution in the country is systematically instilling these concepts and values into young adults. It is the whole package. They have been able to hone in on what works and I cannot stress enough that I would not be where I am today without TFAS.”
After attending TFAS and graduating from Tulane University, Kwasman earned a master’s in economics at George Mason University and worked as a legal researcher at the Cato Institute. He then moved back to the Tucson, Ariz. area, where he now serves as a state representative and applies the principles he learned at TFAS every day in how he votes and in how he thinks. Based on his economic expertise, Kwasman was named the vice chairman of the Arizona House of Representatives Ways and Means Committee. He also sits on the Appropriations and Commerce Committees. Kwasman started his own economic consulting firm in 2009, 25:10 Consulting, and is currently running for Congress in Arizona’s First Congressional District.
When asked about his favorite TFAS memory, Kwasman said, “We used to spend hours after class with Professor Rustici, who would stay until ten at night after class discussing how the academic principles we were learning applied to current events on Capitol Hill. It was basically a class after a class.”
“I have attended many different academic institutions, but TFAS is the one I know I will heavily support throughout my life,” said Kwasman. “No institution in the country is systematically instilling these concepts and values into young adults. It is the whole package. They have been able to hone in on what works and I cannot stress enough that I would not be where I am today without TFAS.”
When asked about giving back to TFAS, Kwasman said, “I think TFAS students need a little more Second Amendment in their lives. If I am elected to Congress, I will lead skeet and trapshooting trips for interested students. There will always be a place for TFAS interns in my Congressional office, and I will be proud to serve in Congress as a member of the TFAS family.”