TFAS Summer 2012 was full of fresh initiatives. More than 60 students attended the new Institute on Economics and International Affairs, and TFAS teamed up with Sen. Rand Paul of Kentucky to host a new lecture series for Capitol Hill interns. In addition, the graduate-level Legal Studies Institute marked its sixth year with an unprecedented lineup of speakers and site briefings.
“Had I not attended The Fund for American Studies, I would never have met some of the most inspirational people of my generation,” said IPJ student Lauren Clapper of the University of North Carolina, Wilmington. “It’s amazing to see how much intelligence is present in the program, and it has motivated me to continue to better myself academically and professionally.”
Kicking off with an exclusive site briefing at the Supreme Court with Justice Antonin Scalia, the 2012 LSI program set the bar high for the summer programs. According to LSI student Dominika Malisz of the University of St. Thomas School of Law, meeting Scalia was one of the most exciting parts of the summer.
“He spent time discussing case decisions that he found to be most important,” said Malisz. “How many law students can say they’ve taken a photograph with a United States justice?”
The momentum continued for LSI with a lecture series full of high-profile experts, including former U.S. Attorney General Michael Mukasey, Judge Diane Sykes of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit and TFAS alumnus and Ohio Supreme Court Justice Robert Cupp (ICPES 71).
Meanwhile, undergraduate students were attending programs in the fields of journalism, business, economic policy, international affairs and philanthropy.
On top of taking up to nine credits of coursework, students left a mark at their internships with think tanks, government agencies, nonprofits and media organizations. According to IBGA student Alyssa Fox of Southern Methodist University, working for the American Financial Services Association was an invaluable experience.
“As the only intern, there was never a shortage of work. This granted me the ability to gain real-world experience in the field of state and federal government relations,” said Fox. “I felt in touch with the legislative process, and I have realized the tangible difference a person has the ability to make.”
Outside of the office and classroom, students had a packed schedule. Journalism students attended an award ceremony at the National Press Club where TFAS presented cash prizes to outstanding journalists. Other students attended special events honoring The Wall Street Journal’s Mary Anastasia O’Grady, Former U.S. Ambassador to Venezuela Otto Reich and Sen. Lamar Alexander of Tennessee. Meanwhile, IPVS students were working hard to raise grant money, which they presented to the organization Hope House. The summer concluded with a graduation ceremony featuring an address on “Freedom’s First Principles” by Father Robert Sirico, president of the Acton Institute.
“TFAS isn’t just about the internship or the classes,” said IEIA student Lauren Meadorsof Syracuse University. “This program has so much more to offer through its special events – networking, diversification, friendships and professionalism. It truly is a one of a kind experience.”