On Friday April 24, TFAS graduated the 14th class of its Capital Semester program. Forty-seven students accepted their commencement certificates at The Rayburn House Office Building’s Gold Room.

Chad Pergram, keynote speaker and Senior Producer for Fox News, spoke to the new graduates about representing Washington well.

“Present a future; make it happen,” said Pergram. “It’s your responsibility to take the dome off of Congress and explain it to your families, friends and community and explain how things work. This will help to diminish cynicism about Washington.”

James Hall of Oklahoma State University gave student remarks during graduation, speaking about his internship with Senator Tom Coburn (Okla.) and his time in Washington this semester.

The largest spring class to date represented13 different countries, including the United States, Kuwait, China, Russia and Bulgaria.

The students began their internships and coursework in Washington on January 21. They earned full-time credit at Georgetown University and interned four days a week at various organizations in the D.C. Metro area. Internship sites included six House and Senate offices, USAID, the National Petrochemical and Refiners Association and the Department of Education.

Among this spring’s class were twelve students enrolled in Capital Semester’s political journalism track. These college journalists were placed with some of Washington’s leading news outlets, including WTTG Fox News, the Washington Examiner and NationalJournal.com.

In addition to their internships, Capital Semester students also volunteered at the D.C. Central Kitchen and toured the National Portrait Gallery: Hall of Presidents as well as the Pentagon and attended a private briefing at the U.S. State Department.

“Our students had some truly exceptional opportunities this semester,” said Manager of Capital Semester Lily Pascucci. “I’m excited to see what the future holds for our newest graduates.”