We hope you enjoy these news stories about TFAS activities, alumni and events this week. Sign up to receive TFAS updates, and visit us on social media for additional up-to-the-moment TFAS news!
The 2022 Capitol Hill Lecture Series Comes to a Close
This summer, D.C. interns connected with noble leaders who help to advance the cause for freedom at the Capitol Hill Lecture Series. For the tenth year running, the Einhorn Family Foundation generously sponsored this special series, which was put on in collaboration with the Office of U.S. Senator Rand Paul of Kentucky. The second half of the series included distinguished speakers Lawrence Reed, Dr. Scott Atlas, Dr. Jay Bhattacharya and John Mackey.
Throughout the summer, students had the opportunity to meet and speak one-on-one with these established leaders. The annual series provides future leaders with discussions on topics related to “Free Markets, Individual Liberty and Civil Society.” This unique opportunity allowed students to ask questions and to express their ideas to a wide range of individuals who wish to enhance the advancement for freedom.
Learn more about the speakers and watch the lectures at TFAS.org/CHLS22Recap.
A Young Journalist’s Legacy, Five Years Later – by Roger Ream
TFAS President Roger Ream writes for the National Review on the enduring legacy of Joseph Rago:
“Our current news landscape is now dominated by platforms and apps that prioritize quickness and connection over quality of communication. Whether it’s the latest social-media craze, viral and livestreaming videos, or reporting a story within the confines of a 280-character count, these days, journalism is all about speed, brevity, and increasingly, ideology.
This has all seriously compromised journalistic integrity. When quantity and pace reign supreme, when the media put a finger on the scale for “their side” rather than just reporting the facts, the result is what Joe warned us about — an echo chamber of thoughts and half-truths produced by journalists too busy to substantiate and too worried about falling out of favor with their publication’s party line. It’s a disheartening situation that runs completely counter to Joe’s legacy as a journalist who always followed the facts, practiced independent thought, and had the courage to go against the crowd.
One of Joe Rago’s greatest attributes was his wry optimism in the face of despair. Joe believed that life would never be perfect, but that it was still worth trying to make things better. He also recognized that we must continue to nourish important American institutions, including journalism, despite their many flaws.”
The Fund for American Studies (TFAS) created the Joseph Rago Memorial Fellowship for Excellence in Journalism in Joe’s honor. This program allows young journalists to participate in a nine-month internship with The Wall Street Journal. These journalists have the opportunity to pitch stories, write, research, fact check and work with outside contributors.
Joe’s legacy will continue to live on through the next generation of journalists as they aspire to make a difference in the world as he did.
TFAS Alumni Offer Career Guidance for Students
On July 12, more than 50 accomplished alumni returned to TFAS to share their networking advice, career guidance and experiences during the TFAS Alumni Roundtable. During the dinner, alumni shared one piece of advice to current TFAS students. Most advice centered around things they wish they had known when they were younger and how to make the most of their remaining time at TFAS and in Washington, D.C.
Sarah Markley ’16 participated in the International Affairs program track and currently works at the House Foreign Affairs Committee as a professional staff member. She shared some words of encouragement to students, as well as how to best prepare for their future careers.
“Do the job that you want before you have it,” she said. “If you can prove that you’re capable of doing the tasks that you would like to be hired into right off the bat or down the line, that makes their [hiring managers] job that much easier.”
Many alumni said that they would not be where they are today without the support and opportunities that TFAS provided for them to succeed both professionally and personally. Learn more about the event at TFAS.org/ARsummer22.
Liberty + Leadership Podcast
Mike Caslin ’78
Mike Caslin is a graduate of the 1978 TFAS Public Policy + Economics program. He is the founder and CEO of the Global Center for Social Entrepreneurship Network (GCSEN), a nonprofit educational foundation created to drive social entrepreneurship and strengthen local economies. In last week’s episode, Roger and Mike discuss the real-world results of social entrepreneurship and Mike’s journey to courageous leadership.
Kurt Couchman ’02
Kurt Couchman is the Senior Fellow of Fiscal Policy at Americans for Prosperity. Kurt has had an impressive career in Washington. From Capitol Hill to think tanks to lobbying, he’s become an expert in understanding the money that makes the world go round.
In this week’s episode, Roger and Kurt discuss the accelerating rate of inflation, debt, deficits and the Congressional budget process. You’ll also learn about Kurt’s start as a TFAS student and how he’s stayed involved as a mentor and volunteer throughout the years.
Video of the Week
See highlights from the final two weeks of the 2022 TFAS Academic Internship Programs in Washington, D.C.
QUICK LINKS
Recent TFAS alumna Hailey Spratt ’22 was featured for her selection as a 2022 DeJoy Scholar in High Point University‘s academic achievements roundup.
At the 2022 TFAS Capitol Hill Lecture, ‘Cancelled’ Scientists discuss COVID response and misinformation on OANN.
Recent TFAS alumna Anna Pittma ’22 was featured in the Vicksburg Post on her internship with Sen. Cindy Hyde Smith of Mississippi.
TFAS Trustee Emeritus Neal B. Freeman was honored by the Boy Scouts of America for “advancing American values.” The American Spectator shared his acceptance remarks from the dinner in Nassau County, Florida.
Stephanie Slade, Novak 16, writes article for Reason on Mitt Romney’s family plan.
Sarah Sicard ’13 writes article for Navy Times on occupational licensing laws for veterans in Florida.
TFAS Senior Scholar Donald Devine writes about 100 years of bureaucratic failure for The American Spectator.
2022 European Journalism Institute participant Graciela Ibáñez from Santiago, Chile, shares what she learned in Prague.
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