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TFAS Welcomes New Class of Leaders to D.C.
A new class of eager young leaders arrived in Washington to embark on an exciting spring semester with TFAS.
These nine leaders from across the U.S. and Australia will utilize their passions in foreign affairs and public policy to delve into immersive academic coursework, professional internships and behind the scenes tours with leaders in business, policy, journalism and more.
The program officially commenced with an opening ceremony at TFAS headquarters on Jan. 16, featuring keynote remarks from alumnus Brent Scher ’10, as well as advice from TFAS and George Mason University leadership.
As executive editor of the Washington Free Beacon, Scher said his career in journalism was launched by his TFAS summer internship.
“My internship with TFAS set me in motion to where I am today,” he told the class.
Following their official welcome, TFAS students spent the remainder of the day exploring the nation’s capital, beginning with a private tour of the U.S. Capitol Building led by TFAS alumni and congressional staff members Kevin Sun ’16 and Sarah Markley ’16 followed by a special tour around the National Mall.
Read more about the students first day in the District at TFAS.org/CS19.
Public Policy Fellows Open Year with Discussion on Locke and Liberty
TFAS professor Dr. David Azerrad, assistant professor of government and research fellow at Hillsdale College in Washington, D.C., kicked off the new year for the TFAS Public Policy Fellows in their first monthly dinner meeting of 2020.
During his talk, “John Locke and the Roots of Classical Liberalism,” Azerrad noted how Locke’s arguments on reason and individualism may seem intuitive today because they are so incorporated into the American way of thinking. However, the ideas Locke put forth, such as that man is naturally free and equal or that a society should recognize religious freedom, were revolutionary.
Prior to the meeting, the Fellows studied excerpts from Locke’s works, including the “Second Treatise of Government” to prepare for the discussion.
Azzerad’s remarks elucidated the benefits of why modern Americans should read Locke’s writing, as he is not only an important thinker in our intellectual heritage, but also because he is often misconstrued or misunderstood.
Next month, the Fellows will continue to explore topics related to “The Experiment in Self Government” during a retreat in Charlottesville, Virginia, focused on “American National Character.” Led by Dr. Jim Ceaser of the University of Virginia and Dr. Carson Holloway of the University of Nebraska Omaha, this retreat will revisit some of the questions and topics discussed during the Fellows’ 2019 fall retreat in Gettysburg on the Lincoln-Douglas debates.
Alumni Gather for Reunion in Santiago
The TFAS community united in Chile for a special reception this month. More than 20 alumni convened at the at the University of the Andes to connect with current TFAS Santiago program participants and meet fellow alumni during the 2020 TFAS Santiago program in Chile.
While TFAS has hosted several local Santiago receptions, this event marked the first time TFAS hosted an alumni and student joint reception during the program. TFAS Vice President of International and Alumni Programs Michelle Le ’95, ’96 said the event was a great success, bustling with joyous reunions and new connections between alumni and current participants.
“It was wonderful to see the current students actively seeking out and talking to the alumni,” Le said. “We are extremely proud of the strong leaders who make up the TFAS alumni network, and watching these connections grow among alumni from around the world is a special sight.”
During the reception, two-time TFAS alumna Fran Contreras Stange ’18 spoke about the valuable connections she made through TFAS, and said the evening reminded her of the important lessons that TFAS has taught her.
“TFAS has always meant a lot for me, because it has opened doors to friendships I could have never dreamed of having, to ideas that are worth fighting for – now more than ever – and to unforgettable experiences,” Stange said.
See more highlights from the reception at TFAS.org/SantiagoAlumni.
Post Of The Week
TFAS Santiago participants explore San Cristobal Hill in Santiago, Chile. The two week academic leadership program concluded on Jan. 18. Stay tuned for more photos and coverage from TFAS Santiago in the coming weeks.
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Quick Links
Mene Ukueberuwa, Novak ’19, writes for the Wall Street Journal on Harvard economist Edward Glaeser’s “Boomer Socialism” theory that policies and generational income gaps have stifled millennials’ economic growth.
Kristin Tate, Novak ’19, released her new book, “The Liberal Invasion of Red State America,” on Jan. 21. In the book, Tate looks through a data lens at how domestic migration from blue states to red states is radically changing the nation.
Feifan “Fei” Drouyor ’12 is a new Associate Attorney with Martenson Hasbrouck & Simon LLP in Atlanta, Georgia.
Naomi Schaefer Riley, Novak ’01, discusses the well-being and welfare of American children on the new American Enterprise Institute’s podcast “Are You Kidding Me?” In episode one, she joins Ian Rowe to discuss how current child welfare systems are causing foster children to be chronically absent from school.
Jamie Brown Hantman ’89 is featured in an interview on how busy executives make time to be great parents for Medium.
William Dumais ’16 has been promoted to Manager of Government Relations at the Council for Responsible Nutrition.
Bill Wirtz ’17 opines on tax implications for the “European Green Deal” in an article for Activist Post.
TFAS is accepting applications for two TFAS International summer programs in Hong Kong and Prague. Please share these opportunities with young leaders who would benefit from gaining a deeper understanding of the principles of economic opportunity, freedom and individual responsibility as well as the American system of government in Hong Kong or Prague this summer. The final application deadline for TFAS Hong Kong is Feb. 1, 2020, and the early application deadline for TFAS Prague is Jan. 31.
TFAS Regent Emeritus Dr. Lee Edwards reports on how the recent Taiwan election may provide new opportunities for U.S.-Taiwan relations for the Daily Signal.
Haley Britzky ’16 reports on the first enlisted female Guard soldier to graduate Ranger School for Task & Purpose.
Mark Stansberry ’76 interviews best-selling author Jim Stovall in episode one of his new podcast “The Journey of Life.” In the podcast series, Stansberry will feature noted performers, executives and other interesting people he has met along life’s journey.
Sara Anne Giddings ’02 was elected chair of the Texas Young Lawyers Association, where she previously served as treasurer. Jay Forester ’06, ’07 also serves as a director on the board.
Jean Schindler ’06 is the new special assistant to the president for the International Foundation for Electoral Systems (IFES).
TFAS guest speaker and The Kings College economics professor Brian Brenberg visits his Minnesota hometown with Fox News Channel contributor Pete Hegseth for a special Fox & Friends Saturday hometown feature.
Peter Suderman, Novak ’10, opines for Reason on the cost control and care access barriers of Medicare for All in response to Sen. Bernie Sanders’ support of Taiwan’s single payer system.
Matthew Walther, Novak ’16, opines for The Week on Sen. Amy Klobuchar’s performance in the recent Democratic debate.
Peter Suderman, Novak ’10, opines for Reason on the legal state of Obamacare.
Anthony Elghossain ’07 provides an overview of the crisis in Lebanon for the Middle East Institute.
Bill McMorris, Novak ’10, writes for Washington Free Beacon on Sen. Bernie Sanders refusal to support the USMCA due to lack of climate change acknowledgement.
Kurt Couchman ’02, PPF ’07, writes on changes in borrowing and growing interest rates for The Hill.
Ray Hafner ’03 joins R. Reese & Associates in Houston, Texas, as Senior Associate.