We hope you enjoy these top 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!

Alumni Staff Spotlight: Emily Schroen ’19

TFAS students know firsthand the transformational benefits of our programs. Some alumni participate in multiple programs to see more of what TFAS has to offer, and some alumni are so captivated by TFAS’s impact they return as staff members. This affords them the opportunity to pass along their enthusiasm for liberty and leadership to the next generation of TFAS students. In our interview series with these individuals, we’re introducing the current alumni staff members to showcase the people behind our programs. You can find the other featured interviews linked at the bottom of this page.

In this feature, we’ll hear from Emily Schroen ’19, an alumna of TFAS D.C. Academic Internship Programs who returned to TFAS as the program advisor (TFAS summer assistant) for the International Affairs track during the summer of 2021. Emily began working full time at TFAS in October 2021 as the program coordinator for international affairs and law programs.

When asked what the most rewarding part of working for TFAS has been so far, Emily highlighted the joy of sharing her experience with new students who participate in our programs.

“I love working at TFAS because I can contribute to someone else’s life-changing educational experience,” she said. “I have seen firsthand how our programs create inter-ideological dialogue and more nuanced perspectives on economics. Making this experience possible for more students makes my work feel meaningful. I see myself in many of the students who pass through our doors, and I want to give them the same support and opportunities that TFAS once gave me.”

Read more about Emily’s TFAS journey at TFAS.org/SchroenSpotlight.

Remembering Rich Thomas

We learned recently of the passing of an esteemed member of the TFAS family, Rich Thomas. Rich served as the chair of our Award for Excellence in Economic Reporting selection committee and was an active member of our Journalism + Communications program Board of Visitors, where he advised on the program’s curriculum and direction for more than 17 years. TFAS Collegiate Programs Director Joe Stars remembers his legacy:

It was evident to anyone who knew Rich that he loved journalism. He had deep knowledge of history, politics and economic policy. And as his obituary stated, he “… wove his acquired knowledge of facts and figures – both broad and minute – into theories and views of our country often departing from conventional wisdom. He was rarely without an opinion to share to the delight of some and dismay of others.”

The economic reporting award had special meaning to Rich because he realized how few publications did in-depth economic reporting, and he wished to recognize those that did. Joe Starrs, Senior Director of Collegiate Programs at TFAS, worked closely with Rich for over a decade because Rich was the chair and senior judge of our economic journalism award contest.

“I have fond memories of meeting with Rich when he would come to my office to go through the entries to choose the top submissions,” Starrs said. “Rich relished reading and critiquing the applications. He recognized and delighted in good journalism.”

Rich was kind, thoughtful, wise and hard-working. His legacy continues through TFAS and our ongoing commitment to economic education for journalism students.

Read more about Rich Thomas’ legacy at TFAS.org/RememberingRich.

Capital Semester Fall Program Update

The 2021 Capital Semester on Leadership + the American Presidency is well underway at TFAS. The cohort of 12 students is working hard at their classes and internships. Outside the classroom, TFAS is preparing these young leaders to be champions for liberty through guest lectures, educational activities and exclusive briefings.  

The students participated in several exciting activities in October, starting with a Braver Angels Debate on vaccine mandates. They engaged in civil dialogue to debate the validity and merit of this policy. Students ended the discussion with a better understanding of each other’s viewpoints and new approaches to the topic. 

The class also went on a walking tour of Embassy Row, where they became more acquainted with historic D.C. and learned about embassy operations. They had a site briefing at the Embassy of Sweden, where they toured the main foyer and exhibition spaces and learned about the cultural side of diplomacy.   

A professional development seminar called “Building your Brand” helped the students learn how to market themselves in a competitive work environment. TFAS hosts a variety of educational events like this for students to round out their experience in Washington. 

Later in the month, students attended a fascinating event at the Coolidge Presidential Foundation with Amity Shlaes. An author and expert on former President Calvin Coolidge, she discussed the power of rebellion and taught students how to leverage their own rebelliousness to achieve their goals, especially the things they are passionate about.