On Feb. 25, TFAS hosted the Alumni Panel and Roundtable Dinner to introduce successful D.C. alumni to the current Capital Semester students at TFAS Headquarters. The Roundtable was a great event for Capital Semester students to make contacts, receive advice and hear success stories from former TFAS students.

Capital Semester student Kelsi Thorud (CSS 14) asked alumni for advice about how to get another internship for summer following the completion of Capital Semester.

“The alumni have been really awesome,” Thorud said. “The alumni at my table work at Politico and the Washington Post, and they had good advice for me.”

Thorud is a journalism student from the University of Arizona. She has been interning at the Daily Caller.

Alumni Roundtable participants included: Amanda DeGroff (IPJ 10) of the Department of Homeland Security, Matt DeLong (CSF 07) of The Washington Post, Tricia Miller Klapheke (IPJ 06, EJI 10) of the Council on Foreign Relations, Jayne Miller (IPJ 07) of the U.S. Global Leadership Coalition, Andrew Powaleny (IPJ 08) of The Herald Group and Aubree Weaver (IPJ 11) of Politico.

Vice President of Alumni Programs Michelle Le (IPJ 95, AIPES 96) made opening remarks at the Roundtable. She encouraged current students to keep in touch with TFAS when they finish their program.

“No matter where you are in the world, you will find our alumni,” Le said.

Alumnus Andrew Powaleny said the TFAS network has been significant for his professional development. Powaleny is currently director for The Herald Group, a communications consulting firm specializing in healthcare and energy communications.

“Michelle mentioned the substantial TFAS alumni network and for me it couldn’t be more true,” Powaleny said. “I can’t say it more, TFAS provides an exceptional network opportunity.”

If you live in the DC area and are interested in volunteering for a summer alumni roundtable event, please contact Joe Starrs at jstarrs@tfas.org.