TFAS’s four institutes for undergraduate students and its Legal Studies Institute all concluded on Aug. 1. More than 380 students attended the undergraduate institutes held on Georgetown University’s campus, an increase of 5% from 2008. This is the highest enrollment in our 42-year history.
The student body included students from 42 states and the District of Columbia as well as 40 international students representing 22 foreign countries. The University of North Carolina leads the way with 10 students and California, Illinois, and Pennsylvania are the three most represented states.
The TFAS’ Live, Learn, and Intern experience includes classes taught by outstanding faculty, quality internships, sight briefings at key institutions of government, mentoring, small group activities, and all the many informal social and educational activities that take place when young people spend a summer together in Washington, D.C.
Here is a recap of July events, Institute-by-Institute:
Engalitcheff Institute on Comparative Political and Economic Systems
The 2009 Walter Judd Freedom Award Presentation and Reception was held on July 23 at the Mayflower Hotel and was a highlight for ICPES students. Intern sponsors, donors and students honored Former U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations John Bolton. Dr. Lee Edwards, Chairman of the Victims of Communism Memorial Foundation and the 2008 award recipient gave remarks followed by TFAS President Roger Ream, who presented Bolton with the 2009 award. Briefings were also held in the Board Room of the Federal Reserve, at the CIA, and in the new Visitor’s Center at the U.S. Capitol.
Institute on Political Journalism
July put IPJ in the news as several students had articles published, including front-page stories, one of which was published in The Washington Post. Students also attended several guest lectures with IPJ alumni and media professionals. On July 1, the panel, “Doom and Gloom in the Newsroom: The Future of Newspapers,” included Mary Lynn Jones of the Newspaper Association of America, Nikole Killion (J 97) of Hearst Argyle Television, Kimberly Meltzer (J 96) of Georgetown University and Michael Calderone of Politico. On July 8, 2009 Pulitzer Prize Winner, Bill Adair of the St. Petersburg Times spoke to students and on July 15 students enjoyed an evening with Fred Barnes of Fox News and the Weekly Standard. A group of our students also received a private tour of the U.S. Capitol where they were able to walk on the floor of the Senate.
Institute on Business and Government Affairs
IBGA held evening forums in July that were particularly relevant to current issues and the students’ professional development. Students gained insight on the business world from Marion Blakey, President and CEO of the Aerospace Industries Association, who spoke about the Aerospace Industry on July 13 and also heard from the Honorable Bob Walker, lobbyist and former congressman from Pennsylvania. Students engaged in a “Power and Values” seminar taught by Michael Collins and William Doherty. Collins serves as Dean Emeritus at Georgetown University while Doherty works at the Government Accountability Office. The seminar was designed to help the students better understand their own roles, values and responsibilities as members of organizations.
Institute on Philanthropy and Voluntary Service
On July 29, students enjoyed the annual Awards Reception where M.O.M.I.E.’s TLC (Mentors Of Minorities In Education’s Total Learning Cis-tem) was recognized for their work in the community. M.O.M.I.E’s was granted $2440 raised by the IPVS nonprofit philanthropy team FLAME (Fostering Leadership And Meaningful Education). FLAME hosted a yard sale at TFAS Headquarters as well as a raffle at the student/alumni BBQ, a car wash and a talent show in order to raise the money. In addition, alumna Erin Slater (P 99) was also presented with the IPVS 10th Anniversary Alumni Award. Slater, CEO of College Mentors for Kids, was chosen for this award because of her successful career at College Mentors for Kids. CLICK HERE for more on this story.
ALL INSTITUTE
On July 17, students from all institutes were invited to participate in the annual Embassy Day. Embassies included: Chile, Croatia, France, Greece and Australia as well as the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office opened their doors to the TFAS student body. Students were briefed by embassy officials on each country’s important economic and political issues, relations with U.S. and other general information. The students were given a chance to ask questions about the country and policy issues. On July 22, all students participated in Capitol Hill Day, where they toured the newly constructed Capitol Visitors Center and were addressed by Congressman Robert Aderholt from Alabama and Congressman Frank M. Kratovil from Maryland.
What was next for the students? Graduation! Stay tuned for the September edition to read all about commencement activities.