Over 400 TFAS students invaded Washington, D.C. in early June to begin the 2009 summer institutes. In addition to the four institutes held on the campus of Georgetown University, the Legal Studies Institute has also begun. Over the past few weeks, the students have been immersed in the TFAS experience, attending briefings and lectures, taking courses for academic credit, and gaining first-hand professional experience at their internships.
Here’s a brief summary of the fast-paced first few weeks:
Engalitcheff Institute on Comparative Political and Economic Systems
The weekly Judd Lecture Series has brought ICPES students in contact with numerous public policy experts. Students heard from George Mason University economists Russ Roberts and Walter Williams and former USAID Administrator Andrew Natsios of Georgetown University, “all of whom were well received by the students” said program director Mark Pfundstein. The students will also participate in small group sessions, hosted by TFAS alumni. Marianne Goodwin (E 76) who recently retired from the State Department and started her own consulting firm, Ann Ngo (E 90) of the U.S. Department of Commerce, and David Boling (E 86) from U.S. Rep. Vic Snyder’s (Ark.) Office.
Institute on Political Journalism
IPJ students have heard from a number of speakers thus far, including Rich Thomas of Newsweek Magazine, John Harwood of CNBC and alumna Nikole Killion (J 97) of Hearst Argyle Television. IPJ also hosted its 14th annual Journalism Awards Ceremony at the National Press Club on June 24. The award for Excellence in Economic Reporting was given to a team of reporters from the Wall Street Journal, while the Clark Mollenhoff Award for Excellence in Investigative Reporting was awarded to Ken Armstrong and Michael Berens of the Seattle Times. The Robert Novak Collegiate Journalism Award was given to J. David McSwane and Aaron Hedge of The Rocky Mountain Collegian, at Colorado State University.
Institute on Business and Government Affairs
Students attended The Fund’s 20th annual Congressional Scholarship Awards Dinner on June 23. Among the distinguished guests were Senators Jon Kyl (Ariz.), Lamar Alexander (Tenn.) and Pat Roberts (Kan.). Robbie Aiken of Pinnacle West served as the chair of the event, which raised more than $162,000 toward IBGA scholarship funds. Pfizer received the Corporate Award at the event. IBGA students have also been attending weekly guest lectures on legislative issues, including a lively discussion with Steve Chaudet of Lockheed Martin who discussed his lobbying experience.
Institute on Philanthropy and Voluntary Service
2009 marks the 10th year of IPVS and students have been participating in a variety of activities to celebrate this landmark year. Students attended a networking luncheon with alumni on June 26 and participated in a volunteer event on June 27 at Ross Elementary School.
Students are also working on their class philanthropy project, which they have named Fostering Leadership And Meaningful Education (FLAME). The project is well underway with student subcommittees planning service projects, coordinating event fundraisers and reviewing grant proposals. IPVS held its Hunger Banquet on July 2, where Chuck Woolery of World Hunger Education Service spoke. In addition, IPVS students have attended weekly guest lectures with nonprofit leaders such as Dianne Charles from Stop Child Abuse Now of Northern Virginia and Rob Rutland-Brown of Just Neighbors.
Legal Studies Institute
Also making their mark on Washington this summer are 34 law students enrolled in the Legal Studies Institute. The first-and second-year law students arrived in D.C. on May 26 and began their 10-week program which combines a course on Constitutional law, legal briefings and internships in legal organizations. The students have met with influential legal experts including Cato Institute Senior Fellow and author of The Dirty Dozen, Robert Levy and Justice Antonin Scalia of the U.S. Supreme Court.
ALL INSTITUTES
Students toured the National Mall and its monuments and also participated in Service Saturday on June 13 where students participated in service projects at various sites in the D.C. area. Projects included organizing the warehouse at Habitat for Humanity, sorting and packing food at Capital Area Food Bank and at Food and Friends, cleaning and doing development projects at the Gospel Rescue Ministries, cleaning up both Washington Park and Marvin Gaye Park and participating in the Living Classroom’s ‘Get Outdoors Day’ at Kingman Island.
MORE TO COME: Throughout July, students will attend briefings at various embassies, the State Department and the Capitol. ICPES will host the annual Walter Judd Reception on July 21, where Former U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations John Bolton will be honored. On July 11, IPVS will also hold the annual yard sale and a car wash, where students will raise money for their grant making project.