|
|
|
Top
Stories |
Reporting Live from the Beltway
Senior Surveys U.S. Government after Spending a Semester Interning in Washingtion, D.C.
|
Witnessing Washington, D.C.
Upcoming January Term Trips to D.C. Available to All Students |
Memorable Elections
Controversial and Unforgetable Presidential Elections |
Reporting Live from the Beltway
Senior Surveys U.S. Government after Spending a Semester Interning in Washingtion, D.C.
|
| |
|
|
|
|
Plumb posing infront of the White House on the first day of his internship . Staff Photo/Scott Plumb. |
| |
By Elizebeth Mckey
Special to the iPulse
With the elections drawing near, senior Scott Plumb offers insight on the happenings of Washington, D.C.
Inspired by the story of alum Kevin Wilkins ’07, who interned at the White House in fall 2005, Plumb applied for an internship, too—and much to his surprise, was one of 100 chosen from a field of about 900 applicants.
Plumb’s journey began in the summer of 2006, when he worked from his home in Valley Forge, Pa., to complete the hefty application. He kept his goal a secret until the fall, when he asked Marsha Glines, dean of the Institute for Achievement and Learning, to review his application before he sent it in.
One telephone interview led to another. Finally the call came in early December, while he was home Christmas shopping. Plumb had landed the internship. After he submitted the requisite security forms, it was official. He reported to work a month later—on Jan. 7, 2007.
The next five months were a whirlwind of
work and excitement. Plumb was assigned to the Office of Appointments and Scheduling, where his chief responsibility was handling the numerous invitations the president receives.
Whether it was lunch in the famed West Wing or traversing the halls of the EEOB (Eisenhower Executive Office Building), Plumb was awed by his surroundings. “You walk around those halls and can’t help but think of all the great people who have been there before,” he says.
One person he especially enjoyed meeting was then-White House Press Secretary Tony Snow. “He really impressed me. I later decided to take a minor in journalism,” says Plumb, whose major is business.
But it was two historic and vastly different events that distinguished Plumb’s time in Washington—the deadliest school shooting in U.S. history on April 16 at Virginia Tech University in Blacksburg, Va., and the visit of Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip to the Capitol on May 7.
The April tragedy took place on the same day Plumb’s internship group photo was scheduled with President George W. Bush. The photo still took place, but much of the president’s schedule had to be reworked. “The White House is the center of the world when something of that magnitude occurs,” Plumb says.
The visit by the royals in May was their first to the United States in 16 years and was met with much fanfare. Plumb’s duty was none other than overseeing the “gold rope” area where the queen’s special guests gathered. From his vantage point, Plumb had a perfect view of the arriving dignitaries.
On May 15, Plumb’s internship concluded. Now back at Lynn and soon to be graduating with a M.B.A., he’s glad he took advantage of the once in a lifetime opportunity.
“If you put your mind to something, you can do it,” he says. “I’m living proof.”
|
| |
|
Witness Washington, D.C.
Upcoming January Term Trips to D.C. Available to All Students
|
|
|
|
|
Picturesque view of the famous Washington Monument taken during a study tour during the spring semester. Above: View of the Washington Mall in the height of the winter season. Staff Photos/Eric Powers. |
| |
| |
WITNESS TO HISTORY: THE 2009 PRESIDENTIAL
INAUGURATION IN WASHINGTON D.C.
(DJAT 109B)
Kerker and Pickering
Students will have the unique opportunity to be part of a historic event while observing and celebrating with the rest of the nation the swearing in of the 44th President of the United States. During the week leading up to the inauguration, students will travel to Washington D.C. to participate in The Presidential Inauguration Program sponsored by the Washington Center for Internships and Academic Seminars. This ten-day academic seminar will provide a backstage view of the Presidential Inauguration and focus on the newly elected President and the formation of a new executive administration.
The Presidential Inauguration Program provides students with a unique behind-the-scenes perspective on Washington, D.C. and contemporary politics. The program format includes presentations by influential political and media speakers in the morning and site visits to organizations and embassies in the afternoon. There will also be a bus tour of Washington D.C., a visit to the United States Supreme Court Building and Courtroom, as well as many festive special events including a reception at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce across from the White House and evening entertainment with noted humorist Mark Russell.
Cost Per Student:
$2,944 - $2,778
(Airfare Included)
*Estimate cost by final enrollment
|
WHO WE ARE IS WHO WE WERE
(DJHT 109C)
Schapiro and Wasserman
This course will review the development of the American Cultural personae through the lens provided by governmental institutions. America is a country with a variety of cultural influences which are still reflected in areas throughout the country today. Life as a Cajun in Louisiana and life as an Angelino in Los Angeles are both American, yet both reflect vastly different cultural backgrounds. American governmental institutions as represented by the Smithsonian Museum in Washington D.C. have selected from amongst these various influences and projected an image of the cultural heritage of the United States. This course will explore these cultural selections and examine the myths and realities of what was chosen and what was not. What image is trying to be expressed and what factors from history are being ignored. The course will also focus on how these cultural influences are expressed in current day Washington D.C.
Cost Per Student: $2,257 – $2,363
(Airfare Included)
*Estimate cost by final enrollment
*Estimate cost by final enrollment
|
| |
| |
|
Memorable Elections
Controversial and Unforgetable Presidential Elections
|
|
|
Candidates:
Al Gore (Democrat), George W. Bush (Republican), Ralph Nader (Green Party), Patrick Buchanan (conservative populist), Harry Browne (Libertarian)
The Winner:
George W. Bush
Popular Vote:
50,996,582 (Gore) to 50, 465,062 (Bush)
Electoral College:
271 (Bush) to 266 (Gore)
• The 2000 election was one of four elections in U.S. history in which the winner of the electoral votes did not carry the popular vote.
• Gore conceded on election night, but retracted his concession when he learned that the vote in Florida was too close to call. A recount of the Florida votes ensued, but was eventually ruled unconstitutional by the U.S. Supreme Court.
• Ralph Nader has formally run for president four times; the first time was in 1996. He was also a write-in candidate in 1992.
Source: www.History.com
|
|
Candidates:
John F. Kennedy (Democrat), Richard M. Nixon (Republican)
The Winner:
John F. Kennedy
Popular Vote:
34,226,731 (Kennedy) to 34,108,157 (Nixon)
Electoral College:
303 (Kennedy) to 219 (Nixon)
• With his victory by a scant 120,000 votes, the 43-year-old Kennedy became the youngest-ever U.S. president. Nixon was 47--only four years older.
• Voters feared that Kennedy, a Roman Catholic, might be controlled by the Catholic Church. He was the nation’s first--and only -- Catholic U.S. president. (If elected in 2008, Joe Biden would become the country’s first Catholic vice president.)
• Kennedy’s relaxed demeanor and telegenic looks gave him the edge in four televised debates; many credit these debates for his eventual victory.
Source: www.History.com
|
|
Candidates:
Harry S Truman (Democrat), Thomas E. Dewey (Republican), J. Strom Thurmond (States’ Rights Democrat or “Dixiecrat”), Henry Wallace (Progressive), Norman Thomas (Socialist)
The Winner:
Harry S Truman
Popular Vote:
24,179,345 (Truman) to 21,991,291 (Dewey)
Electoral College:
303 (Truman) to 189 (Dewey)
• Truman was seen as an underdog going into the 1948 election--so much so that the Chicago Tribune printed newspapers with the headline “Dewey Defeats Truman.” A picture of the victorious Truman holding the newspaper is one of the most famous photos in U.S. history.
•Thurmond won 39 electoral votes.
Source: www. History.com
|
|
| |
| |
|
