Alums Triumphant Return from the Seat of Power

Liz Drummond, who graduated from ONU in 2007 with a degree in History, came back to campus today to talk with Professor Alexander's Political Parties and Interest Groups class. Liz works for the U.S. House of Representatives Armed Services Committee, and more particularly with the subcommittee on equipment procurement for the Navy and Marine Corps. She told students about the process of putting together the annual budget that provides the tools that our armed forces use. She also gave a strong defense of the Earmark process, which has come under intense scrutiny in recent years. She argued that many needful things get done because of earmarks that would not otherwise be funded.

As part of the subcommittee staff, she has had to familiarize herself with the equipment that the Navy and Marines use. That has translated into trips on a small plane to land on an aircraft carrier and trips below the surface on a nuclear submarine. She told students that three years ago, when she was sitting in the same desks they occupied, she never dreamed that such experiences awaited her. She described her career path, which included an internship with the Washington Center, a job as Political Director for a union in Columbus, a tour as Resident Assistant with the Washington Center, and finally her position on the Armed Services Committee. She told the students that if they wanted the same sort of career, that they should find an internship, and cultivate the contacts that they make there.

Liz also mentioned that her most valuable class here was HIST 204 Historical Methods. She told the class that Professor Lomax helped her become a good writer and editor, which has proved invaluable in her job.

It was great to see Liz again, and to see the professional that she has become. Well done Liz!