Professor Alexander and Students Attend Washington Center Event

Dr. Alexander, along with ONU students currently interning in Washington, D.C., and several ONU graduates of the program, took part in the recent Washington Center gala, held Oct. 4 in Washington, D.C.

The “Gala 2010: Transforming Potential into Achievement” event celebrated the impact The Washington Center’s programs have on more than 40,000 alumni and the influence they have on their communities. It also celebrated the individuals and organizations that partner with the center to develop students’ talents and turn their ambition to a greater purpose.

The gala was held in the National Building Museum in Washington, D.C. Bob Schieffer, anchor of CBS’ “Face the Nation” served as master of ceremonies. Proceeds from event provide program scholarships to make the center’s program accessible to students regardless of their backgrounds.

The Washington Center is the largest internship organization in Washington, D.C., and has provided internship opportunities to many ONU students as well as university students from across the nation and the world. The organization’s president is an ONU graduate, Michael Smith, BA ’68, Hon. ’10.

Several of our students in recent years have also used their experiences at the Washington Center as a springboard for acquiring a position in government. Liz Drummond, Mark Schloemer, and Miranda Wade are among a few who have gotten their starts in politics by reaching out to the contacts they made at the Center. This a great opportunity for ONU students and one that they should take advantage of, if at all possible.

Pictured at the Washington Center gala are, from left, David Lewis, a senior in physical education from Gainesville, Md., Dr. Robert Alexander, BA ’94, associate professor of political science, Jaime (Uppenkamp) Wright, BA ’04, Ashleigh Kaleugher, a senior in criminal justice from Aliquippa, Pa., Alexandra Habbouche, a senior in political science from Oregon, Ohio, Michael Smith, D.P.S., BA ’68, Hon. ’10, Richelle McMannis, senior in criminal justice from Thornville, Ohio, Matthew Wiseman, senior in history from Findlay, Ohio, Stephanie Spirer, BA ’03, and Johni Amos, BA ’03.