SPRINGFIELD, Mo. — Twelve Evangel University students will participate in the Washington D.C. Studies Program, Feb. 26 – March 9. The trip, sponsored by the social sciences department, will provide students the opportunity to gain knowledge of the capitol and work alongside senators and representatives.
“This unique program is the high point of many of our students’ time here on campus,” said Dr. Bryan Sanders, social sciences department chair and faculty sponsor for the trip.
“The opportunities the program provides allow them to see another side of Washington D.C. they would not see just taking a vacation trip to the nation’s capitol.”
During the first week of the internship, students will tour Washington D.C. and attend meetings. Some of the locations will include the State Department, Supreme Court, Library of Congress, World Vision, the Holocaust Museum and the Vietnam and Korean Memorials.
Students will also meet with Senator Roy Blunt and Congressman Billy Long.
The second week of the trip consists of a 5-day internship. During this time, students will work alongside senators and representatives in D.C., including Congresswoman Vicki Hartzler, Senator Jerry Moran, Congresswoman Kristi Noem and Congressman Reid Ribble.
Participating students include the following:
- Megan Ahrens, junior history and government major from Staunton, Ill.
- Yesica Goblirsch, senior international studies major from Monrovia, Calif.
- Barbara Hardiman, sophomore adult studies general education major from Springfield, Mo.
- Brianna Jordan, senior government and social sciences major from Blue Springs, Mo.
- Anna Obermesik, junior international studies major from Mt. Pleasant, Mich.
- Hunter Altic, junior criminal justice major from Willard, Mo.
- Christian Bechard, senior government major from Topeka, Kan.
- Luke Conley, senior social science major from Springfield, Mo.
- Nathan Elleson, junior management major from Arlington Heights, Ill.
- Gary Gresham, senior government and psychology major from Springfield, Mo.
- Byron Mitchell, junior criminal justice major from Irving, Texas
- Brennan Sielaff, senior international studies and social science major from Green Bay, Wis.
More about the annual trip
Students are eligible to apply for the Washington Studies Program if they have enrolled in the GOVT 492 course. In order to earn the three class credits that the program offers, students must complete additional research and readings.
A variation of the Washington Studies Program began at Evangel in the spring of 1958. Sanders has participated in the trip for more than 20 years.
For additional information, contact Dr. Bryan Sanders, (417) 865- 2811, ext. 8223.
Evangel University is a private, Christian university of arts, sciences and professions. With an enrollment of more than 2,000 students from all 50 states and abroad, Evangel offers more than 100 undergraduate academic programs and nine master’s programs.