Reception celebrates Michigan in Washington

A program that gives students the opportunity to spend a semester in the nation's capital working at internships and taking classes was introduced to members of the Michigan delegation and local alumni Sept. 20 at a reception on Capitol Hill.

President Mary Sue Coleman talks with LSA students Janel Johnson, left, and Alexis Bates at a reception for the Michigan in Washington program Sept. 20. (Photo by Mike Waring, U-M Washington, D.C., Office)

President Mary Sue Coleman, LSA Dean Terrence J. McDonald, Vice President for Government Relations Cynthia Wilbanks and Program Director Edie Goldenberg celebrated Michigan in Washington at the reception, which included 18 U-M students currently participating in the program and members of the Washington, D.C., advisory committee.

Coleman said dealing with Hurricane Katrina and its aftermath makes the start of the program timely.

"It is a distressing but critical example of why our students should be in Washington, studying, researching and being involved in the many ways that government, the private sector, and NGOs (non-governmental organizations) approach the issues that affect our lives and our communities," Coleman said.

The students work at a variety of places, including non-profit advocacy groups, federal agencies and congressional offices.

The students live in a building owned by Boston University (BU), which they share with BU and Notre Dame students. Planning for the program began several years ago and culminates the efforts of many on campus and in Washington, D.C.

"This program has been a long time coming," McDonald said.