Day on the Hill 2010

5 January 2010 Day on the Hill 2010

Each January, a select group of students mingles with politicians, alums and friends of the Colleges to learn about the inner workings of life in our nations capitol.

In conjunction with the Salisbury Center for Career Services, Associate Professor DeWayne Lucas and Professor Iva Deutchman of the Political Science department, who lead the annual Day on the Hill, have selected 15-20 students to participate in this years January 8 and 9 excursion.

Students will attend talks by politicians and alums who work on the Hill, discover what it takes to get a job in the nations capitol, and discuss the day-to-day routine of D.C. life. Students will also visit and tour the Capitol, the White House, the Democratic and Republican National Headquarters, lobbying organizations, and political think tanks, such as the Heritage Foundation and the Center for American Progress.

This year, Lucas and Deutchman will guide students around D.C. for an eventful day that will include speakers from the following areas:

  • Congress
  • National Republican Senatorial Committee
  • City Council
  • Various political officials
  • Political Consulting and Public Relations

The trip will include a tour of the White House by a member of the Secret Service and much more. Day two will involve site visits to organizations that will give students a birds eye view of working in D.C., and with the aid of the Hobart and William Smith Club of Washington, D.C., students will have a unique opportunity to network with alums and learn about internship and job opportunities.

Past participants, such as Caleb Campbell 11, have had unanimously positive experiences. This event is incredibly important and unique. The opportunity to travel to Washington, D.C., meet up with alumni and alumnae and learn about their experiences is a once in a lifetime experience, said Campbell. Being there and walking around the capitol is just amazing.

One of many alums who will share their experience and expertise with students this year, Jillian Oberfield 01, a Legislative Assistant to a senior Congressman (Edward J. Markey, D-MA), says, shes excited to participate in the 2010 Day on the Hill. I was enriched through broad exposure to people, classes, and service. Coming from Hobart and William Smith had an impact upon the choosing of my career, and it is nice to be able to give back to the Colleges however I am able. It is nice to have the opportunity to discuss working in politics and I am also looking forward to finding out what the students are interested and involved in.