TFAS TRACK The FUND for AMERICAN STUDIES
FALL 2012
News
A MESSAGE TO OUR ALUMNI
New Partnership Chairman Randal C. Teague
President Roger R. Ream TFAS students attend a site briefing at the U.S. Capitol.
TFAS ANNOUNCES NEW PARTNER SCHOOL AND MAJOR INITIATIVES The Fund for American Studies has announced new initiatives that will position it as the nation’s leading organization teaching the principles of free markets and limited government to young people.
2012 has been an exciting year for TFAS. We were able to reach more than 1,000 students and young adults in the United States and abroad. Meanwhile, a record number of alumni donated their time and resources to help make our programs a success. These alumni served in many capacities, whether as intern supervisors, mentors or guest speakers.
As highlighted in this newsletter, we have implemented several exciting initiatives that will solidify the future of TFAS. George Mason University will now accredit our U.S. undergraduate programs, and we’ve also expanded into the high school arena through our aquisition of the Foundation for Teaching Economics.
Beginning in 2013 with the spring Capital Semester program, George Mason University (Mason) in Arlington, Virginia will be the new academic partner of TFAS. Mason will accredit all of the U.S. undergraduate programs. Mason is widely considered to house the #1 market-oriented economics department in the United States. Additionally, Mason faculty members have twice won the Nobel Prize in Economics in recent years.
As we turn the page to a new chapter in TFAS history, we thank our many friends at Georgetown University for their work with us over the years. Together we have created academic programs on three continents and graduated more than 13,500 students from TFAS programs. We look forward to the continued participation of select Georgetown professors on our world-class faculty.
“TFAS and Mason share a firm commitment to educating student leaders in the principles that make the nation free and prosperous,” said TFAS President Roger Ream (`76). continued on page 2
We also thank you, our alumni, for your continued generosity, involvement and commitment to the TFAS family.
GEORGE MASON UNIVERSITY PARTNERSHIP
“
We’re excited to be able to reach high school students before they go to college and give them a solid understanding of the economic way of thinking.”
Ranked #1 in the US News and World Report list of “Up and Coming Universities,” Mason is an ideal partner for TFAS as it works to educate tomorrow’s leaders. Their Arlington campus is just across the river from Washington, D.C., conveniently located and transit accessible to both student housing and internship sites.
FOUNDATION FOR TEACHING ECONOMICS TFAS programs reach thousands of college students each year. Now, with an agreement to join forces with the Foundation for Teaching Economics (FTE), TFAS will be extending its influence to the high school level. FTE teaches economics to high school students and works with teachers to develop lesson plans and exercises for teaching economics.
programs align perfectly with TFAS programs. Our two organizations have the same goals, so the combination will result in great synergies.”
EUROPEAN PROGRAM CONSOLIDATION Beginning in 2013, TFAS European programs in Greece and the Czech Republic will be combined into a single institute at Charles University in Prague. The reformulated curriculum will reflect today’s geopolitical realities in Europe and the Middle East, as well as its relationship with the United States. Students will continue to be recruited from Central and Eastern Europe, the Eastern Mediterranean, the Caucuses and the United States. In addition, TFAS plans to offer more alumni programs in Europe and the Middle East, as well as shorter regional student programs. “We’re extremely grateful to those who have helped us sustain our institute in Greece for over 18 years,” said Michelle Jeffress Le (`95, `96), vice president of international and alumni programs. “This new initia-
“We’re excited to be able to reach high school students before they go to college and give them a solid understanding of the economic way of thinking,” said Ream. “We’re also looking forward to working with high school teachers who give students their introduction to economics.” FTE Chairman Jerry Hume echoed Ream’s comments: “I couldn’t be more excited about this. FTE’s 2
TFAS TRACK NEWS
TFAS students take an economics exam.
tive will combine the best elements of both our institutes in Prague and Greece.”
GEORGETOWN UNIVERSITY LAW CENTER Beginning in the summer of 2013, students in the Legal Studies Institute (LSI) will take their classes at Georgetown University Law Center. Georgetown Law Professor Randy Barnett, a frequent guest speaker at LSI and a member of the program’s Board of Visitors, facilitated this new arrangement. “All of our new initiatives will allow us to expand our reach while staying true to our mission of preparing young people for leadership by educating them about the ideas most conducive to human achievement,” said Ream. “All of us at TFAS are looking forward to an exciting year ahead.”
U.S. PROGRAMS: THE TFAS LEGACY CONTINUES WITH HIGH-PROFILE SPEAKERS AND NEW PROGRAMS
TFAS students visit the Washington Monument during a tour of the National Mall.
This summer, more than 400 students spent eight weeks in Washington living, learning and interning. Summer 2012 was full of fresh initiatives, including a new undergraduate program – the Institute on Economics and International Affairs (IEIA) – which grew out of the popular foreign policy track of the ICPES program. In addition, the graduate-level Legal Studies Institute (LSI) marked its sixth year with an unprecedented lineup of speakers and site briefings.
HIGH-PROFILE EXPERTS SET THE BAR FOR LEGAL STUDIES STUDENTS
Ohio Supreme Court Justice Robert Cupp (`71).
The 2012 LSI program began on a high note with exclusive site briefings at the Supreme Court with Justice Antonin Scalia and the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia with Judge Douglas Ginsburg. According to Dominika Malisz of the University of St. Thomas School of Law, meeting Scalia was one of the most exciting parts of the summer. “He spent time discussing case decisions that he found to be most important, whether they were cases on which he concurred or dissented,” said Malisz. “How many law students can say they’ve taken a photograph with a United States justice?”
Students in the program also attended a three-credit course on constitutional law that was team taught by Roger Pilon of the Cato Institute and John Baker of Catholic University. On top of their studies, students worked over 30 hours a week at legal clerkships and internships.
The momentum continued throughout the summer with a lecture series full of high-profile experts in the field, including former U.S. Attorney General Michael Mukasey, Chief Judge Alex Kozinski of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit, Judge Diane Sykes of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit, constitutional scholar Randy Barnett and
A NEW CHAPTER BEGINS WITH INSTITUTE FOR ECONOMICS & INTERNATIONAL AFFAIRS
“From the morning jogs around the U.S. Capitol, to networking with one of my state’s Supreme Court justices, LSI has made this summer one of the most memorable ones of my life,” said Steven Vandercook of The University of Toledo College of Law.
Even though it was the first year for IEIA, TFAS had no problem recruiting students to the program with more than 60 attending. “D.C. really is the city for jump-starting a career in foreign policy, which is why we decided
LSI students visit the Supreme Court, where they attended an exclusive briefing with Justice Antonin Scalia.
to create IEIA,” said Haley Heieck (`07), who served as the program’s manager this past summer. IEIA follows the same format as the other four undergraduate U.S. summer programs with a focus on foreign policy issues, political trends and the economics of the free market. IEIA students attended classes, guest lectures and site briefings, all while interning over 30 hours a week. continued on page 4 TFAS TRACK NEWS
3
IEIA coursework included a class on U.S. foreign policy with Gary Armstrong (`84) of William Jewell College and another course on comparative economic systems taught by Pat Fishe of the University of Richmond. Students also had the option to take a three-credit internship seminar with John Dimos, a lawyer at the Federal Emergency Management Agency. “The coursework I completed was a perfect complement to my studies,” said IEIA student Sallie Eschweiler of Colby College. “I learned so much from my overview in international economic systems, and I really had the chance to delve deeper into my passion for diplomacy through a renewed understanding of U.S. foreign policy.” IEIA students also attended briefings as a class and with other TFAS institutes at the International Monetary Fund, CIA, World Bank, State Department and various foreign embassies. In addition, IEIA students attended informative lectures with experts in foreign relations, including one with
George Ayittey of the Free Africa Foundation and one with Ambassador Said Tayeb Jawad of the Foundation for Afghanistan. “TFAS isn’t just about the internship or the classes,” said IEIA student Lauren Meadors of Syracuse University. “This program has so much more to offer through its special events – networking, diversification, friendships and professionalism. It truly is a one-of-a-kind experience.”
TFAS CONTINUES TO BUILD FUTURE LEADERS In addition to its initiatives in foreign relations and legal studies, TFAS resumed its work building a foundation for the future with its traditional programs in the fields of journalism, business, economic policy and philanthropy. Each program boasted unique internships, events, guest lectures and coursework that coincided with the students’ fields of interest. Outstanding professors, such as Anne Bradley of the Institute for Faith, Work and Economics, earned the respect of students.
TFAS students and staff from Tennessee meet Sen. Lamar Alexander (Tenn.), who was the guest of honor at this year’s Congressional Scholarship Award Dinner. 4
TFAS TRACK NEWS
“Dr. Bradley is a true role model of mine, and I am so grateful for all that I have learned from her this summer,” said ICPES student Chris Yates of Western Kentucky University. “She was very supportive and engaging, and I can only hope to someday be as good of an economist and researcher as she is.” In addition, students left a mark at their internships with think tanks, government agencies, nonprofits and media organizations. According to IBGA student Alyssa Fox of Southern Methodist University, working for the American Financial Services Association was an invaluable experience. “As the only intern, there was never a shortage of work. This granted me the ability to gain real-world experience in the field of state and federal government relations,” said Fox. “I felt in touch with the legislative process, and I have realized the tangible difference a person has the ability to make.” Outside of the office and classroom, students had a packed schedule. Journalism students attended an award ceremony at the National Press Club, where TFAS presented cash prizes to outstanding journalists. Other students attended special events honoring The Wall Street Journal’s Mary Anastasia O’Grady, Former U.S. Ambassador to Venezuela Otto Reich and Sen. Lamar Alexander (Tenn.). The summer concluded with a graduation ceremony featuring an address on “Freedom’s First Principles” by Father Robert Sirico, president of the Acton Institute. “It’s been grand,” said ICPES student Mallory Jones of Campbell University. “I’ll never forget what I learned this summer about America, about politics, about myself.”
INTERNATIONAL PROGRAMS: TFAS STUDENTS EXPLORE, EXCHANGE AND ENGAGE AROUND THE GLOBE AIPE Professor Andrew Morriss discusses economics with TFAS students in Hong Kong.
This summer’s international programs in Prague, Greece and Hong Kong welcomed a total of 219 students from 65 countries. Students overseas engaged in cross-cultural exchange, explored the historic cities where the institutes were held and attended classes with experts in economics, politics and conflict resolution.
ASIA INSTITUTE FOR POLITICAL ECONOMY 2012 marked the 10th anniversary of the TFAS program in Hong Kong. Special events in honor of the milestone were held in conjunction with the program, bringing students and over 30 alumni together for networking receptions and educational activities. A highlight of the reunion was a career development panel that featured alumni working in the financial industry. Panelists included Alice Cui (`06), William Lui (`05), Cherry Wen (`05) and Peter Yao (`02). Students also took courses that explored the ideas of great economic thinkers and philosophers such as Alexis de Tocqueville, Friedrich Hayek, Hernando de Soto and Milton Friedman. This summer TFAS welcomed a new professor, William Ruger of Texas State University – San Marco, who taught American studies and political philosophy. Meanwhile, returning for a seventh year was veteran professor Andrew Morriss of the University of Alabama School of Law, who taught economics.
AIPE student Okka Maung of Myanmar said he was thrilled to study famous economists such as Hayek, whom he proclaimed to be “the greatest man in economics.” Outside of the classroom AIPE students worked on group projects related to their in-class discussions on international trade and business. As part of their projects, students were asked to meet with the owners of several businesses and report on their findings. To complement their studies students also attended guest lectures, which included a discussion with the president of the American Chamber of Commerce in Hong Kong Richard Vuylsteke. “I experienced new concepts and ideas in economics and global trade with prestigious professors and guest lecturers as well as discussed many cultural issues with outstanding students from different parts of the world,” said Giang Bui, who added that she looks forward to relaying what she learned to the young people in her home country of Vietnam.
AMERICAN INSTITUTE ON POLITICAL AND ECONOMIC SYSTEMS This year’s AIPES program welcomed students from the United States and Central and Eastern Europe to Charles University in Prague. Students took courses on politics and economics and attended guest lectures and panel discussions. According to Salome Ugrekhelidze of the Republic of Georgia, AIPES was challenging, interesting and very different from her home university. “AIPES is a chance to learn more about the U.S. and a chance to destroy stereotypes one may have about some countries,” she said. Professors Roger Pilon of the Cato Institute and Kurt Rotthoff of Seton Hall University returned to lead the academic components of the program. Students were also treated to a career panel with alumni from the United States, the Czech Republic, Lebanon and Slovakia. New in 2012 was “AIPES Community Service Day.” Students, alumni continued on page 6 TFAS TRACK NEWS
5
ALUMNI NOTES Society,” and Tony Sullivan, who taught intellectual history. New to IIPES was Professor Joshua Mitchell, former president of The American University of Iraq - Sulaimani, who taught political economy.
Pavel Hrbek (`06, `08) (c.), an investment banker, and Paul Glader (`99, `00) (r.), editor and co-founder of Wired Academic LLC, speak to AIPES students after serving on an alumni panel.
and staff traveled to an orphanage just outside of Prague. The group cleaned and painted the dormitory and orphanage grounds and played football with some of the children.
a difference. AIPES is the meeting place to explore American political and economic principles and apply them in their home countries.”
The summer closed with remarks by Latvian Prime Minister Valdis Dombrovskis, the 20th consecutive recipient of the Vašek and Anna Maria Polák Award. TFAS presents the award each summer to a former or current European head of state.
INTERNATIONAL INSTITUTE FOR POLITICAL AND ECONOMIC STUDIES
“For the people of AIPES it’s not enough to live an average life,” said Ulyana Shtybel of the Ukraine. “These people were born to make
The 2012 IIPES program welcomed students to the Island of Crete in Greece to explore major political, economic and cultural issues important to the Eastern Mediterranean region. Students completed coursework with seasoned IIPES professors Michael Collins, who lectured on “The Good
Professor Faten Ghosn (`98) taught the conflict management component of the program. Ghosn led the students in a “Palmyra” simulation, where students broke into groups to debate the merits of a fictional breakaway republic. The exercise demonstrated how to negotiate diplomatic solutions peacefully. “What I can say undoubtedly about the professors is that all of them are more interesting and more motivating than 95 percent of the teaching staff on my faculty,” said Dusan Radovanovic of Serbia. On top of coursework, students attended guest lectures with experts in diplomatic affairs and geopolitics. The program concluded on Aug. 5 with a commencement ceremony and keynote address by Serbian Ambassador to France Dusan Batakovic.
STUDENTS AND ALUMNI ATTEND ROUNDTABLE DINNERS Internships and classes aren’t the only way TFAS students gain professional skills. This summer, U.S. programs students gained advice from alumni through roundtable discussions and networking sessions.The roundtable dinners began in 2010 with the goal of bringing students together with institute alumni and board of visitors members, allowing students to gain career advice, suggestions on job hunting and networking tips for the summer.
6
TFAS TRACK NEWS
Jen-ching Kao (`06) is an analyst at Global Power Finance in San Francisco. TFAS alumni and staff clean up the Historic Congressional Cemetery as part of the 2012 Alumni Weekend service project.
1970s
Rorin M. Platt (`73) is associate professor of history at Campbell University.
Joanna Skoczek (`98) is director of the public and cultural diplomacy department of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Warsaw.
Scot Faulkner (`75) is a board member at Apia Wealth Management.
2000s
Michael Caslin (`78) is the managing director of strategy of development at Rising Tide Capital, a nonprofit organization that focuses on social enterprise and business venture development.
Tamara Pavasovic Trost (`00, `01) received a Ph.D. in sociology from Harvard University.
Pamela Thorburn (`06) is manager of state government affairs at the National Community Pharmacists Association in Washington. Jared Keller (`08) is the director of social media at Bloomberg LP.
Matthew Booe (`10) is program director at MobilizeGreen in Washington. Amanda DeGroff (`10) is a public affairs and strategic communications assistant at the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. Ariel Johnson (`10) is communications director at the nonprofit Intellectual Takeout in Minneapolis. Nicole Langert (`10) is the development coordinator of education and community for the University of Chicago’s medicine and biological sciences department.
Andrew Charles Potter Kelley (`08) is COO at Nest4Less in Providence.
Kenneth Luu (`10) is a health, safety, security and environment analyst for BP in Chicago.
1980s
Patrick Crumb (`84) is president of DIRECTV Sports Networks.
Kelly Williams Brown (`05) wrote the book Adulting: How to Become a GrownUp in 387 Easy(ish) Steps.
Christopher Mylenbusch (`10) is a structure analyst at the Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta.
Cheryl Whelan (`85) was elected to the Kansas Bar Association Board of Governors for District 5.
Madison Loeb (`08) is development officer at the College of Engineering and the Kansas State University Foundation.
Vlad Malamud (`05) is a project lead for MetLife in Denver.
Mandy McClure (`08) is deputy press secretary for Sen. Tom Harkin (Iowa).
Pamala Vang (`10) is development assistant at CommonBond Communities in St. Paul.
1990s
Laura Cason (`09) is the association coordinator at Nardone Consulting Group in Marietta, Ga.
Daviree Velázquez (`10) is assistant director of student life at Loyola University in Maryland.
Caroline Poe (`05) and John Dogero (`06, `06) meet in Amman, Jordan.
Danielle Hardree (`09) is a response manager for the American Red Cross in Maine.
Daniel B. Mathis (`95) is an attorney at Devon Energy Corporation in Houston.
Garet Turner (`05) is educational program manager at CASE (Council for Advancement and Support of Education) in Washington.
Devo’n Williams (`10) is special projects coordinator at the Central Outreach and Advocacy Center in Atlanta.
Samantha Joest (09) works in development and special events at the Manhattan Institute.
Lauren Dickinson (`11) is a researcher at National Journal: The Almanac of American Politics.
Gyorgy Toth (`95, `02) is assistant professor of transnational American studies at Charles University.
Davis Brush (`06) is an educator at A.C.C.E.S.S. in Keene, New Hampshire.
Ralph Peer (`09) is program assistant for the International Republican Institute
Jordan Hardy (`11) is admission counselor at Wofford College in Spartanburg, S.C.
Scarlett (Monovich) Bauman (`95) is the director of marketing for Air Force Enlisted Village, Inc. in Shalimar, Fla.
Bryan Wood (`06), who works for Rep. Robert Hurt (Va.), gives advice to IBGA students during a roundtable session.
Jean Schindler (`06) is director of Ladies DC, the founding chapter of Ladies America.
in the Latin America and Caribbean sectors.
Leo Krasnozhon (`02) is assistant professor of economics at Loyola University in New Orleans.
Mario H. Lopez (`92) is the president of the advocacy organization Hispanic Leadership Fund.
The format of the seminars allows for alumni to be seated with eight students during dinner. Each alumnus is asked to introduce himself or herself and give advice to those starting out their careers. These roundtables also serve as a way for students to learn more about the TFAS alumni network. This year, Alumni Council Vice Chairman of Develoment Toby Stock (`98) also spoke to the students about alumni giving.
Shreyasee Das (`06) is assistant professor at the University of WisconsinWhitewater, College of Business and Economics.
TFAS TRACK NEWS
7
“I don’t think of it as giving back. I think of it as paying forward.” Toby Stock (IBGA 98)
Will you help future generations attend TFAS programs? The FUND for AMERICAN STUDIES 1706 New Hampshire Avenue, NW Washington, DC 22201
www.TFAS.org/GiveBack