track TFAS newsletter
Fall 2011
A MESSAGE TO OUR ALUMNI
Chairman Randal C. Teague
(l.-r.) IPJ student Megan Neunan of Northwestern University interviews the vice chief of staff of the U.S. Army, Gen. Peter W. Chiarelli, while interning with the Army News Service.
TFAS STUDENTS TURN UP THE HEAT IN D.C. This summer 426 students spent eight weeks living, learning and interning in Washington, D.C. through The Fund for American Studies. The group of ambitious students included 43 first- and second-year law students and 383 undergraduate students from the United States and abroad. “Something extremely special about TFAS is its ability to seamlessly mold a high-energy professional experience with personal growth and development,” said Evan Arkin (E 10). In addition to taking classes for Georgetown University credit, attending site briefings and interning for 30 hours a week, the students took part in leadership and career-building activities and attended numerous lectures with Washington insiders. The summer sessions closed with commencement exercises on July 29. Lewis Lehrman, economist, historian and senior partner of the investment firm L. E. Lehrman & Co., delivered the David R. Jones Lecture on Freedom’s First Principles during the ceremony. more on the U.S. summer programs on pages 2-3 and 6
2011 was one of the best summers TFAS has ever had, and we owe much of our success to the active TFAS alumni network.
Your recruitment efforts resulted in record application numbers and a large and highly qualified class of students. President More alumni than ever volunteered as Roger R. Ream mentors, speakers, intern sponsors and discussion leaders. The result was an overwhelmingly positive experience for students: 95 percent said they would recommend the program to other students. No matter how involved you have been since graduating, there are many ways you can give back to TFAS. You can serve as an alumni ambassador helping us recruit future TFAS classes, or you can simply spread the word about TFAS to your friends and family. You can also participate in our annual fall and spring conferences or attend alumni chapter events in your city. To find out all the ways you can make the most out of your TFAS alumni network, visit TFAS.org/alumni. Another important way to give back is to support our scholarship program (TFAS.org/giveback). Three of every four TFAS students receive scholarships. Your gift can make the difference between a student staying home or having the experience of a lifetime. Our worldwide alumni network now comprises almost 13,000 members. TFAS alumni are making their mark as leaders in their communities and in their careers, and many are giving back to help other students follow in their footsteps. Thank you for your support.
TEACHING ECONOMIC PRINCIPLES A TOP PRIORITY IN THE TFAS CLASSROOM
The economic downfall is affecting everyone in some way or another, whether you’re having trouble finding a job or you’re worried about the country’s future. “It’s a true problem that our government is spending our country into debt,” said TFAS President Roger Ream (E 76), “but the real danger is that the young people who will inherit this debt have little idea of what to do about it. They simply are not being taught about the power of free markets. That’s why TFAS coursework is so important.” TFAS programs educate students interested in a variety of careers – from public policy and government affairs to journalism or philanthropy. Many college majors don’t require a background in economics. But at TFAS, students leave with an understanding of sound economic principles. “Economic education is crucial for cultivating a citizenry capable of selfgovernance,” said TFAS economics professor Adam Martin of George Mason University in Virginia. Martin, who is teaching his first TFAS course this semester, argues that economics 2
TFAStrack Newsletter
Former TFAS economics professor “Uncle” George Viksnins talks with ICPES student Housseine M. Heimid of The University of Arkansas this past summer. Viksnins taught economics for over 30 years at TFAS, paving the way for an accomplished new group of faculty members. Viksnins returns to TFAS each summer to serve as a guest lecturer.
furnishes the tools for understanding. “Without the economic point of view, the line between the rhetoric and the reality of social issues and public policy becomes blurry, opening the door to the rule of men rather than the rule of law.”
Anna Wright said she managed to squeak by three years without taking an economics course at William Jewell College, but as an ICPES student this past summer, she was finally exposed to the subject.
Professor Benjamin Powell of Suffolk University teaches the course “Comparative Economic Systems” at The Fund’s ICPES program. According to Powell, TFAS programs are important because they expose many intelligent and motivated students to ideas that they may not have learned through their college education – specifically the importance of free markets for a free and prosperous society.
“I was terrified when I walked in the first day of class, but Professor Powell is one of the most engaging and intelligent professors that I have ever had,” said Wright. “After the first day of class, I was up to speed and completely fascinated by economics.”
While economics courses are offered on every college campus, many students go out of their way to avoid what they view as a complicated and difficult class.
Armed with a newfound love for the subject, Wright returned to her home college where she planned to arrange her schedule to fit in a minor in economics before graduating in the spring. Her plans changed when she was offered a job with the Missouri public defender. Wright now plans to graduate early, but still has a strong interest in the subject.
“These are the types of results we want to see,” said Ream. “We wouldn’t be doing our jobs if we didn’t ignite a passion in our students by exposing them to new ideas.”
TFAS VIDEO GOES VIRAL
One reason students learn so much in their TFAS economics courses is because the professors strive to make their lessons as relevant as possible.
This video was made possible by the support of Robert Hoffman
Professor Andrew Morriss of the University of Alabama teaches economics at the TFAS program in Hong Kong. Morriss says he gets his points across through in-class games and experiments in places such as Hong Kong’s night market. “Through the experiments the students realize that we’re not just talking about abstract ideas,” said Morriss. “They see how the principles translate into action. That’s direct learning. It’s different than book learning. Doing the experiments reinforces the lessons from our discussions and lectures.” The goal of TFAS is to see its alumni in leadership positions equipped with the knowledge to serve as honorable leaders and to make a difference in the world.
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After the first day of class, I was completely fascinated by economics.” Through its enthusiastic alumni, such as recent IPJ graduate Sarah Pettit, TFAS foresees a bright future. “At first, I was intimidated. Why would I need such a course? But now, I feel that I have a broader understanding of something that affects everyone – our economy.”
www.TFAS.org/CapitalismVideo
How much would someone have to pay you to give up the Internet for the rest of your life? That’s the question TFAS asked in a YouTube video that went viral this summer. The video entitled “Would You Give Up the Internet for 1 Million Dollars?” was quickly picked up by the virtual community, receiving more than 66,000 YouTube views and over 3,000 Facebook shares since its launch in July. Behind the video’s head-scratching question is an important lesson on capitalism. “When I ask my students this question, they say, ‘you couldn’t pay me enough,’” said Professor Michael Cox, director of the O’Neil Center for Global Markets and Freedom at Southern Methodist University’s Cox School of Business. Cox, who is featured in the video, uses this question to demonstrate free-market economics in his classroom. “When a new product comes out we all get in line for it,” said Cox. “The wealthiest people are in the front of the line, and they pay the highest price and get the worst version of a product. The rich buy the products when they’re expensive, allowing companies to further develop the new technology, and that lets the rest of us enjoy the cheaper, better versions.” Shortly after its release, the video was reposted and shared across the Internet. More than 80 blogs and online news outlets featured the video such as FoxBusiness.com, Reason.tv, Cato@Liberty, BigGovernment.com, The Daily Caller and National Review Online. On July 15, it reached beyond cyberspace when it was featured on Fox Business network’s Freedom Watch With Judge Napolitano. “Through this video we are able to reach thousands, including those who may not have a strong grasp of the ideas of free markets and capitalism,” said TFAS President Roger Ream (E 76). “What’s also significant is that this video applies economics in a way that is relevant to everyone, including young people.” By continuing to utilize new technology, TFAS hopes to reach a much broader audience with its message. This past summer, TFAS provided a live webcast of a lecture given by retired TFAS professor George Viksnins on “The Future of Capitalism.” TFAS alumni, supporters and friends were invited to interact with Viksnins through online forums. Viewers could tweet or Facebook their questions to be answered by the celebrated economist. TFAS is also active on social media platforms, including Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn and Flickr. In 2010, TFAS launched the public policy blog Pileus. Since its debut, Pileus has received over 230,000 views and has been referred to by prevalent blogs, including The Economist’s Democracy in America.
CONNECT WITH TFAS ONLINE Facebook.com/TFASfan Twitter.com/TFAS_tweet TFAS.org/LinkedIn TFAS.org/video TFAS.org/photo PileusBlog.com
TFAS MAKES TRACKS OVERSEAS
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I not only gained knowledge about political economy but also skills to implement that knowledge. I learned the importance of networking and, of course, cultural tolerance.” 4
TFAStrack Newsletter
This summer TFAS brought together 308 students from the United States and abroad to its programs overseas for cross cultural exchange. The institutes, held in the Czech Republic, Greece and Hong Kong, prepared the diverse group of young people for leadership and the advocacy of freedom. “The (TFAS) experience was beneficial in so many ways,” said Cambodian student Vichhra Mouyly (HK 11). “I not only gained knowledge about political economy but also skills to implement that knowledge. I learned the importance of networking and, of course, cultural tolerance.”
INSTITUTES BREAKDOWN HONG KONG 2011 • 65 STUDENTS • This program welcomed students from countries throughout Asia, including China, Vietnam, Nepal, Cambodia, Sri Lanka, Malaysia, Indonesia and, for the first time, Burma. • An impressive lineup of lecturers spoke to the class, including president of the American Chamber of Commerce in Hong Kong Richard Vuylsteke, Asia business editor for the Economist Thomas Easton and the political officer at the U.S. Consulate in Hong Kong Elizabeth Hague. • New this year, the students took part in business case studies, where they researched and organized interviews with leaders in small industry. Each
group reported about the basic business condition, competition within each industry, and how the role of government impacts their ability to conduct business. •P rofessors Andrew Morriss and John Baker incorporated small group debates into their curriculum and promoted discussions after class, allowing students to discuss in depth the economic and political issues facing their countries. PRAGUE 2011 • 117 STUDENTS •S tudents represented 30 countries in Central and Eastern Europe. •P resident Boris Tadic of Serbia delivered the commencement address.
ALUMNI NOTES Photos left to right: AIPES student Hovsep Patvakanyan (Armenia) takes part in a class legislative simulation. | Serb President Boris Tadic greets AIPES students during the commencement reception.
Engalitcheff Institute on Comparative Political & Economic Systems..............E Institute on Business & Government Affairs................................................B Institute on Political Journalism................................................................J Institute on Philanthropy & Voluntary Service..............................................P American Institute on Political & Economic Systems (Prague)..........................A International Institute for Political & Economic Studies (Greece)........................I Asia Institute for Political Economy (Hong Kong).......................................HK
• Alumni from Romania, Hungary, Iran, Macedonia and The Netherlands participated in an alumni career panel where they offered advice and fueled discussions with the students. • Students attended guest lectures with U.S. ambassador to the Czech Republic Norman Eisen and former Czech Foreign Minister Cyril Svoboda. • A student-led fundraiser raised scholarship money for a student to attend AIPES in 2012. GREECE 2011 • 96 STUDENTS • The largest IIPES class to date welcomed students from 27 countries, including Egypt, Lebanon and Iraq. • Kolinda Grabar, assistant secretary general of NATO, was the guest of honor at the commencement ceremony. • The Bulgarian ambassador to the United States, the Serbian ambassador to France and the former Palestinian ambassador to Greece spoke on a diplomatic panel. PRAGUE JOURNALISM 2011 • 30 PARTICIPANTS • Young journalists and journalism students participated from countries across Europe as well as Pakistan, India, the Philippines, Cambodia and Egypt. • Participants visited Radio Free Europe/ Radio Liberty and Czech TV. • Guest lecturers and Professor Laura Kelly discussed topics such as photojournalism, new media and conflict reporting. Journalists from the BBC, Bloomberg and Transitions participated in panel discussions.
Capital Semester Spring..................................................................CSS Capital Semester Fall.......................................................................CSF European Journalism Institute (Prague).....................................................EJI Euro-Med Journalism Institute (Greece).............................................EMJI Legal Studies Institute.........................................................................LSI Institute for Leadership in the Americas (Chile)..........................................ILA
‘70s
Kathryn Stanko (E 72) is curator for The Art of John Pierce Barnes, an exhibition of Eastern Pennsylvania Impressionism, at the Salmagundi Club in New York. Michael Pollock (E 73) is a contributor to the Expert Series at Archives.com. Connie Moran (E 76) is running for state treasurer in Mississippi.
‘80s
Ellen Smith (J 87) won top honors for best analytical and interpretive reporting at the 35th Annual Conference of the Specialized Information Publishers Association.
‘90s
Craig Hymowitz (E 92) is senior vice president and associate general counsel at Sterne, Agee & Leach, LLC in Birmingham, Alabama. Michael Kelly (J 96) is a consul for management affairs at the U.S. Consulate General in Vancouver, British Columbia. Vladimir Vano (A 99) is the advisor for monetary affairs to the deputy minister and minister of finance of the Slovak Republic.
(l,-r.) Andrea Arceneaux (P 09) and Dana Richards (E 09) enjoy a rooftop reception during Alumni Weekend 2011 in Washington.
‘00s
Rasha K. Bader (I 00) is head of planning and project management at the Cancer Control Office at King Hussein Cancer Center in AmmanJordan. Mark Garrison (J 00) works for Deutsche Welle Radio in Germany through a Burns Fellowship. Amanda Smith-Teutsch (J 00) is the managing editor of Electronic Waste Journal and www.ewastejournal. com, where she covers the electronics recycling and electronics waste management industry.
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U.S. PROGRAMS SUMMER SNAPSHOT ECONOMICS & PUBLIC POLICY 2011 • 141 STUDENTS • The 2011 Walter Judd Freedom Award was presented to former U.S. Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld. • Students attended briefings at the International Monetary Fund, USAID, CIA, State Department, World Bank and Capitol. • Aldona Wos, former U.S. ambassador to Estonia, was one of many speakers headlining the Judd Lecture Series. JOURNALISM 2011 • 79 STUDENTS • IPJ students attended lectures with Pulitzer Prize-winning journalists from the Philadelphia Daily News; Fred Barnes, executive editor of The Weekly Standard; Jon Decker, White House correspondent for Reuters Television; and Mark Schoeff Jr. (J 89), a reporter for InvestmentNews. • Two students reported from the White House. • Forty alumni served as internship supervisors, mentors, speakers or small group hosts. BUSINESS & GOVERNMENT AFFAIRS 2011 • 78 STUDENTS • Sen. Mark Pryor (Ark.) was the guest of honor at the Congressional Scholarship Award Dinner. Also in attendance were Sen. Daniel Inouye (Hawaii), former Sen. Blanche Lincoln (Ark.), and the many corporate supporters of the IBGA program. • Students attended a panel on globalized government affairs with experts from Siemens, U.S. Steel, NASDAQ and International Paper. The group discussed the impact of government regulation on the ability to be competitive with the rest of the world. • Students learned about the relationship of the United States and the World Trade Organization during a site briefing at the Office of the United States Trade Representative. PHILANTHROPY & VOLUNTARY SERVICE 2011 • 85 STUDENTS • Students raised $4,325 through the IPVS class project. The money was donated as a grant to the educational nonprofit Beacon House. Photos top - bottom: 2011 ICPES student Amanda Scherb of Lafayette College (r.) meets former Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld during the annual Judd Award luncheon. | Former U.S. ambassador to Estonia Aldona Wos speaks to TFAS students. | (l.-r) 2011 IPJ student Veronica Adamcik of St. Edward’s University meets Rep. Mike Kelly (Pa.) during a site briefing on Capitol Hill.
• The class completed seven service projects and participated in site visits at Bread for the City and the Foundation Center. • Leslie Lenkowsky of Indiana University as well as the CEOs of United Way of the National Capital Area, Little Lights Urban Ministries and Horton’s Kids spoke during the IPVS Guest Lecture Series. LEGAL STUDIES 2011 • 43 PARTICIPANTS • Judge Douglas Ginsburg of the Federal Court of Appeals, D.C. Circuit and Judge Bob Cupp (E 71) of the Ohio Supreme Court served as guest lecturers. • Students attended an exclusive site briefing at the Supreme Court.
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TFAStrack Newsletter
Calleine Harms (E 08) is a program coordinator at The Association of Governing Boards. Gan Lu (HK 08) is an auditor at Price Waterhouse Coopers in Singapore. Rochelle Olson Muellenberg (B 08) is a sales and marketing administrative assistant at Waymouth Farms. Julio Nunez (J 08, ILA 09) is a bilingual teacher at ASPIRA Inc. of Pennsylvania. Andrew Powaleny (J 08) is deputy press secretary for the House Energy & Commerce Committee. Nicholas Ballasy (J 07) interviews actor and political activist Richard Gere on Capitol Hill about human rights in China. Ballasy is the Capitol Hill and political correspondent for The Daily Caller. | Judge Bob Cupp (E 71) of the Ohio Supreme Court speaks to ILA students at TFAS Headquarters this past summer.
Ibrahim Al-Marashi (I 01) is an assistant professor of Middle East history at California State University, San Marcos in San Diego. Dmitry Levit (A 01) is the general partner and managing director of Digital Media Partners LP in Singapore. Alberto De Puy (E 02) is serving as a policy advisor to Gov. Bobby Jindal (La.). Stefani Zimmerman (B 02) is communications director for Rep. Robert Dold (Ill.). Evan Herman (E 03) is director of business development for Margeno Hampshire Partners. Mariana Jacob (B 03) is a reporter at KFSN-TV, an ABC-owned station in Fresno, Calif. Adam Kwasman (CSF 04) is running for a seat in the Arizona House of Representatives in legislative district 26. Olesya Oleshko (EJI 04, A 09) is the social media editor for the Kyiv Post. Hichem Mezghani (I 05) is teaching human resources management at the Emirates College of Technology in Abu Dhabi. Inga Rey (A 05, E 06) is senior associate at the executive recruiting firm Korn/ Ferry International.
Silvia Susnjic (I 05) is a research manager for Wise Strategic Communication in Kabul. Rima Abou-Mrad (I 06) is the 2011-2012 president of the Rotaract Club of Beirut. Jessica Xan DeLoach (P 06) is senior director of policy and media at the Center for a Better South in Little Rock. Akl Fahed (I 06, P 07) is a post doctorate research fellow at Harvard University studying genetics of heart disease. Mehmet Ozkan (I 06) wrote a book called Foreign Policy After Tahrir Revolution. Katie Ballard (E 07) works in quantitative economics and statistics at Ernst & Young in Washington. Kyle Cormney (E 07) is a legislative assistant for Rep. Tom Price (Ga.). Irene Ndikumwenayo (I 07) is chief financial officer at Digitech in Rwanda. Jayne Miller (J 07) is a publications assistant at the International Foundation for Electoral Systems.
WE
ARE
Billy Blaustein (I 09) is a consultant for the Boston Consulting Group in Mexico. Katie Klatt (E 09) is an analyst at Crown Consulting Solutions, LLC. Devin Payne (P 09) is a health educator through AmeriCorps in Chicago.
‘10s
Nicole Langert (P 10) is donor relations project assistant at the University of Chicago Medical Center. Toni Manzella (P 10) is a crisis worker at The Women’s Center, Inc. in Carondale, Ill. Kara Pearce (P 10) is communications and publications coordinator at Westminster Presbyterian Church in North Carolina.
GIVE BACK TODAY!
“The lasting
impact TFAS has had on shaping me as an individual inspired me to give back. ” Madison Loeb (P 08)
ved Appro 5 80 S 30 TFA
www.TFAS.org/GiveBack
The FUND for AMERICAN STUDIES 1706 New Hampshire Avenue, NW Washington, DC 20009
SAVE THE DATES FOR
2012 TFAS EVENTS web: TFAS.org/events • email: jmack@TFAS.org • phone: 800.741.6964
Participate in the 45th Anniversary Spring Conference in Sonoma, Calif. Join supporters, alumni and TFAS leadership for exciting events and informative sessions with America’s leading experts on public policy. *
APR
20-22
JUN
9-19
NOV
15-16
Enjoy a 10-day voyage on the Baltic Sea with Fred Barnes and Roger Ream. Your journey will begin in Copenhagen, Denmark with stops at historic sites of the Cold War, including St. Petersburg, Russia. Visit the website at www.TFAS.org/cruise for more details.
Join TFAS for its annual Fall Leadership Conference in Washington, D.C. Gather in the nation’s capital for discussions with Washington insiders fresh off of the 2012 campaign trail. Attend exclusive site briefings, and get to know TFAS supporters, alumni, leadership and staff. *Sonoma photo: © Brent Miller, WineCountry.com