June 18, 2003

Contact: Burdett A. Loomis, Department of Political Science, (785) 864-9033.

20 students participate in Washington, D.C., internship program

LAWRENCE -- Nineteen University of Kansas students and a Wichita State University student are in Washington, D.C., this summer to intern through the KU Department of Political Science.

Burdett A. Loomis, KU professor of political science, established the KU Washington, D.C., Internship Program in 1984.

Students in the program are responsible for finding their own internships, where they must work at least six weeks full time or eight weeks part time. KU students may receive up to six hours of credit. Class credit is determined by the intern's evaluation from his or her supervisor and the completion of a daily journal.

While in Washington, students are encouraged to attend programs and hear politicians speak.

"This represents a great opportunity for Kansas students to learn firsthand about both the politics and the culture of Washington," Loomis said.

Students must pay tuition costs, transportation, and room and board.

More than 400 students have participated in the program since 1984. The program is open to students from other universities.

Below are the KU students' names and their year in school and major, parents' names, and place and dates of internship. Most internships are in Washington, D.C.; other locations are noted.

BARTON COUNTY
From Great Bend
Bethany Baxter, junior in political science and international studies, daughter of Kevin and Jana Baxter; Chanute High School graduate; Common Cause, May 25-Aug. 3.

DOUGLAS COUNTY
From Lawrence
Mike Connolly, junior in political science and international studies with plans to study law, son of John and Heide Connolly; Lawrence High School graduate; American Federation of Teachers, May 26-early August.
Leah Cummings, junior in political science and journalism, strategic communications emphasis, daughter of Robert and Debra Cummings; Lawrence High School graduate; U.S. Rep. Dennis Moore, D-Kan.

JOHNSON COUNTY
From Olathe
Clay Britton, junior in history and international studies, son of Dave and Thea Britton; Olathe East High School graduate; U.S. Rep. Dennis Moore, D-Kan., May 27-Aug 8.
Glen Sears, senior in political science and economics, son of Garrett and Shirley Sears; Olathe South High School graduate; General Board of Church and Society, June 2-July 25.

From Overland Park
Kristin Maphies, senior in journalism, strategic communications emphasis, daughter of Mike and Maria Maphies; Blue Valley North High School graduate; U.S. Sen. Sam Brownback, R-Kan.

MCPHERSON COUNTY
From Beloit
Egan Waggoner, junior planning to study pharmacy, son of Rex and Pat Waggoner; Beloit High School graduate; U.S. Sen. Pat Roberts, R-Kan.

ROOKS COUNTY
From Plainville
Brad Nuckols, senior in accounting and business administration, son of Thomas and Cassandra Nuckols; Plainville High School graduate; U.S. Sen. Pat Roberts, R-Kan.

SEDGWICK COUNTY
From Wichita
Sam Ritchie, junior in political science with plans to study business administration, son of Jack and Louann Ritchie; Kapaun-Mt. Carmel High School graduate; White House political office, May 27-Aug. 8.
Mary Rowden, junior in journalism, strategic communications emphasis, daughter of Paul and Carolyn Rowden; Bishop Carroll High School graduate; U.S. Sen. Pat Roberts, R-Kan., July-August.

SHAWNEE COUNTY
From Topeka
Kathleen Daughety, freshman in political science and history, daughter of Ted and Laura Kelly Daughety; Topeka High School graduate; HILLPAC in New York City.
Cydney Fowler, junior in political science and communication studies, daughter of Kevin and Maire Fowler; Topeka High School graduate; Democratic National Committee, June-early August.
Mindy Robinson, senior in English, daughter of David and Jane Robinson; Cair Paravel-Latin High School graduate; U.S. Sen. Sam Brownback, R-Kan., May 27-July 3.

WYANDOTTE COUNTY
From Kansas City
Mark Dupree, junior in political science with plans to study law, son of Alvin and Linda Dupree; Wyandotte High School graduate; U.S. Sen. Sam Brownback, R-Kan., May 27-July 3.

ILLINOIS
From Peoria
Andrew Crouch, junior in American studies, son of Don and Phyllis Crouch; Richwoods High School graduate; U.S. Rep. Ray LaHood, R-Ill.

MINNESOTA
From Maple
Ryan Yaeger, junior planning to study law and medicine, son of Paul and Kathy Yaeger; Maple Lake High School graduate; U.S. Rep. Mark Kennedy, R-Minn., May 27-August.

MISSOURI
From St. Joseph
Molly McMurray, junior in political science and history with plans to study law, daughter of Bill McMurray; Central High School graduate; White House, Office of First Lady Laura Bush, May 27-Aug. 8.

OKLAHOMA
From Tulsa
Molly Barker, junior in journalism, strategic communications emphasis, daughter of John and Lucy Barker; Jenks High School graduate; U.S. Rep. Brad Carson, D-Okla., July 1-Aug. 15

TEXAS
From Baytown
James Denbigh, junior in political science, son of James and Donna Denbigh; Barber's Hill High School graduate; U.S. Rep. Nick Lampson, D-Texas, May 20-July 11.