KU News Release

KU students earn credit working as interns for officials in Topeka

LAWRENCE — Eight undergraduates from the University of Kansas are earning credit this semester working as interns in Topeka.

Through KU’s Topeka Public Service Internship Program, the students work with elected officials, administrators and lobbyists to learn more about state government and public service.

Internships are offered during the spring semester of each year, usually beginning in January and continuing through the end of the legislative session. Most interns work for individual lawmakers, and their assignments vary from researching public policy issues to helping with constituent correspondence to committee work or bill tracking.

Burdett Loomis, professor of political science, directs the program. Each Thursday, Loomis and co-director Mary Galligan of the Legislative Research Department meet with the students for a seminar to review the progress of the 90-day legislative session. Many seminars include visits by a wide range of capital insiders, such as cabinet secretaries, Statehouse reporters and legislative leaders, who provide additional perspectives on state politics and policy making.

Students can earn three to nine hours of credit. They spend at least two days a week in Topeka. Interns are not paid, but they receive a stipend for expenses in commuting from Lawrence to Topeka.

The interns are listed by below by hometown, level in school, major, parents’ names, high school and internship assignment.

ALLEN COUNTY
From Iola 66749
Scott Robert Toland, junior in political science and journalism, son of John and Karen Toland; Iola Senior High School; internship with Sen. Derek Schmidt, R-Independence.

BUTLER COUNTY
From Augusta 67010 and Wichita
Tyler William Bindrum. SEE SEDGWICK COUNTY

CLOUD COUNTY
From Concordia 66901
Laura Renee Hansen, sophomore in design, daughter of Rose Hansen and Charles Hansen; Concordia High School; internship with Rep. Elaine Bowers, R-Concordia.

JOHNSON COUNTY
From Overland Park 66207
Mark James Drummond, senior in political science, son of James and Maria Drummond; Rockhurst High School, Kansas City, Mo.; internship with Sen. David Haley, D-Kansas City.

ROOKS COUNTY
From Stockton 67669
Grant Christopher Kollman, junior in history, son of Chris and Ginger Kollman; Stockton High School; internship with lobbyist Jonathan Small.

SEDGWICK COUNTY
From Wichita 67205
Christina Dawn Wood, senior in environmental studies, daughter of Roger and Jacolyn Wood; bachelor’s degree from KU; internship with Sen. Oletha Faust-Goudeau, D-Wichita.

From Wichita 67212 and Augusta
Tyler William Bindrum, senior in political science, son of Kenton Bindrum and Andrea Bindrum; Augusta High School; internship with Sen. Tom Holland, D-Baldwin City.

MISSOURI
From Carl Junction 64834
Emily Patricia Pinkerton, junior in history, daughter of Mark and Tess Pinkerton; Carl Junction R-I High School; internship with Sen. Dwayne Umbarger, R-Thayer.

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