23 February 2022 • Alums Perspectives from the Hill

Current and former U.S. Congressional Representatives, including HWS alums, joined members of the campus community for a panel discussion on careers in the nation’s capital.

During this year’s Day on the Hill program, students engaged with three long-time Congressmen on topics such as climate change, foreign policy and bipartisanship — as well as advice on how to land that first internship — in the virtual forum, “Perspectives from the Hill: Thought-Leaders Panel Discussion.”

The annual Day on the Hill program offers Hobart and William Smith students a behind-the-scenes look at governmental organizations, nonprofits and NGOs in Washington, D.C. Participants attend talks by politicians and alums, network and explore internship and job opportunities, and gain insight into politics and public policy.

“Perspectives from the Hill” featured:

  • Congressman Alan Lowenthal ’62, the Democratic U.S. House Representative from California’s 47th Congressional District;
  • former Congressman Rodney Frelinghuysen ’69, L.H.D. ’01, a Republican who served New Jersey’s 11th district from 1995 to 2019;
  • Congressman Tom Reed, a Republican representing New York’s 23rd district (which includes Geneva);
  • and Associate Professor of Political Science DeWayne Lucas.

Professor Emeritus of Political Science Joe DiGangi served as moderator and closing remarks were offered by President Joyce P. Jacobsen.

During the wide-ranging conversation, the Congressmen touched on what drew them to public service (including their experiences as students), as well as legislative issues such as climate change and infrastructure; the value of internships; and the importance of compromise.

Watch the full event.

“Perspectives from the Hill” was sponsored by the Office of Advancement and the Salisbury Center for Career, Professional, and Experiential Education.