This year, for the first time, the White House exposed the Institute’s scholars to its youngest African American staff members.

Tina Hervey, who has worked in the Office of Public Liaison and the Office of the Press Secretary, spoke to the students about her background and how she worked her way up from poverty to success at the White House. She also discussed her motivations for supporting President George W. Bush.

Paris Dennard, 22, discussed his experiences during the 2004 Election and his ensuing opportunity to work in the White House Office of Political Affairs.

Lucas Boyce, Deputy Associate Director of Public Liaison, spoke to the students about the importance of hard work and forging relationships. Boyce organized and hosted the briefing, which took place in the Indian Treaty Room, the most ornate and expensive room in the Eisenhower Executive Office Building.

Several treaties were signed in this room, including the Bretton Woods Treaty establishing the International Monetary Fund and the United Nations Charter. Additionally, President Eisenhower hosted the first “live” televised presidential press conference from the Indian Treaty Room on January 19, 1955. Today the room is used for meetings, receptions, and other ceremonies.