Today, alumni arrived in Washington, DC to celebrate the Institute’s sixth alumni weekend. After checking into their rooms at American University, they joined the current scholars at Ascension, networking event established during the summer of 2005 by Institute scholars who wanted to bring together interns working in Washington for a night of fun. At Ascension, alumni had the chance to reconnect with fellow alums while at the same time networking with current scholars and their guests.

On Friday morning, alumni held their second alumni board meeting where they elected the first board to the Alumni Association. After the board was elected the alumni began strategize how they planned to demonstrate their support for the program. From this discussion, alumni agreed to raise money for the program’s general support while also mentoring and recruiting scholars.

Later on in the afternoon, alumni, scholars, and staff traveled to Bon Air Park in Arlington, VA for a barbeque. While there, current scholars and alumni held a tennis and basketball tournament.

On Saturday, alumni and scholars met again for a group discussion led by Mr. Bill Keyes. In the discussion, Mr. Keyes delivered a speech, in which he highlighted the importance of building strong bonds between alumni and scholars. He stated that the program cannot sustain itself without the support of its participants. The lecture was followed by dinner, in which the Institute’s friends were invited to join the scholars and alumni for good food, games, and casual conversation.

On Sunday morning, current scholars and the alumni attended the Alfred Street Baptist Church in Alexandria, VA, the home church of Mr. Keyes. After listening to an inspiring sermon, the scholars joined Mr. Keyes and staff for an afternoon dinner where current and former scholars came together one last time to share their favorite memories from the weekend.