Today, the Institute was brought to a close with a ceremony in which the seniors were congratulated for their success in their classes, internships and other activities. Each graduating senior stood before the audience assembled at the Four Seasons Hotel in Georgetown as the Institute’s president, William Keyes, read his bio and presented him with a diploma and lapel pin. Keyes was joined in the presentations by professors William Allen and Thomas Rustici. The two professors also gave brief remarks.
This ceremony was the first that was attended by the parents of every graduating senior. Some came from as far away as California. Also in attendance were donors, including Diana Davis Spencer of the Shelby Cullom Davis Foundation and Richard Walker, Vice President for Corporate Giving at Friedman Billings Ramsey. Spencer and Walker were presented gifts as tokens of appreciation for their support since the Institute’s founding. The gifts were group photos of current students and alumni taken on the Georgetown University campus during alumni weekend. The seniors also presented gifts to Keyes, Allen and Rustici, Institute staff, and the three Summer Fellows—Christopher Binns, Bernard Holloway and Fred Jones—who graduated one year ago.
A special feature of this year’s graduation was music performed by five Institute scholars. They opened the event with the National Anthem and Lift Every Voice and closed it with an improvisational piece that included all five singing, plus piano and beat box. The music was upbeat, causing everyone to leave on a most festive note.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: ADAM L. BARR
WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 28, 2007
(202) 659-2831
THE INSTITUTE FOR RESPONSIBLE CITIZENSHIP ANNOUNCES CLASS OF 2007-2008
WASHINGTON- The Institute for Responsible Citizenship today announced the names of 24 college sophomores and juniors who will participate in its intensive leadership program in Washington, DC. These gentlemen represent the best of hundreds of exceptional applications received this year from colleges around the country.
The Institute for Responsible Citizenship has admitted twelve exceptional minority male students each year for its two-summer program at Georgetown University since 2003. This year, the number of students has been increased to twenty-four so that more young leaders can be positively impacted by the program. This expansion will allow the Institute to inspire and train more bright young men to be the principled leaders of tomorrow.
“Each year, our students arrive in Washington, DC for intensive internships, rigorous courses at Georgetown University, and leadership training. The classes give them the fundamental constitutional and economic principles they will need to be great leaders,” said Institute founder William Keyes. Students live on campus in university housing provided by the Institute during the program. When not at work or in class, students are treated to intimate meetings with high-level government officials, which in past years have included Supreme Court Justices, the Secretary of State, U.S. Senators, U.S. Congressmen, and business leaders.
This year’s cohort of students, with a mean GPA of 3.6, is the largest and most diverse to date. The young men hail from nearly every region of the country, including the Deep South, Midwest, Mid-Atlantic, and the Northeast. They come from Ivy League schools, historically black colleges, large public universities, and small liberal arts colleges. Among the twenty-four students admitted are two Eagle Scouts, a renowned pianist, and the University of Maryland’s Student Regent.
Their biographies provide further information about each of the newly accepted gentlemen that will take part in the Institute this summer.
###
During a luncheon celebration at the Four Seasons Hotel in Georgetown, the members of the senior class were congratulated for their accomplishments over the past two summers. The young men have taken demanding courses, worked at full-time internships, and attended numerous meetings, tours, workshops and other events. They were offered the opportunity to participate in the Institute after being selected from an impressive pool of applicants from colleges and universities all over the United States.
The ceremony was attended by parents, Professors Bill Allen and Tom Rustici, donors and internship supervisors. This year’s occasion was also highlighted by musical presentations by Institute students and alumni Steven Ward (’04), Ashley Simms (’06) and John Harper (’07).
Each student was given a diploma and a lapel pin.
The National Society of Collegiate Scholars recognizes outstanding academic achievement among students in their freshman and sophomore years of college. The organization’s mission statement indicates that it is committed to “Honoring and inspiring academic excellence and engaged citizenship for a lifetime,” making the goals of NSCS the same as those of the Institute for Responsible Citizenship. Each year, NSCS assists our recruiting efforts by promoting the Institute to their eligible members. Institute scholars who attend universities where no NSCS chapters exist serve as catalysts for starting chapters. Today’s ceremony was held at the offices of the Washington law firm, Epstein Becker & Green.
Institute senior, Christopher Binns, is a recipient of the 2006 Distinguished Collegian Award on behalf of the Alpha Phi Alpha Education Foundation, Inc.
The Alpha Phi Alpha Education Foundation, Inc. is a non-profit organization that serves as the charitable division of the Fraternity. Their focus is on scholarships, training programs, and development for its members.
For over 20 years, the Foundation has honored brothers who have exemplified outstanding scholarship, community service, and leadership within their fraternity chapter and campus community. This year there are 16 recipients from around the country.
Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. was the first fraternity founded for African Americans in 1906 at Cornell University in Ithaca, NY. Some famous members of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. include W.E.B DuBois, Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., Paul Robeson, and Thurgood Marshall.
Chris is a member of the Beta Gamma Chapter at Virginia State University. He has served as historian and corresponding secretary for the Chapter. Currently he serves as the step master and associate editor of the Sphinx, one of the world’s preeminent fraternal magazines. Chuck Redmond, an Institute junior, is also a member of the fraternity.
This year the fraternity will celebrate its 100th Anniversary, with a Centennial Convention taking place in Washington, D.C. July 25-30th, during which Chris will accept his award.
Institute alumnus Darius Graham (pictured at right with fellow Florida A&M students at a Books All Around library in Tallahassee, FL) was featured in a College Bound Teen Magazine article entitled, “Big Name, Big Deal.” The story posed the argument that students don't need to go to big name schools to create names for themselves.
College Bound Teen Magazine is one of the most popular college advice magazines in the country. It has rapidly gained popularity among high school juniors and seniors. With a growing online readership, College Bound Teen is significantly impacting important decisions that high school students make every year.
In the article, Darius points out that his attendance at Florida A&M University gave him a great opportunity to implement his program, Books All Around (more details on page 15). While the original plan was to distribute books solely around the Tallahassee area, Darius's bigger plans led to a nationwide effort.
Mike Varner (pictured below), a member of the class of 2006, was selected as 2006-2007 Fellow with the Center for the Study of the Presidency.
Founded in 1965, The Center for the Study of the Presidency is a non-profit, non-partisan organization that researches issues concerning the modern presidency.
The Center Fellows Program is a highly prestigious initiative that offers 65 undergraduate and graduate students from top colleges and universities, a year-long opportunity to study the presidency, public policy, and the relationship between the executive and legislative branch. The Center’s main goal of fostering a new generation of national leaders committed to public service aligns nicely with the mission of the Institute.
With a location in Washington, D.C., the fellows receive first-hand experience with personal briefings by national media representatives, networking opportunities with decision makers, and a chance to closely study the policymaking process.
During the academic year, each student researches, writes, and presents an original paper on an issue of the modern presidency that will be published by the Center. Mentorship from the government and public policy community is provided to help the fellows define their proposals, support the writing and editing process, and bring their proposal to publishing standards.
Fred Jones won the NCAA Division III Men's Championship in the triple jump with a school record of 49 feet, 7 inches. He placed second at the same competition last year and third as a freshman at Tufts. Fred is a seven-time All American, four for the triple jump and three for the long jump. He is also captain of the team, due to the fact that he's been the team's Most Valuable Athlete every year.
Of course Fred is not merely a great athlete. If that were the case he wouldn't be part of our program. In addition, he's an honor student and member of the Tufts Pre-legal Society. Fred is one of the most likable guys you'll ever meet and has a heart of gold. He epitomizes the Institute Scholar.
Darius Graham was presented with a Points of Light Award from Florida Governor Jeb Bush today. Among his many other activities, his work with Books All Around prompted the Governor to give him the award. John Marks, mayor of Tallahassee presented Darius with the award during a ceremony to donate a library of books to the Lawrence-Gregory Community Center in the city. The presentation caught Graham off guard, since he was under the impression that he was there to introduce the mayor and talk about the benefits of reading.
Institute scholar Darius Graham was named to the All-USA College Academic First Team by USA Today for his exemplary service and academic achievement. The 17th annual undergraduate award program drew over 600 nominations this year, with Darius joining the ranks of the top 20. Members of the First Team receive a $2500 prize and a trophy. More information on Darius and his many accomplishments can be found on his profile page.
|
During a luncheon celebration at the Park Hyatt Hotel in Washington’s West End, the members of the senior class were congratulated for their accomplishments over the past two summers. In the presence of their families, they were reminded what had been required of them -- two summers of full-time internships, three demanding courses, and perfect attendance at numerous meetings, tours, workshops and other events. Almost all of these events took place with them wearing suits and ties in temperatures close to 100 degrees. Through it all, they more than persevered. As a result, they are better prepared to take on the leadership roles for which they were destined. They were also reminded of the high expectations that we have of them.
Each student was given a diploma and a lapel pin.
Biographies of the graduates.
|
The National Society of Collegiate Scholars is an honors organization which recognizes outstanding academic achievement among students in their freshman and sophomore years of college. The organization’s mission statement indicates that it is committed to “Honoring and inspiring academic excellence and engaged citizenship for a lifetime.” This makes NSCS a compatibale partner for the Institute for Responsible Citizenship. Each year, NSCS assists our recruiting efforts by promoting the Institute to eligible NSCS members. This year, two students were selected from NSCS member applications – Joseph Jenkins of the University of Pittsburgh and Ashley Simms of the University at Albany.
Today, the remaining members of the junior class were inducted into NSCS during a luncheon ceremony held at the offices of the Washington law firm, Epstein Becker & Green.
On July 30, nine students were honored at a special graduation ceremony at the Four Seasons Hotel in Georgetown. The three hour event consisted of a luncheon, acknowledgement of special guests, and remarks by Institute president William A. Keyes. Professors William B. Allen and Thomas C. Rustici also addressed the graduates.
Each student was recognized for his achievements during his two years in the Institute and presented with a diploma and Institute pin. As members of the inaugural class the students also signed the Institute's charter. Parents, friends, and members of the junior class also signed the charter as witnesses.