Washington Memories

We recently reached out to NWU alumni who participated in CHIP (Capitol Hill Internship Program), formerly known as the Washington Semester. We collected their memories and asked them to tell us what they're doing today and how NWU and their D.C. experiences helped them on that path. It's been over 60 years since this program first began, so needless to say, we uncovered some incredible memories. Below are two responses. 

If you participated in CHIP and haven't yet submitted your memory, you can do so here. For questions, contact Shana Perry Arnold at sperry [at] nebrwesleyan.edu (sperry[at]nebrwesleyan[dot]edu).

"Our class was present during the Bay of Pigs confrontation. It was frightening and interesting at the same time. We met with many of the Kennedy department heads and saw or met the President, his wife and brothers, Ted and Robert.

All of the professors I worked with left a positive impression on me. Their open and caring attitude helped me face important decisions later in life. After graduating from Wesleyan I taught school in Nebraska and became politically active.

In 1968 I ran as a statewide delegate for Robert Kennedy to the 1968 National Convention in Chicago, which I attended. Later that year I worked in a congressional campaign and for the Nebraska Democratic Party under Hess Dyas, another Wesleyan graduate. In 1973 I was elected State Chairman and served on the Democratic National Committee for 10-years. In 1976 I served as co-chair of the National Convention and presided over many parts of the Convention.

Presently I work as a contractor with the Department of Homeland Security."

- Richard L. White ('64)

"My experience in D.C. with the NWU Capitol Hill Internship Program was unmatched compared to any of my other experiences at NWU. I served as an Advocacy Intern, basically a lobbyist, with National Peace Corps Association. I never expected myself to enjoy lobbying, but I absolutely loved it. I met such incredible connections throughout my time in D.C. that actually helped me right after I graduated from NWU. Because of my experiences with National Peace Corps Association, I decided to serve as a Peace Corps Volunteer in Fiji immediately after graduation.

One of the best parts about living in Washington D.C. is the diversity of the area. I can walk outside my front door at the same time every day but continue to meet new people (and eat new foods!). During my time in The District I met Palestinian refugees, Moroccan diplomats, and more Congressional Representatives than I knew were serving!

Having just graduated in May 2018, I just departed to serve as a Youth and Development Peace Corps Volunteer in Fiji. I have two more years here, but I'm excited to see how my experience at NWU will serve me next! As a young adult, I'm proud of how much cultural exchange I've experienced. At twenty-two years old, I've visited eight different countries within four different countries/regions of the world. The best part about these travels isn't what I gain, but the fact I have often been able to give back by teaching English and sharing American values with my host countries."

- Samantha Mareno ('18)