newsarchive19-20

Scholars ask if America has a ‘national character’

Anonymous — Thu, 02 Apr 2020 22:47:43 +0000

Scholars ask if America has a ‘national character’ Anonymous (not verified) Thu, 04/02/2020 - 16:47

Colorado Arts and Sciences Magazine, March 31, 2020.

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CU Boulder Events go Virtual amid Coronavirus Cancellations

Anonymous — Wed, 01 Apr 2020 17:40:30 +0000

CU Boulder Events go Virtual amid Coronavirus Cancellations Anonymous (not verified) Wed, 04/01/2020 - 11:40

Katie Langford, March 31, 2020.

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Why Did the Wright Brothers Succeed When Others Failed?

Anonymous — Tue, 17 Mar 2020 19:59:01 +0000

Why Did the Wright Brothers Succeed When Others Failed? Anonymous (not verified) Tue, 03/17/2020 - 13:59

Shilo Brooks, March 14, 2020.

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You are the Hero We are Waiting For

Anonymous — Tue, 17 Mar 2020 19:55:56 +0000

You are the Hero We are Waiting For Anonymous (not verified) Tue, 03/17/2020 - 13:55

Danielle Allen, March 13, 2020.

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Who's Afraid Of Western Civ?

Anonymous — Tue, 17 Mar 2020 19:53:16 +0000

Who's Afraid Of Western Civ? Anonymous (not verified) Tue, 03/17/2020 - 13:53

Michael Poliakoff, March 11, 2020.

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CU in D.C. Student Interns on Capitol Hill Through Benson Center Grant

Anonymous — Fri, 03 Jan 2020 16:35:12 +0000

CU in D.C. Student Interns on Capitol Hill Through Benson Center Grant Anonymous (not verified) Fri, 01/03/2020 - 09:35

My time in Washington D.C. was extremely memorable and filled with extensive adventures, making the most of what such an incredible city has to offer. I came to D.C. to discover if my dream to become a foreign service officer is a worthwhile one. Because of the generosity of the Benson Center for the Study of Western Civilization, I feel that not only can I pursue such a career, but I was able to explore D.C. in ways I never thought were possible.

I interned at the American Academy of Diplomacy, where I worked with former Ambassadors and Secretaries of State to push American foreign policy agenda domestically and abroad. My work with the non-profit organization brought me all around Washington and the surrounding areas, including events at the US House of Representatives, the US Senate, the DACOR Bacon House, universities, the US Department of State, and Monticello. Working with a diplomatic organization in a time of Impeachment was especially rewarding because the Ukrainian dealings directly involved the State Department, and therefore some members of the American Academy of Diplomacy. I was able to get first hand accounts into what was going on during the hearings, and discuss the events candidly with Academy members, learning and gaining more insight. Undoubtably, my experience with this incredible non-profit organization allowed me to learn so much more about our federal government, and has greatly encouraged me to keep going down the path of the foreign service.

While in Washington, I made a great effort to make sure I saw all there was to offer. While I didn’t make it to all of the art museums (art isn’t entirely my thing) I made sure to visit almost all of the Smithsonians, monuments, memorials, museums, and historical and famous venues. I am quite passionate about US History, and I wanted to make sure I was able to see all of the important mementos to the founding of the United States. After becoming fast friends with the other members of the CU in DC program, I always had someone to explore with. My favorite memory is when two other friends and myself woke up extremely early (especially for college students), around 4:30/5am, to make it to a Supreme Court Oral Argument. One of my goals for my time in DC was to see Ruth Bader Ginsberg, as she is one of my personal heroes and feminist icons. We waited in line— freezing might I add, as none of us were quite prepared for the weather to get cold in DC— only to be told that there was only one more space in the Court when we were at the very front of the line. My friends so kindly encouraged me to go and leave them behind, and after a bit of arguing, I reluctantly, but excitedly, entered the Supreme Court. Unfortunately, Ginsberg was not on the bench this day due to a cold, but the experience was incredible and one I will never forget. I hope to go back to the Supreme Court soon and try again to see the notorious RBG in action.

My time in Washington has been so thought provoking, and from wandering the streets of Old Town Alexandria, the halls of Mount Vernon, and eating at the Ben Franklin State Dining Room (with Sec. Pompeo in the next room) I truly felt like I was following in our founding father’s footsteps. I can’t wait to return to D.C. one day to also make my mark, and I will never forget the kindness of the CU in D.C. program or the Benson Center for giving me the opportunity to do so. Thank you for making my semester unforgettable.

Skyler Nunn, CU in D.C. Internship Scholarship Recipient

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CU in D.C. Student Interns on Capitol Hill Through Benson Center Grant

Anonymous — Mon, 16 Dec 2019 22:36:59 +0000

CU in D.C. Student Interns on Capitol Hill Through Benson Center Grant Anonymous (not verified) Mon, 12/16/2019 - 15:36

Washington D.C. is unlike any other major city in the United States. In cities like New York, Chicago, San Francisco, and Los Angeles, the buildings are tall and the cities feel large.

However, in Washington the city feels smaller, but not by the size of the buildings, which are smaller compared to buildings in other major cities. It seems as if everyone’s networks are connected. Being from Sacramento everyone’s network coincides as well too. However, Washington feels like Sacramento on steroids. It was very unique to see that a lot of people in my network in Sacramento also knew people in D.C., and they helped me out during my time in D.C. I was very fortunate to be a recipient of the Snider Foundation’s scholarship. I was planning on cutting coupons during my time in Washington, however this scholarship allowed me to explore the city during my free time which I am grateful for.

I interned for the Republican Leader for the House of Representatives, Kevin McCarthy. This internship has been a blessing for me. My boss was in the news almost every day, and it was fascinating to see my work come to fruition in television news, newspapers, and online news sites. The policy staff taught me a lot and the experience I gained this semester is something I could never have received in a classroom. I also got to meet interesting people, such as former Speaker Newt Gingrich, Speaker Nancy Pelosi, Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, Mark Zuckerberg, and former California governor Arnold Schwarzenegger. I was also able to learn a great deal about agriculture policy in the federal government and the California state government, which is what I hope to work on in the future. Washington has also taught me to be on my toes at all times, and to say “yes” when an opportunity arises, and to not over think.

Another opportunity this internship has provided me was going on the House floor. To this day I believe if anyone has the opportunity to step foot on the House floor, they should drop everything they are doing and go. I was able to go a few times with staff. Every time I was able to go on the House floor it took my breath away. The amount of history that has gone in that chamber is unfathomable. Being able to sit in the same seats that members voted on to declare war, legislate the Great Depression and Recession, and the Civil Rights Act. It was also interesting hear all of the “insiders” stories that took place on the House floor. I was incredibly blessed to be able to go on the floor with staff. Not many other interns are able to do this.

Even though tomorrow is the last day of my internship, I still wish I could go to work next Monday. I also have to thank my parents who made a sacrifice by allowing me to do this program. They too are thankful for the Snider Foundation, for clearing up some space in my savings account for me to experience the city in more depth. I have gained invaluable experience this semester, made great connections, and had a great time during my time in Washington. I am very thankful for the CU in DC program, Rep. Kevin McCarthy and his staff, and the Snider Foundation.

Chase Davis, CU in D.C. Internship Scholarship Recipient

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CU in D.C. Student Interns on Capitol Hill Through Benson Center Grant

Anonymous — Mon, 16 Dec 2019 22:20:14 +0000

CU in D.C. Student Interns on Capitol Hill Through Benson Center Grant Anonymous (not verified) Mon, 12/16/2019 - 15:20

I have been living in Washington, D.C. for a little over a month and I continue to become more and more impressed with the city every day. The architecture is phenomenal, the diversity is empowering, and the overall professionalism makes me realize how lucky I am to have the opportunity to live in one of the most influential cities in the world.

As a double-major in Political Science and Ethnic Studies, I am intrigued by the day-to-day proceedings that occur in D.C. By studying political science, I learn more about the laws, globalization, development, and treatment of people within the United States and around the world. By studying ethnic studies, it allows me to expand my knowledge on racial, ethnic, religious, and gender minorities and their experiences within the United States and around the world, as well as the laws that either help them or inhibit them from living a fair life. As a CU in D.C. student, I have been given the incredible opportunity to experience what life is like in the place where all of these laws and policies are being developed and coming into fruition.

One of my favorite things about the city is its diversity. It is empowering to see people of minority races, ethnicities, and religions with positions in the government and private organizations where they are working to make a difference in this world. This gives me hope for the future—a future cleansed of racism and discrimination.

CU in D.C. is a wonderful program, from the housing to the local events to the classes that are offered. The class sizes are very small and intimate, which gives us students the chance to develop strong relationships with our professors. In addition to taking classes through CU in D.C., I am also working on an independent study with a professor on campus at CU because I am pursuing an Honors Thesis. My research is on the achievement gap, more specifically, the question of how does the familial, socioeconomic, and educational environment a student grows up in impact their academic performance? I am beyond lucky to live walking distance to the Library of Congress, a beautiful research library with an endless amount of books that I can use to further my studies.

The most favorable part about my experience in D.C. thus far has been my internship. I am working in the Director’s Office of the Peace Corps, where I am responsible for editing outgoing correspondence from the director to the White House, the US government, foreign governments and officials, and internal memos. Additionally, I prepare documents for FOIA (Freedom of Information Act) requests and I analyze the paper history of the Office of the Director from the 1960s until present-day in order to prepare documents for the National Archives. I absolutely love the office I work in—I am surrounded by people who are truly passionate about wanting to help those in underdeveloped countries. My internship is a very rewarding experience--I know that the work we do in this office is greatly impacting the lives of many people abroad.

I feel extremely lucky to have been given the opportunity to participate in CU in D.C., and am forever grateful for the scholarships I was rewarded that enabled me to do so.

Alana Horwitz, CU in D.C. Internship Scholarship Recipient

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Claremont Institute Awards Salvatori Prize to Benson Center Visiting Scholar in Conservative Thought & Policy Colleen Sheehan

Anonymous — Mon, 16 Dec 2019 21:53:09 +0000

Claremont Institute Awards Salvatori Prize to Benson Center Visiting Scholar in Conservative Thought & Policy Colleen Sheehan Anonymous (not verified) Mon, 12/16/2019 - 14:53

The Claremont Institute has announced Dr. Colleen A. Sheehan as the 21st recipient of the prestigious Henry Salvatori Prize. The Henry Salvatori Prize in the American Founding was established at the Claremont Institute in 1997 by a gift from philanthropist and conservative leader Henry Salvatori. It is presented annually to an individual who has distinguished himself or herself by an understanding of, and actions taken to preserve and foster the principles upon which the United States was built.

Sheehan is the 2019-20 CU Boulder Benson Center for the Study of Western Civilization’s Visiting Scholar in Conservative Thought & Policy.

Sheehan is professor of political science at Villanova University and director of the Matthew J. Ryan Center for Free Institutions and the Public Good.

Sheehan has served in the Pennsylvania House of Representatives, and was a Pennsylvania gubernatorial appointee to the Pennsylvania State Board of Education, and to the Governor's Advisory Committee on Academic Standards.

Past recipients of the Salvatori Prize include Michael Uhlmann, Thomas West, William B. Allen (Benson Center 2018-19 Visiting Scholar in Conservative Thought & Policy and 2019-20 Senior Scholar in Residence), Peter W. Schramm, John Eastman, John Marini, Mark Helprin, George Will, John Bolton, Harold Rood, Lawrence Kudlow, Mark Steyn, Angelo Codevilla, Brit Hume, Ed Meese, James Rogan, William F. Buckley, Jr. and Harry Jaffa.

Sheehan received the prize at on November 16, 2019 at The Claremont Institute's Alumni Retreat and Salvatori Dinner in Washington DC. Click here to access her remarks, entitled Something to Say to the Sphinx, in the Claremont Institute's online publication, The American Mind.

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Marcy and Bruce Benson Named 2020 Citizens of the West

Anonymous — Thu, 21 Nov 2019 20:48:42 +0000

Marcy and Bruce Benson Named 2020 Citizens of the West Anonymous (not verified) Thu, 11/21/2019 - 13:48

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