Behind the Scenes Experience
Titan student ambassadors head to Washington, DC
A college education can deliver experiences that have a long-lasting impact. Four students from IU South Bend have new perspectives after engaging with federal lawmakers during a trip to the nation’s capital.
James Schultz, Emilee Edmonds (BS ‘24), Ashley Rose (BA ’23), and Joe Kurtz joined Chancellor Susan Elrod, American Democracy Project (ADP) Director Elizabeth Bennion and Vice Chancellor for University Relations and Advancement Rob DeCleene (BS ’94) on a trip to Washington, DC.
The students brought a variety of perspectives about campus life with them as they interacted with local lawmakers. Kurtz is an elementary education major who has worked with the ADP group on campus. Edmonds was president of the Student Government Association and graduated in May. Schultz, a criminal justice major, recently added a second major in political science. Rose graduated in December with a degree in political science.
“I was honored to advocate for IU South Bend overall and learn the way that scientists like me can have an impact on higher education,” Edmonds said. “It’s changed my outlook on a career. I’m more excited to get to work with schools and education. That’s not exactly what you do in Washington, but I’m excited to advocate for schools and higher education.”
While in the capitol, they met with Representative Rudy Yakym (AS ’09; BS ’11) and Senators Todd Young and Mike Braun to update them on developments at IU South Bend and to discuss critical state and federal laws shaping regional public universities.
Its extremely important for our elected officials to speak with our students and see how their support of our campus results in the aspirations and impressive successes of our Titans,” said Chancellor Susan Elrod. “Experiences like this also expand the understanding that our students have of potential careers and the impact they can have on the world around them.”
Schultz said interacting with the politicians was eye-opening and he was grateful to experience a personal tour of the Capitol with Representative Yakym.
“I could see how passionate he was for our campus and for us. I haven’t really seen that from a politician. Experiencing that first-hand was amazing,” Schultz said. “He’s really excited about this university and what students are achieving, and I could feel the passion he has for Congress.”
It’s those types of interactions organizers were hoping the students would get during the trip.
“These are students who have been working to get people on campus involved in the political process, but they’ve not been to Washington, DC to experience the process in person,” Bennion said. “We wanted them to have the experience of talking to their representatives at a national level.”
Bennion said the students helped strengthen the campus relationship with elected officials, were able to experience first-hand how conversations with elected officials happen and see how university representatives lobby for the campus.
“We do a lot of classroom work, but they got to practice advocacy. Hopefully, they now feel empowered to advocate for issues that are important to them,” Bennion said.
The students also spent time visiting the IU headquarters in Washington, DC and met several alumni who work directly for members of Congress, lobbyists, attorneys, and technology specialists – each of whom have found their own way to shape public policy and make a positive difference in people’s lives. During a visit with someone from the Brookings Institution, they learned about the lobbying process and working for a “think tank.”
Schultz said the trip was an eye-opening experience for him.
“It was interesting to meet with IU alums who are working in DC and get insight from them. The city is not just for politics. I think it’s important for students to gain that insight and experience,” he said. “I think it’s about learning the practical life experiences you can’t get from a lecture or book. It helps you see what possibilities are out there. I’ve had a chance to meet local candidates through ADP, but in DC, there are a lot of people working in the field to achieve their goals.”
The trip sparked new interests for Schultz, who may pursue a political internship before he graduates in 2025.
“It’s definitely on my radar now. The trip opened my view to things outside of criminal justice,” he said.
Bennion said the trip was prompted by Representative Yakym, who encouraged a visit by the local students.
“He is a proud IU South Bend alum and took us under his wing. He took us to places that are normally 'members only.' The students saw someone who graduated from their alma mater in that setting. I think it's important for them to see what fellow grads have done with their degree,” she said.
But it’s not just politics that will be impacted by the trip. Kurtz plans to translate his experience into lessons for his future classroom.
“The idea of citizenry is valuable. I want to instill that wherever I can. I want to help my students understand they have rights and responsibilities,” Kurtz said, adding he also knows the benefits of field trips for students.
“If you can let them see people doing their jobs, it can make a big impact. Giving students the opportunity to get outside the classroom can really help them understand the world around them,” he added.
Bennion said she hopes the students have a better understanding of ways they can work in areas outside of politics and help shape policies and push ideas. That’s just the insight Edmonds said she gained.
“We were going there to advocate for students. It’s important for all students to see how alums are impacting higher education,” she said. “I would not be where I am without scholarships and the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid), so being able to talk with our representatives about the importance of that -- I know a lot of people on our campus would not be here without that kind of federal and state funding.”
The trip was a pilot program for the campus. Organizers hope it leads to future experiences for students.
“We want to create a network for our students who are interested in working in DC, so they have contacts and connections once they get there,” Bennion said.
“I walked away with a lot of civic pride and excitement for the future of our country and the role youth will play in that,” Edmonds said. “It was exciting to be in a place where everyone is working on shaping the future of our country and to see what people from Indiana can do to shape that.”
