Dreier Helps Celebrate CMC's 30 Years in D.C.

May 3, 2002

WASHINGTON, DC - Earlier this week Congressman David Dreier (R-San Dimas), Chairman of the House Rules Committee, helped his alma mater, Claremont McKenna College (CMC) celebrate the 30th anniversary of their Washington Semester Program. Dreier, who meets with the program's student participants every year, pointed to the value of real experience when studying the political process.

"These students benefit tremendously from their access to the real process, the real experience of seeing democracy in action," Dreier said. "At such a critical time in our nation's history, I'm glad CMC continues to give their students the chance to really be a part of the political process. As a proud alumnus of Claremont, I am especially pleased to help celebrate thirty years of this excellent program."

Also in attendance at Wednesday's celebration were former Congressman George Wortley (R-NY), Daryl Wold, former Chairman of the Federal Election Commission, CMC Government Professor Jack Pitney, and Pomona College Professor of Politics Rick Worthington. The students participating in the program are juniors at Claremont McKenna and mostly government majors. They are responsible for choosing and pursuing their own internships which range from government offices, such as The White House and Congress, to think tanks, such as Taxpayers for Common Sense. In addition to working as full time interns, the students take three classes on politics and government in the evenings. They are also responsible for finding housing, adding to their experience as working citizens of our nation's capitol.

Dreier, who received two degrees from Claremont McKenna and did an early internship as a student there, said he enjoyed visiting with the bipartisan group of college students. "Claremont has established a tradition of excellence with the Washington Semester Program. I always look forward to updates on the Program, and I especially enjoy the opportunity to spend time with the students. It's exciting to see young people so active in their pursuit of knowledge and experience."