St. Cloud State University students recently spent three days in Washington D.C. as part of the fifth annual Washington Leadership Program.
The program was created in 2021 by Multicultural Student Services and the Center for International Studies. This year’s program was supported by the Center for Policy Research and Community Engagement and by HuskiesAdvance.
“This program exceeded our expectations by bringing together students from diverse majors, backgrounds, cultures and class years to learn with a shared goal: To grow as leaders both on campus and in their communities,” said Shahzad Ahmad, associate vice president of global engagement and Multicultural Student Services.
A highlight of the visit was a meeting with Congressman Tom Emmer (MN-06), who represents the area that includes St. Cloud State. He presented comments on “finding your why” in public service, a phrase from Simon Sinek’s book that helped inspire the program.
As the meeting with Rep. Emmer ended, members of the House Education Committee, including Chair Tim Walberg (MI-05) came into the room and students engaged with him. Rep. Michelle Fischbach (MN-07), an SCSU alumna, also stopped to visit with students.
“We are thrilled this program offers students a building block they have been looking for in their leadership development journey,” said Angie Witte, associate director of Multicultural Student Services. “It combines theory and praxis in one of our country’s most historic cities. Regardless of political views or background, each student has a powerful and transformative experience that will inform their futures for years to come.”
Students spent the first day touring with SCSU staff around the Ford Theater and the White House. They also visited places such as the Museum of African American History and the Library of Congress.
“Our students have come together to help each other find their identity and purpose as leaders,” said Dr. King Banaian, director of the Center for Policy Research and Community Engagement. “This helps fulfill the university’s mission to prepare them for life, work and citizenship in the 21st Century.”
