Twenty students in the John C. Stennis-G.V. “Sonny” Montgomery
Association at Mississippi State University will be in Washington,
D.C. this week during one of the most dramatic times in the
nation’s recent history.
The 2003 MSU Stennis-Montgomery Washington travel group consists
of students that come from various different types of declared
majors but are united by their interest in politics and
government.
Though the dates of their visit were set long in advance, the
student group’s visit to Capitol Hill takes place during the
beginning of the United States-led military effort to oust Iraqi
dictator Saddam Hussein.
Due to the announcement of U.S. plans for war made by President
Bush this week, several students going on the trip expressed the
possibility that this may affect the D.C. trip by exposing them to
increased protesting and demonstrations in addition to the
possibility of facing greater problems with transportation as a
result during the trip.
One student, Timothy Jackson, secretary of the SMA, remarked,
“We will be on a high state of alert in D.C. because of the war. As
a result, the trip will probably be a great opportunity to see
lobbyists and demonstrators at work within our nation’s
capitol.”
Marty Wiseman, executive director of MSU’s John C. Stennis
Institute of Government, gave reassurance on how the organizers of
the trip had taken every step possible to ensure a safe trip,
stating, “My number one priority as a faculty advisor is that
everyone must be safe. That said, with the program scheduled, it
should be an interesting and safe learning experience.”
Named for two prominent MSU alumni who spent decades in the
United States Congress, the association was formed several years
ago to promote and provide a deeper understanding of public service
and the political process among students at the state’s largest
university.
The organization has nearly 60 members, many enrolled in
academic majors other than political science. The most active
participants are rewarded with the Washington trip by earning
points through attending various functions and community service
events such as voter registration drives and the organizations
bi-monthly meetings as well.
Marty Wiseman and institute research analyst Stephen Williams
both serve as advisers for the organization and will accompany the
students.
“Washington, D.C. is a vortex of opinions where students can
learn a lifetime about politics and the way our government works in
a week rather than in two semesters at a college class,” Wiseman
said regarding the purpose of the trip. “Being able to see MSU
people working on Capitol Hill should help encourage our students
who are interested in working for the government and politics, and
this year we have a good deal of alumni working in D.C. that are
scheduled to speak with the students.”
On Thursday morning, March 20, the students will join former
Stennis staff members Nick Glaskas, John Pritchard and Frank
Sullivan for a discussion of the legendary Mississippi politician’s
career as one of America’s most powerful and respected legislative
leaders. Later that day, Jack Oliver, deputy chair of the
Republican National Committee, will share his party’s plans for
retaining control of the White House and both houses of
Congress.
The concluding Thursday event will be a Capitol Hill reception
honoring 1973 MSU graduate Marsha W. Blackburn of Somerville, Tenn.
A former Tennessee film and music commissioner and Republican state
senator, Blackburn was elected last year to represent the Volunteer
State’s 7th District in the U.S. House of Representatives.
The program, which now marks the fifth year for
Stennis-Montgomery members to visit Washington, D.C., has led
several students going on the trip to develop various expectations
on what their experience will be like.
“I am looking forward to seeing MSU alumni that work in D.C. I
am also excited about networking opportunities,” senior political
science major James Cresswell said.
“While I am a bit scared about the current state of world
affairs, I believe this will be one of the most exciting times to
visit Washington,” remarked Jane Anna Harris, also a senior in
political science. “I am particularly looking forward to the
opportunity to visit with our Mississippi delegation and get their
opinions and views of the imminent war with Iraq.”
“I hope all students will make note of the incredible
opportunity to get involved with the Stennis-Montgomery
Association. I believe it is one of the most progressive and
worthwhile organizations on campus,” she continued.