VCU news

By Mike Porter

RICHMOND, Va. (Jan. 10, 2006) -- Six Virginia Commonwealth University students and four students from other Virginia colleges and universities will represent Central Virginia in the L. Douglas Wilder School of Government and Public Affairs Virginia Capital Semester program.  

They join 20 other students from accredited Virginia public and private colleges and universities accepted into the program who will spend at least 20 hours a week as interns for state lawmakers during the 2006 Virginia General Assembly session. They will also participate in a policy-making seminar at the State Capitol.

Brian Fayman is a senior at VCU who is studying psychology. He is from Richmond and has been assigned to work with Fairfax Sen. Janet D. Howell, D-32nd.

Kristy Joplin is a senior at VCU who is studying political science. She is from Richmond has been assigned to work with James City Sen. Thomas K. Norment, Jr., R-3rd.

Nathaniel Kenser is a junior at VCU who is studying criminal justice. He is from Richmond and has been assigned to work with Bath Sen. Creigh R. Deeds, D-25th.

Heidi Schlicher is a senior at VCU who is studying public relations. She is from Richmond and has been assigned to work with Virginia Beach Delegate Harry R. Purkey, R-82nd.

Setarah Sabrina Taghizadeh is a junior at VCU who is studying political science. She is from Richmond and has been assigned to work with Richmond Delegate Dwight C. Jones, D-70^th.

Jessica Wingfield is a senior at VCU who is studying political science and international studies. She is from Ashland and has been assigned to work with Spotsylvania Sen. R. Edward Houck, D-17th.

Lauren Frohne is a junior at George Mason University who is studying political science. Frohne is from Midlothian and has been assigned to work with Newport News Delegate Mamye E. BaCote, D-95^th.

Anny Kim is a junior at the University of Virginia who is studying history. She is from Midlothian and has been assigned to work with Virginia Beach Delegate Robert Tata, R-85^th.

Carlyle Powell is a sophomore at Longwood University who is studying economics. Powell is from Richmond and has been assigned to work with Gloucester Delegate Harvey Morgan, R-98^th.

Lindsay York is a senior at Virginia Tech who is studying consumer studies. York is from Mechanicsville and has been assigned to work with Chesapeake Sen. Harry B. Blevens, R-14^th.

Virginia Capital Semester is a competitive program that attracts top students from around the state. Participants are selected by a committee of faculty members and state officials. The qualifying student does not have to be a political science major, but preference is given to students with advanced sophomore, junior or senior standing.

This year 19 VCU students and 11 students from seven other colleges and universities have been accepted into the program. Students are encouraged to take additional courses during the semester. Credits earned at VCU can be transferred to the student’s home college or university.

“I had no idea how fast paced this environment is,” said Anton Daniel, who participated as a VCU student in 2004. “No amount of classroom time would equal up to what I have learned in the short amount of time I have been at the General Assembly Building.”

Enrollment in next year’s Virginia Capital Semester program is now open. For consideration, interested students must complete an application form, and provide a current college or university transcript and a letter of endorsement from a faculty member. The deadline for applications for next year’s program is Oct. 1, 2006.

For More Information or to arrange an interview with a participating student:

Contact:  Jennifer L. Thompson
Virginia Capital Semester
Virginia Commonwealth University
L. Douglas Wilder School of Government and Public Affairs
P.O. Box 842028
923 West Franklin Street
Richmond, Virginia 23284
Phone: (804) 828-2339
E-mail: jlthompson2@vcu.edu