[Congressional Record Volume 159, Number 24 (Thursday, February 14, 2013)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E154]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




     KENT STATE UNIVERSITY'S WASHINGTON PROGRAM IN NATIONAL ISSUES 
                    CELEBRATES ITS 40TH ANNIVERSARY

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                             HON. TIM RYAN

                                of ohio

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, February 14, 2013

  Mr. RYAN of Ohio. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of Kent 
State University's Washington Program in National Issues, known as 
WPNI. On April 23, 2013 WPNI will celebrate its 40th Anniversary. This 
anniversary marks not only WPNI's 40th year in Washington, DC, but also 
symbolizes the impressive achievements of faculty, staff, alumni, and 
students who are and have been dedicated to the success of WPNI. Dr. 
Lester Lefton President of Kent State University has been a very strong 
supporter of the program and has contributed significantly to its 
continued success.
   WPNI has three primary objectives: (1) to facilitate learning of the 
U.S. political system and policy issues and its policy issues; (2) to 
develop and understanding of the interrelationship of public issues and 
structures of government; and (3) to encourage individual initiative 
and provide for experiences and research. Dr. Lefton and Dr. Richard 
Robyn the program's director have worked extremely hard to ensure that 
these objectives are met.
   WPNI is a full 15-week academic program offered each spring semester 
by Kent State University since its creation in 1973, WPNI has sent more 
than 600 selected juniors and seniors from various backgrounds and 
academic disciplines to Washington, DC to live, work, and study. 
Throughout the course of the program, students are required to 
participate in the academic curriculum and maintain an internship 
position in government, a company, or an organization of their choice. 
The academic and professional benefits this program brings to its 
students are extraordinary. At the same time government agencies, 
companies, and organizations benefit enormously. I know this first-hand 
because I have had the good fortune of having several students intern 
in my Washington office over the years.
   I commend Dr. Lefton, Dr. Robyn and those at Kent State involved in 
the continuation of this meaningful program. I also congratulate the 
students who have in the past 40 years taken part in this wonderful 
experience. I am certain that with continued support the Washington 
Program in National Issues will celebrate many more anniversaries to 
come.

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