This past summer, the Center for Citizenship & Constitutional Government supported six Notre Dame students as they headed to Congress to learn, grow, and become better stewards of American democracy. The CCCG awarded funding for Congressional internships, research, and service to Benjamin O’Brien ‘29, Ryan Walsh ‘27, Donal Connaughton ‘27, Michael Fishburne ‘28, Tucker Leck ‘29, and Sean Utrie ‘28.
The CCCG strives to facilitate the growth and development of students’ interest in politics and the common good, and support transformative internships that will shape their futures. As the summer draws to a close, these six students reflected on their experiences, both academic and personal, in pursuing passions and interests in government and public service.
Benjamin O’Brien ‘29
Rising sophomore Benjamin O’Brien interned with Representative Marlin Stutzman (IN-03), working as one of three interns in the office. O’Brien took on many roles, among them personally responding to letters, interacting with constituents, and writing informational briefings for Rep. Stutzman. Over the course of his internship, O’Brien received hands-on mentorship from “the entire legislative team, the legislative correspondent, the legislative aide, and the legislative director.” In addition to gaining direct experience on the Hill, O’Brien grasped a better understanding of what daily life looks like in this career path. His greatest takeaway was not just insight into serving the people of the United States, but how to also “form habits to stay healthy” while maintaining a busy lifestyle. As O’Brien returns to Notre Dame this fall, he’s excited to “become more politically involved around campus and stay active” while bringing back the habits he has formed during his internship.
Ryan Walsh ‘27
Senior Ryan Walsh interned with Representative Juan Vargas (CA-51). While gaining new skills in writing and research, and personally connecting with constituents and policy groups, Walsh also gained “a better understanding of how politics and Congress operate and what day to day life looks like for a congressional office.” When he was initially seeking out a Congressional position, the CCCG and extensive alumni network shared their own wisdom and experience, helping him discern his next steps following graduation. His time on Capitol Hill and interactions with ND alumni gave him “the opportunity to talk to many different people with different backgrounds and personal experiences to help me discern what my next step in my career would be.”
Donal Connaughton ‘27
Senior Donal Connaughton interned for Representative Nicole Malliotakis (NY-11). As an intern, he was tasked with the responsibility of writing up policy memos from Congressional hearings and from pieces of legislation, emerging crises concerns, and ongoing court cases. These briefs helped form his summative writing abilities, allowing him to fit “hours” of information into 1-2 page memos. As a political science student, Connaughton learned about this position from the political science community; as he returns to the political science realm this fall, a “more in-depth understanding of the legislative process” will aid in “breathing life into [his] political science curriculum” this upcoming semester. Looking ahead to life after graduation, Connaughton now knows “that there are many angles from which one could enter public service, all of which are attainable with enough networking and passion.”
Michael Fishburne ‘28
Michael Fishburne interned for Representative Pat Fallon (TX-04). He summarized his experience as a time that not only “contextualized and solidified my own political personality” but “made me cognizant of how to be a greater force for good.” Supported by the generous grant given to the Center by the Griffin brothers, he was able to clearly discern his future career in Charleston, embodying the mission of the grants. This snapshot into national political life aided Fishburne in his decision to be “an active voice in the community” in his hometown of Charleston, SC.
Tucker Leck ‘29
Rising sophomore and Kansas resident Tucker Leck interned for Senator Roger Marshall (KS) after completing an internship in Spain. During his first year at Notre Dame, Leck pondered what it means to lead the good life, and found an opportunity in this internship. Leck pointed out that this grant alleviated the financial burden commonly attached to internships, allowing “[his] experience to be so fulfilling.” Over the course of his internship, Leck developed a love for personally interacting with Kansas residents “to have this whole new perspective about how to approach different problems.” In interacting with constituents, attending Senate hearings, and learning what it means to be national leaders, Leck noted the power of bipartisan compromise, learning that “being good people, having strong character, being willing to work with other people, and always knowing that God is the center of our lives” gives communities and individuals the chance to be truly impactful. During his preparations for this position, Leck emphasized the overwhelming support he received from the rectors and Resident Assistants of Baumer Hall.
Sean Utrie ‘28
Wisconsin resident Sean Utrie had the chance to intern for his own Senator Ron Johnson (WI). He’s taken on the responsibilities of close contact with constituents, as well as handling much of the informational aspects of the senator’s office. After attending a CCCG Meet and Greet event hosted by Associate Director Tyler Castle, Utrie was inspired to apply for multiple positions around D.C. During his time with Sen. Johnson, Utrie has enjoyed many aspects of his experience—from bumping into Bernie Sanders in a hallway to making connections with other individuals around D.C., noting that it has “been such a blessing.” In his discernment about his future career, Utrie reflected upon how crucial his Catholic beliefs are to him, and how a career in national politics fit into them. He reflected on his close working relationship with Sen. Johnson, saying this opportunity fostered an interest in regional politics and more personal connections with constituents. As he returns to Notre Dame, he hopes to “give back the same way I was given this opportunity,” both through expanding his friendships and becoming more politically involved around campus.ㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤ
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