Internship Program at USU Receives Donation

A $10,000 donation by AT&T to the Political Science Department at Utah State University will directly assist the intern program in the department, announced department head Randy Simmons.

L.J. Godfrey (‘90), a former intern himself, presented the check on behalf of AT&T to Simmons and Cindy Nielsen, program administrator for the Institute of Political Economy, which coordinates intern activities out of USU. Godfrey and his wife, Lisa (‘88), another former political science department intern, joined Simmons, Nielsen, USU President Stan Albrecht and nine former interns in a formal luncheon at Hamilton’s Steak House to present the check.

Godfrey is vice president for government affairs, Western Region, for AT&T. The donation will assist political science students serving internships in Utah and Washington, D.C.

“This donation provides a serious boost to our students,” Simmons said. “This may help with a month’s rent or travel expenses. This additional financial assistance might make the difference in a student’s ability to participate in the internship program.”

The internship program coordinated by the political science department is successful and highly respected, but, unlike other programs of its kind, doesn’t have an endowment to assist with student expenses. That’s why this donation is so important, Simmons said.

Reviewing the success of USU’s program is easy. Over the past four years, 139 interns have been sent to Washington, D.C. Of those, 56 went on to accept jobs in the D.C. area.

“Some stay on and work their way up and now hold impressive jobs,” Simmons said. “Many pursue law school at night while working.”

Simmons is not at a loss for examples.

Deanna Tanner Okun (‘85) is currently serving as chairman of the U.S. International Trade Commission. Todd Thorpe (‘97) is now Chris Cannon’s chief of staff. Damion Nielsen and Barr Hueffner (2004) served as the hearing’s clerks during now Supreme Court Judge Robert’s approval process, as well as Judge Samuel Alito’s nomination hearing.

Internship opportunities are many and varied through USU’s program. This semester 20 students are gaining experience through government internships, 12 are in Washington, D.C., six are interning at the State Legislature and two are filling internships at the First District Court in Cache Valley. Interns don’t have to be political science majors to participate — they represent majors across the board at USU.

A recent Utah Foundation report noted that graduates who complete internships during the college experience are much more likely to be employed full time and receive significantly higher salaries.

The report, detailed in a number of the state’s newspapers, also said USU students rank highest in the state for actively participating in and seeking internship opportunities. It was reported that 84 percent of USU students who graduate after having an internship in school reached full-time employment — the highest percentage in the state.

Simmons noted the success of the interns in the political science program, and Donna Crow, director of Utah State’s Career Services, commented on internships university-wide in an interview with The Herald Journal.

Real experience counts, she said. “The job market is dramatically better by having an internship.”

For the political science internships, students are screened carefully for the program — academic transcripts are reviewed and professional letters of recommendation are required. USU’s program and track record is so highly considered, several congressional offices in Washington accept USU interns without conducting interviews, Simmons said.

Close working relationships have developed with Idaho senators Larry Craig (R-Idaho) and Michael Crapo (R-Idaho), both of whom readily accept USU interns and comment positively on their skills. Currently, a student is placed in the office of Sen. Ted Kennedy (D-Mass.). Tristan Takos (2005), a former intern in Kennedy’s office, is now serving as the assistant campaign chairman with the Kennedy re-election campaign. USU also has its first student interning in Senator Harry Reid’s (‘61) (D-Nev.) office this semester.

In a Jan. 19 press release, Utah’s Sen. Bob Bennett announced that four Utah students would work as interns in his office. USU student Jon Cox of Parowan is included in that group. The students will gain experience and learn about Congress and the legislative process, working with Bennett’s staff on legislative, communications and administrative assignments.

“Each semester Utah students join my D.C. office for an intensive study of how government works,” Bennett said in the press release. “While providing assistance to my staff, they also gain valuable experiences that will impact their futures. I am certain this semester will prove beneficial to these four bright students as they move through their careers.”

The Godfreys, both L.J. and Lisa, served internships in Washington, D.C., and L.J. interned at the state level with Doug Foxley. He later worked with Gov. Norm Bangerter and then moved on to law school. His career with AT&T began in 1996.

“I am fiercely proud of my political science degree from Utah State University,” Godfrey said in a recent communication with Simmons. “I’m glad to assist the intern program in any way I can.”

Simmons thanked Godfrey and AT&T for the donation.

“We are pleased that AT&T believes strongly in our students and program,” Simmons said. “This support is greatly appreciated and we thank L.J. Godfrey and his efforts on our behalf. AT&T’s support will affect our students in a positive way.”

For information on the political science department, contact Simmons at 797-1310. For information on the intern program, contact Nielsen at 797-1597.

Contact: Randy Simmons (435) 797-1310

Cindy Nielsen (435) 797-797-1597

Writer: Patrick Williams (435) 797-1354, patrick.williams@usu.edu