The Washington Center’s 30th Anniversary Celebration Gala

Transportation Secretary Norman Y. Mineta, House Appropriations Committee Chairman Jerry Lewis, and White House Chief of Staff Andrew H. Card, Jr. Among Friends to Join the 30th Anniversary Celebration

Washington, DC - On the evening of Tuesday, September 27, 2005, alumni and friends of The Washington Center for Internships and Academic Seminars will gather at The Corcoran Gallery of Art in Washington, D.C. for The Washington Center's 30th Anniversary Celebration Gala.

Transportation Secretary Norman Y. Mineta, House Appropriations Committee Chairman Jerry Lewis (R-CA), and Elba Esther Gordillo, President of the National Mexican Teachers' Union (SNTE) are honorees and keynote speakers for the event, signifying each individual's life-long commitment to the education and leadership development of the next generation of young leaders. The Honorable Ms.Gordillo is a prime-mover of The Washington Center's growing programs in Mexico. Secretary Mineta is a former member of the Board of Directors of The Washington Center. Congressman Lewis is a member of The Washington Center's Diversity Leaders Initiative Honorary Advisory Board.

At the Gala's VIP Reception, Senator Rick Santorum (R-PA), Republican Conference Chair and Chair of the Historically Black Colleges and Universities Congressional Forum, will receive the Higher Education Leadership Award for his leadership with HBCU's throughout the United States. Congressman Dennis A. Cardoza (D-CA), a 1978 alumnus of The Washington Center, elected to Congress in 2002 after serving his community as a Modesto, California Councilmember and California State General Assembly member, will receive the Alumnus of the Year Award.

Former TWC Board Chairman Andrew H. Card, Jr. and former Congressman Thomas J. Tauke (R-IA), executive vice president for public affairs, policy and communication, at Verizon, will be among friends to join the celebration and lead the evening's memorial tribute to William M. Burke, The Washington Center's co-founder and president for 29 years, who passed away last November. Tauke chaired The Washington Center's Board of Directors from 1993-99, as did Card from 2000-2001. Ambassador Alan Blinken is The Washington Center's current Chairman of the Board of Directors; Michael B. Smith succeeded William M. Burke as President in December 2004.

“The 30th anniversary celebration allows us to reflect on the educational and professional development opportunities we have provided to 33,000 alumni, and to pay tribute to our founder and friend, Bill Burke. It is also a fitting moment to rededicate our efforts to promote the civic leadership development of young professionals who will participate in Washington Center programs during our next 30 years,” said Smith.

The Washington Center's 30th Anniversary Celebration will highlight The Washington Center's three decades of service and partnership with colleges and universities, and recognize individuals and institutions that have made that service possible through their long-term commitment and support. In addition, the gala will commemorate the 15th anniversary of TWC's Diversity Leaders Initiative, the 10 th anniversary of TWC's Puerto Rico Leadership Programs, and the institution's initiatives in Mexico.

Co-chairing The Washington Center's 30th Anniversary Celebration are Mrs. Deni Mineta, spouse of Secretary of Transportation Norman Y. Mineta, Ms. Arlene Willis, spouse of House Appropriations Committee Chairman Jerry Lewis (R-CA), and Ms. Lucé Vela, spouse of Congressman Luis G. Fortuño (R-PR).

Dates & Deadlines

Competitive deadline for Spring 2009 Semester, Winter and Spring Quarters and Postgraduate is September 29, 2008.

Early deadline range for Summer 2009 Term, Quarter and Postgraduate begins September 29, 2008.

Regular deadline for Spring 2009 Semester, Winter and Spring Quarters and Postgraduate is November 15, 2008.

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