FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Washington, D.C. – The Rumsfeld Foundation hosted its annual Graduate Fellowship Conference in Washington, D.C. last month over September 21st-22nd. This annual convening is the program’s flagship event, bringing together network members from across the country including current Fellows, Fellowship alumni and program Advisers.
The 2023 Conference coincided with the start of the 15th academic year of the Graduate Fellowship Program as well as the milestone of awarding over 200 Graduate Fellowships since 2009. Reflecting on this program growth and evolution, the conference showcased the professional achievements of long-time network members, as well as offered opportunities for Fellows and Advisers to make valuable connections while discussing important policy topics of the day.
Conference events began Thursday afternoon with a private tour of the Pentagon followed by a rooftop Welcoming Reception where participants enjoyed panoramic views overlooking the city. (Pictured at right.)
Friday morning marked the beginning of formal conference sessions at The Army Navy Club as Sarah Tonucci, Foundation Executive Director; Lawrence Di Rita, Foundation Board Member; and Dr. Kimberly Madsen; Graduate Fellow and Alumni Leadership Council member, highlighted the program’s 15 academic years of achievement and spoke to the network’s future development and growth.
After opening remarks, Rumsfeld Foundation Board President Victoria Clarke sat down with Thom Shanker, Director of the Project for Media and National Security at George Washington University and former New York Times correspondent, to discuss key themes from his recent book, The Age of Danger: Keeping America Safe in an Era of New Superpowers, New Weapons, and New Threats.
Attendees then participated in a series of interactive roundtable discussions led by program Advisers and Fellows who shared their insights and expertise on the following subjects: “Inside the Intelligence Community,” “Pursuing Truth in Academia – A New Model,” “The Future of Nuclear Deterrence and U.S. Alliances” and “Federal Career Pathways.”
Following a sector-based networking luncheon, attendees received an informative briefing from the program’s Alumni Leadership Council on recent network activities and opportunities. (Pictured at right.) Next, a “Careers with Impact” panel session featured alumni representing a range of public service positions who spoke on their career paths and shared top advice regarding their unique fields and expertise.
The conference’s formal daytime sessions concluded with engaging discussions led by expert speakers: Dr. Nadia Schadlow of the Hudson Institute on strategy and practice in national security; Alex Vatanka of The Middle East Institute on Iranian policy; and Daniel Fata of Fata Advisory LLC on current U.S. foreign policy challenges.
After enjoying additional networking over coffee, attendees gathered at the Mayflower Hotel for the conference’s closing reception and dinner. Following the reception, the 2023 Alumni of the Year Award was presented to Dr. Ben Judge, President of the America Fund and former Claremont Graduate University Fellow, who was recognized for his service in the United States Navy Reserve as well as his academic contributions to American political thought and history. (Pictured at right.) In closing remarks, Foundation leadership thanked all attendees for participating in the conference and for their dedication to public service.
View more photos from the 2023 Conference here.
Through its Graduate Fellowship Program, the Rumsfeld Foundation has awarded more than $4 million in grants to over 200 graduate scholars with an interest in public service and hosted over 50 events for the Fellowship Network since 2008.
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CONTACT INFORMATION:
Sarah C. Tonucci
Executive Director, Rumsfeld Foundation
Tel: (202) 944-1304
E-mail: sarah@rumsfeldfoundation.org