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Pepperdine Dedicates New Program Facility in the Heart of Washington, D.C.
President Benton admires the view of Washington D.C.
Pepperdine president Andrew Benton and many friends of the University made a historic trip to the nation's capital on May 14 to celebrate the official opening of Pepperdine's newest piece of property: 2011 Pennsylvania Avenue. The brand new facility, which is located four blocks west of the White House, is the new, permanent home for the Washington, D.C. Internship Program.
"Now the program's name fits the address," said Khalil Jahshan, executive director of the Washington D.C. Internship Program, explaining that for more than 16 years the program has operated out of rental facilities on the Virginia side of the Potomac River. "The new facility is right in the heart of Washington, D.C. It's a prime piece of real estate that should make Pepperdine very proud.
The dedication, he says, not only brought a great turnout of University dignitaries, alumni, and guests, it also brought a lot of dropped jaws. "I think people were totally surprised by the facility," Jahshan reports. "They were delighted to see the high-tech, modern classrooms, the quality of the facility, and of course, the location."
Located in what's known as the "Golden Triangle" of D.C., the new facility is not only four blocks west of the White House, it's also walking distance to the K Street corridor in the middle of D.C., where approximately one-third of the program's interns are typically placed. George Washington University, the World Bank, and the International Monetary Fund are located across the street. Georgetown University and the D.C. shopping district are just a short walk away.
"We are also right next to a metro station, for those who have to do a little bit of traveling to work," says Jahshan. "I think the new location is going to re-energize the program."
The Washington, D.C. Internship Program is open to Seaver College students of all majors. Students who participate have the opportunity to intern full-time for an organization of their choice. "We shepherd them through the process," explains Jahshan. "Washington is very rich in terms of the type of internships it offers. We've had students at the White House, the State department, the Health and Human Services, Agriculture, the Justice Department - almost every federal agency."
Students have also done a range of internships at non-governmental organizations, think tanks, and human rights groups. "I always joke that they get all kinds of possibilities from the White House all the way to the outhouse," laughs Jahshan.
A student residence in the Washington D.C. facility.
This experience provides students with an opportunity to pursue personal interests associated with their field of study. Students receive four to eight units of elective credit for their D.C. internship, in addition to any other course work that they complete while in the program.
The new facility's dedication was attended by Benton, Seaver College dean Rick Marrs, School of Law dean Ken Starr, and various other University students, guests, and dignitaries.
"This residence, in the heart of the city, will allow our students even greater exposure to the multiple resources available only in our wonderful capital city," says Seaver College dean Rick Marrs. "The dedication allowed us to showcase the truly unique Pepperdine educational experience on the East Coast.
Guests continued the celebration with a VIP tour of Hillwood, the former estate of legendary heiress, art collector, and philanthropist Marjorie Merriweather, on Saturday, May 16.
"On behalf of the program, we are so grateful for the support we have received across the board," said Jahshan. "We will continue to work to make this program a flagship for Pepperdine on the east coast and give students a quality program that will enhance their career goals both academically and professionally."
For more information on the Washington, D.C. Internship Program and its new facility, visit the program Web site.
