Last weekend, the American Studies Institute (ASI) hosted a co-curricular trip to Washington, D.C. The group, which consisted of 20 students from a variety of majors, left Searcy Wednesday afternoon and returned back to campus Sunday night. The purpose of the trip was to educate students on American history, government and economics, as well as to connect with Harding alumni living in the Washington, D.C., area. ASI executive director and associate professor of history John Richard Duke led the trip alongside associate professor of political science and public administration Lori Klein.
Duke was inspired to organize this trip after reading an article in The Bison archives from 1952 that announced an upcoming ASI trip to Washington that would cost students $100. Seventy years later, Duke was able to extend the same offer to students this year. The Clifton L. Ganus Endowment for History and Political Science underwrote a majority of the trip, and therefore, the cost for students was only $100.
“American Studies at Harding has a long tradition of trips that have helped students engage with American history, government and industry,” Duke said. “Washington, D.C., provides a great setting to encounter each of these areas of study.”
The first night of the trip was one of anxiety and uncertainty for many. The original plan was for the group to leave for the Little Rock airport early Thursday morning. But due to the inclimate weather that hit Searcy Wednesday afternoon, the decision was made to go ahead and make the drive as soon as students were ready Wednesday. The group made it to Little Rock Wednesday night safely. Dr. Clay Beason was responsible for the group’s transportation to and from the Little Rock airport.
The second reason for anxiety and uncertainty was due to the news that broke Wednesday night of Russia’s military invasion of Ukraine. Not only was this development troubling in general, but it was particularly concerning for many in this group who were on their way to the nation’s capital.
Nonetheless, the group arrived safely in Washington Thursday morning and began their trip as scheduled. Interestingly, Arkansas Senator Tom Cotton was on the same flight to Washington. After first checking in at their hotel, the group headed to the National Museum of African American History and Culture. Later, the group went to the Rayburn Congressional Office Building and met with the Legislative Director and Chief of Staff for Arkansas Representative Rick Crawford. Both of these officials were Harding graduates.
Friday was, perhaps, the busiest day of the trip for students, as they had three major engagements to attend. First, the group went to the Department of Justice and met with government agents who work on counterterrorism. These agents were Harding graduates, as well. After a quick lunch, the group attended a special meeting at the Boeing Company’s East Coast Headquarters. Students were particularly inspired by these two Friday meetings.
For dinner, a Harding alumni reception dinner was held at the group’s hotel. Around 30 Harding alumni living in the Washington area came to the reception and connected, shared stories and gave advice to the group of students.
“With the help of Harding Alumni, the ASI D.C. trip serves our students in many important ways,” Duke said.
Saturday was a free day for students. Students used their free time in a variety of ways, including visiting the Smithsonian museums, touring Georgetown and visiting Alexandria. Throughout the trip, and especially on Saturday, students used the opportunity of being in Washington to learn more about American history. On Sunday morning, the group attended church services at the Church of Christ in Falls Church, Virginia. Students visited with several Harding alumni here, including former ASI officer John Rowe. After going to lunch at the Old Ebbitt Grill near The White House, the group headed back to the Reagan International Airport and flew back to Little Rock.
Despite the trip’s snowy start, students returned with an overwhelmingly positive impression of the weekend’s events.
“The ASI trip to D.C. was an undoubtedly enriching experience,” senior Grace Ann Green said. “Not only did we get to spend the weekend surrounded by the rich history enshrined in the nation’s capital, but as a history major, it was extremely encouraging to hear from people working in numerous different fields. It was a blessing to have the opportunity to meet and make connections with so many Harding alumni who were eager to help each and every one of us achieve our goals.”
Senior Julio Montenegro also appreciated the experience of getting to learn about the American government by being in the nation’s capital.
“From the perspective of an international student, I believe this is a relevant aspect of the U.S. experience,” Montenegro said. “Being able to experience the most important aspects of the U.S. Government first-hand granted me a different perspective on the importance of independent institutions and their role in the overall functioning of a government. The Washington D.C. experience should be a bucket list item for any student in the U.S.”
