Four University of Richmond Graduates Named Governor's Fellows
July 22, 2003
Several University of Richmond graduates are getting an insider's look at state government this summer through the Governor's Fellows Program. Fellows work in state agencies and participate in programs to learn how state government runs.
Among the 22 fellows in the two-month program are four May graduates of the university: Sam Brumberg of Richmond, Theresa Goulde of Amherst, Abby Emerson of Fairfax and Jessica Aber of Henderson, Nev.
The program was established in 1982 and has become highly competitive. Applicants must be graduating college seniors or degree candidates in a graduate or professional school. They also must be enrolled in a Virginia college or university or be a Virginia resident if enrolled out-of-state.
In addition to working in state agencies, fellows participate in group activities, including "brown bag" lunches with cabinet secretaries, field trips to such places as state police headquarters and the state's liaison office in Washington, D.C., and opportunities to meet Gov. Mark Warner and First Lady Lisa Collis.
"I wanted to have a good 'inside-out' look at state government and the public sector," said Brumberg, who is assigned to the secretary of the commonwealth's office. His project is to work on petitions from convicted felons who want their civil rights restored. The experience brings him into contact with members of the judicial system -- probation and parole officers, the courts and offenders. "I am assisting the governor in exercising his executive clemency authority," Brumberg said.
Goulde had already been an intern in the secretary of public safety's office and applied to be a fellow in order to continue her work for the agency. She is assigned to the office for substance abuse prevention, where she helps promote KIDsafe Virginia, an initiative to coordinate public and personal safety resources for youth, parents, teachers and public safety professionals. She also has been working on an initiative that conducts safety institutes for senior citizens and funds safety programs that match youth and seniors in their communities.
A criminal justice and political science double major, Goulde said the program has provided the "policy and political experience" that her other internships and research had not given her.
Emerson is assigned to the department of health's office of health policy, where she is drafting a policy to help people with limited English proficiency get interpretation and translation regarding medical services. Emerson also works in the education department on VirginiaCorps, a central clearinghouse for volunteer opportunities throughout the state.
"I chose to apply for this program because it seemed like really substantial work, I am interested in public policy and state politics, and I have a background in education and health policy," said Emerson.
Aber, who hopes to become a commonwealth's attorney, said she wanted to be a fellow because the experience "would allow me to see the executive side of the political process." She works in the capitol in the governor's policy office, where she is compiling a list of legislators' quotations in the media. She also attends bill signing ceremonies and policy office meetings.