Troy Student Finalist For State Capital Intern Award

TROY, MI — A Troy student who has set his sights on a career in politics, international relations and public administration, is among eight nominees recently announced for the Daniel Rosenthal Legislative Intern Award. Co-sponsors Michigan State University’s Institute for Public Policy and Social Research and James Madison College will name the winner and runners up at special ceremonies Tuesday, April 25.

Alec D’Annunzio, of Troy, who studies criminal justice and political science, is a MSU senior. He helped constituents with issues before state agencies in his internship with state Rep. Klint Kesto. “It always felt great when I was able to find an answer for a constituent or to resolve an ongoing issue…,” D’Annunzio wrote in his application.

Rosenthal, one of the first to take part in MSU’s Legislative Student Intern Program, unexpectedly passed away while continuing his internship in 1977. His family made the award, and a series of new career-building workshops, a part of his legacy.

“All interns are encouraged to apply for this honor,” said IPPSR Director Matt Grossmann. “The award is not only a resume mark of excellence, but the Rosenthal workshops are also an excellent way to build networks and lasting relationships.”

State capital interns face challenging, learning assignments, said Madison Dean Sherman Garnett. “They help draft legislation, interact with constituents and are expected to work alongside lawmakers and staff members in a public and professional environment,” he said. “These are hard-to-repeat learning experiences.”

Andrew Irons, of Rochester, is another area nominee. He studies international relations and comparative culture and politics at MSU. As a freshman in James Madison, he interned for state Rep. Sylvia Santana, working on constituent issues, scheduling events and writing news releases. “I have been given many opportunities to showcase my passion and excitement for the field I love,” Irons wrote in applying for the award.

Read more about the award online.

Photo by Michigan State University via Flickr Commons