School of Public Service Blog

Goodbye, SPS Class of 2011!

2011-07-23T15:04:00.003-04:00

We say goodbye today to the 2011 class of the St. Albans School of Public Service. You came to St. Albans four weeks ago from fourteen states and three countries, and you left unified and inspired by each other. Last night at the 2011 Final Banquet, the 2011 class carried on the tradition of sharing with each other their thoughts and feelings about the program. You spoke with your usual eloquence, demonstrated over four weeks of case studies, classes, and simulations, and two common themes emerged. Some of you found your voices at SPS, and some of you felt like your greatest growth came through listening -- mainly to each other. Even as we will miss the SPS Class of 2011, we are excited and inspired in our turn by all that you have already achieved and with your potential to make that much more of a difference in the future. Goodbye, good luck, and keep in touch!

SPS 2011: Slideshow of Photos from Final Banquet

2011-07-22T21:26:00.001-04:00

A slideshow of photos from our St. Albans School of Public Service Final Banquet in the St. Albans School Refectory. (Toasts made with sparkling cider!)

SPS 2011: Closing "Congressional" Debate

2011-07-22T14:16:00.003-04:00

Throughout the session, the St. Albans School of Public Service Class of 2011 has taken on the role of "issue advocacy" Political Action Committees, or PACs, and pushed to get Congress to take up the legislation of each of the PACs' devising. Today, the SPS students have switched roles and are now debating the proposed bills as members of "Congress." So far the "SPS Congress" has passed an automatic weapons ban and voted to shore up Social Security by raising the retirement age, but voted down a proposed bill for offshore oil drilling. There is some focused and eloquent argument!

SPS 2011: The View at Bedtime . . .

2011-07-21T22:58:00.001-04:00

Tomorrow is the last full day of SPS, so it's time to turn in for the night after a long and productive day, week, and month at the St. Albans School of Public Service! We hope the members of the SPS class of 2011 are enjoying the nighttime view of the Cathedral for one of the last times during SPS 2011.

SPS 2011: Slideshow of Photos from SPS Talent Show

2011-07-21T22:54:00.001-04:00

SPS 2011: Tenth Annual SPS Talent Show Under Way!

2011-07-21T20:14:00.002-04:00

We've only seen a few acts so far, but the talents are DEFINITELY in evidence! We've got singers, dancers, musicians, comedians, and even a mathematician (really!).

SPS 2011: Mock Political Action Committees Hold "Press Conferences" on Proposed Legislation

2011-07-20T19:40:00.002-04:00

Throughout the 2011 session of the St. Albans School of Public Service, the students have worked outside of class on a group project focusing on political advocacy. The class was divided into six smaller groups, and each was assigned a broad policy area and asked to form a Political Action Committee (PAC); draft a piece of legislation within their policy area; secure "Congressional" sponsors (really the SPS faculty and staff) for their bills; draft a press release publicizing their views; hold a press conference fielding question from the skeptical press (their classmates); and, finally, take part in a full legislative debate on the bills. As we lead up to the final legislative debate the six SPS PACs (addressing issues having to do with, respectively, energy; immigration; firearms ownership; social security; health care; and litigation reform) have been holding their press conferences. As each PAC presented its proposal, their classmates played the role of the press -- there were some tough questions! See the slideshow below for more photos:

SPS 2011: Slideshow of Photos from Sunset Parade

2011-07-19T21:30:00.001-04:00

SPS 2011: Commandant's Own at the Sunset Parade

2011-07-19T21:14:00.000-04:00

A brief video clip of the Commandant's Own, the U.S. Marine Drum and Bugle Corps, performing at the Sunset Parade tonight:

SPS 2011: U.S. Marine Corps Silent Drill Platoon

2011-07-19T20:15:00.002-04:00

Tonight the St. Albans School of Public Service class of 2011 enjoyed one of the great summer events Washington, D.C. has to offer: the weekly United States Marine Corps "Sunset Parade" at the Iwo Jima Memorial. After a performance by the United States Marine Drum and Bugle Corps, known as the Commandant's Own (their rendition of the Star-Spangled banner is a highlight) we watched the precision drill of the truly amazing USMC Silent Drill Platoon. See the video below for a brief glimpse of the Silent Drill Platoon in action.

SPS 2011: U.S. Marine Corps Sunset Parade

2011-07-19T19:45:00.003-04:00

Each Tuesday night throughout the summer, the U.S. Marine Corps holds its Sunset Parade at the Iwo Jima Memorial, featuring a performance by the United States Marine Drum and Bugle Corps and precision drill from the Silent Drill Platoon. The St. Albans School of Public Service is here now, enjoying one of DC's signature summer experiences.

SPS 2011: Slideshow of Photos from Congressional Simulation

2011-07-19T13:56:00.002-04:00

(Click on any photo to go to the online photo album with downloadable photos)

SPS 2011: Video of Winning Campaign Team

2011-07-19T13:46:00.000-04:00

The campaign team for "Congressman John Turner" celebrates re-election victory in the Congressional Simulation.

SPS 2011: "Election" Returns are in! Four "candidates" re-elected!

2011-07-19T12:18:00.002-04:00

After a hard-fought campaign, four out of the six SPS Congressional "candidates" won their re-election campaigns. See photos below of the victorious teams (and one or two shots of disappointed campaigners . . .)

SPS 2011: SPS "Election" Update: All Six Candidates Survive Their Primaries!

2011-07-19T11:50:00.001-04:00

Good news so far in the Congressional Simulation -- all six SPS "Congressional candidates" were victorious in their primary campaigns. But a few candidates just squeaked by, so the tension builds . . .

SPS 2011: The Early Approval Ratings are in for the SPS "Members of Congress"

2011-07-19T10:41:00.002-04:00

In today's Congressional simulation, the ultimate goal will be to be re-elected. An early bellwether of the "SPS Members'" re-election chances are the approval ratings--they are computer generated after input of the various policy and strategy decisions made by each of the Congressional teams. See photos below as the teams wait to hear their approval ratings, and celebrate or commiserate.

SPS 2011: The Strategizing Begins!

2011-07-19T10:17:00.001-04:00

The end goal of today's Congressional simulation is to get re-elected . . . but along the way there are lots of decisions: which candidate for Speaker to vote for? What Committees to join? What caucuses to join? The strategizing is intense, as the photos below demonstrate!

SPS 2011: SPS Runs Six Candidates for Congress! (sort of . . .)

2011-07-19T09:45:00.000-04:00

This morning sees the St. Albans School of Public Service Class of 2011 spending some (simulated) time in Congress, culminating in primary and general elections. As part of the National Association of Manufacturers' Congressional Insight simulation, groups of six are collectively playing the parts of fictitious Republican and Democratic Congresspeople from real districts. In a mere three hours time (SPS hours are like dog years . . . a lot can happen!) each of our SPS Congresspeople has to face such tasks as applying for Committee Assignments, deciding whom to support in intra-party leadership battles, hiring a staff, voting on bills, sponsoring bills, raising money (and raising money, and raising money), and campaigning for re-election through direct mail, TV, radio or door-to-door canvassing. The teams have to work together under time pressure to make decisions that will get them re-elected, and along the way all are getting some additional insight into the trade-offs that actual Members of Congress face in trying to balance the demands of party, constituents, principle, and the desire for re-election. With every decision the SPS Congresspeople make, the computer program informs them whether their approval ratings have gone up or down, with the ultimate test being whether they will win the primary and then the general election. Check back for updates as the hour of decision nears! (Photos below: The SPS Members of Congress are "sworn in" . . . careful observers may note that they are raising their left hands!)

SPS 2011: Inaugural Ride on the New Bus!

2011-07-19T08:41:00.000-04:00

The St. Albans School of Public Service class of 2011 are the first students to ride on the shiny new St. Albans School bus . . . Everybody looks happy to have air conditioning!

SPS 2011: This One is a Game-Changer, Folks!

2011-07-18T13:14:00.006-04:00

Riding the big yellow school bus -- the "naturally air conditioned" yellow school bus, aka the UNAIRCONDITIONED big yellow school bus -- has always been a key element of the St. Albans School of Public Service. Who among us does not fondly remember the bonding experience of sitting in downtown D.C. traffic in business attire on a 100+ degree day coming back from the White House, Congress, the Supreme Court, [insert cool trip here]. But now there's a new player in SPS transportation . . . the sleek new St. Albans School ride. It's not yellow, but it is air conditioned. Will this change the SPS experience materially? Will future SPS classes not be quite as close, not having experienced the swelterfest of some of those bus rides? Good questions, good questions indeed. The jury is out . . . but we at SPS are willing to take the risk.
(Above photo: eat your heart out, John Madden, this is the new SPS ride!)
(Above photo: SPS intern Shawn and program assistant Maddie do their best Vanna White imitation in front of the sleek new vehicle.)

SPS 2011: Insider Moment!

2011-07-17T19:20:00.003-04:00

After three weeks in DC's heat and humidity, how do the students at the St. Albans School of Public Service stay looking so sharp? Two words: Dorm Iron. (Photo below: Coleman works a little ironing magic . . . and no, we DON'T require them to iron their T-shirts!)

Drat.

2011-07-17T17:22:00.001-04:00

That is all.

Watching World Cup Soccer: The Tension Builds!

2011-07-17T17:16:00.002-04:00

It is now 2-2 and going to penalty kicks . . . The tension builds!

SPS 2011: Watching World Cup Soccer -- Let's Go USA!

2011-07-17T17:02:00.004-04:00

SPS celebrates the 2-1 go-ahead US goal in the women's world cup (photo and video below).

SPS 2011: Official "Meet the Press" Photograph!

2011-07-17T15:09:00.001-04:00

The folks at Meet the Press were kind enough to take an official photo of the St. Albans School of Public Service 2011 class with Meet the Press host David Gregory.

SPS 2011: St. Albans School of Public Service "Meets the Press"

2011-07-17T13:30:00.009-04:00

Teenagers don't typically like to wake up early, let alone during summer vacation, but this morning there were no complaints as the St. Albans School of Public Service was up bright and early for a trip to NBC Studios in Washington, D.C., as part of the studio audience for Meet the Press. The main topic -- the Congressional debate over the debt ceiling -- was a timely one from an SPS perspective, as SPS had visited Capitol Hill earlier in the week and both Senator Whitehouse and Congressman Pallone discussed that issue with us. Meet the Press host David Gregory first had a Q&A session with White House budget director Jack Lew, then moderated a discussion/debate between Democratic Senator Richard Durbin and Republican Senator Jim DeMint. The program closed with a round-table on the economy and jobs with a panel that included Ohio Governor John Kasich and President of the Urban League and former New Orleans Mayor Marc Morial. David Gregory was gracious enough to speak to SPS after the show and take questions (see photo above left), and then on our way out of the studio Mayor Morial visited with the students (he is predicting that at least one SPS student will reach the Oval Office someday, showing a discerning eye for talent!).
(Above photo: in the studio audience at Meet the Press; below photo, SPS faculty member Mr. Stephany, who teaches at the Hutchison School in Memphis during the year, with Hutchison and SPS students Allison (left) and Caroline (right)) (Above photo: Airton, Charlie, and Kevin sporting their Meet the Press visitor badges)

(Above photo: outside the studio with, from left, Jairus, Airton, Ian and Ashlyn)

SPS 2011: Weekend Update

2011-07-16T19:37:00.003-04:00

People sometimes compare the architecture at St. Albans to Hogwarts (no quidditch here, though), so perhaps it was fitting that today the SPS Class of 2011 went to the final Harry Potter movie: Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows. It was even 3D!

We saw the movie at what is generally recognized at the best movie theater in Washington, D.C., the historic Uptown Theater in the Cleveland Park neighborhood of the District. After the movie, the group fanned out to enjoy dinner at neighborhood restaurants. Everyone should be tired when they get back on campus, because the day started with a museum outing--students had the choice of visiting the Holocaust Museum, the National Gallery of Art (including the whimsical Sculpture Garden), and the Spy Museum. It'll be an early night tonight, because we need to be up early tomorrow to attend Meet the Press at NBC Studios!

SPS 2011: Visit with D.C. City Council Member Jack Evans

2011-07-15T16:08:00.008-04:00

After visits this week with federal and state legislators, we finished off the week by focusing on Washington D.C's legislative body, the D.C. City Council. This morning we visited with the longest tenured member of the City Council, Councilman Jack Evans (photo at left), at D.C.'s city hall, the Wilson Building. Councilman Evans first spoke to the St. Albans School of Public Service about the history of self-government in D.C. (D.C. first had an elected Mayor and City Council only relatively recently, beginning in 1975); the budget process; and the relationship with the federal government. Councilman Evans was then kind enough to open up the floor for questions, which ranged from queries on educational reform to the political nuts and bolts of campaigns. Councilman Evans then personally took our group on a tour of the historic Wilson Building, D.C.'s City Hall, including the elegant hearing chamber and his own office. After three weeks in Washington, D.C., our group had plenty of good questions about the city and very much enjoyed the exchange!
(Above photo: the lobby of the Wilson Building; below photo, Daniella and Purcell enjoy the wall of photos in Councilman Evans' office)

(Above photo: Councilman Evans showing SPS the restored Wilson Building; below photo: the St. Albans School of Public Service Class of 2011 with Councilman Evans in the lobby of the Wilson Building)

SPS 2011: The Foreign Policy Crisis Simulation Comes to a Close

2011-07-14T17:38:00.001-04:00

After a long afternoon of negotiating to avoid the use of force in the four-way stand-off over Falkland Island oil deposits, alas . . . the countries were not able to avoid hostilities. (As the simulation came to a close, it became apparent that the future of the imaginary oil reserves would have to be resolved by the imaginary use of force by imaginary troops.) Back at SPS, Team China was recognized by the outside simulation moderators for obtaining the best strategic results (by cleverly playing the other three countries off against each other), and Team Argentina was recognized for having the best decision-making dynamics. (Above photo: Team USA's Alexandra and Zalondria in the Situation Room; below photo: Chelsea (left) and Olivia (right) during the strategic debate)

(Above photo: Pat argues for his proposed plan as Josh looks on)
(Above photo: Andrew takes charge as Arjun looks on; below photo: Danny lays out a proposal as Steven considers)

SPS 2011: Crisis Simulation Under Way!

2011-07-14T14:47:00.002-04:00

This afternoon the St. Albans School of Public Service is trying to negotiate a solution to a tense four-way standoff in the Falklands Islands . . . sort of. SPS is taking part in a foreign policy crisis simulation, in which the students play the part of negotiators for four different countries (Argentina, China, UK and the USA) as they attempt to resolve a crisis involving an Argentine splinter group's take-over of UK property in the Falklands. The situation has been complicated by the discovery of lucrative oil deposits off the Falklands, and all four nations are jockeying for control of the oil even as they attempt to foil the efforts of the others. See the photo slideshow below from each of the "situation rooms"!

SPS 2011: Slideshow of Photos from Day in Annapolis

2011-07-13T17:52:00.001-04:00

(Click on any photo to go to our online photo album with downloadable photos.)

SPS 2011: SPS in Annapolis -- in the Maryland State House

2011-07-13T14:53:00.001-04:00

After a fascinating morning touring the U.S. Naval Academy and discussing military ethics with Professor Stephen Wrage, SPS is back to the civilian side of things with a visit to the Maryland State House and Maryland Delegate James Gilchrist (see top photo below) of the Maryland General Assembly. We are in the grand chamber of the House of Delegates now, engaging in a Q&A with Delegate Gilchrist about a range of state issues, from budgetary to political.

(Above photo: Delegate Gilchrist speaks with SPS in the Chamber of the Maryland General Assembly)

(Above photo: Chelsea (left) and Purcell in the seats of Maryland legislators)

(Above photo: in the foyer of the Maryland State House. Below photo: the Chamber of the Maryland General Assembly.)

SPS 2011: Annapolis Trip -- U.S. Naval Academy

2011-07-13T12:37:00.001-04:00

The St. Albans School of Public Service is in Annapolis for the day. This morning, we are visiting the United States Naval Academy. Our host, Naval Academy Political Science Stephen Wrage, has given us a tour of the Academy, one of the nation's service academies. At the Naval Academy, Dr. Wrage teaches a course on the Ethics of War, among other things, and he is sharing his expertise with us. Currently we are in a classroom with Dr. Wrage, discussing the "SEAL Team Ten" case study that we had previously discussed in the classroom at St. Albans several days ago. Essentially, the case study examines the dilemma faced by a Navy SEAL team in Afghanistan in 2005, after their covert position was discovered by Afghan goat herders (including a 14-year old). Should they have let the goat herders go and tried to abort the mission immediately? Killed the goatherds to try to complete the mission? Release the goat herders but still try to proceed with the mission? The discussion is lively and the opinions are varied!

(Above photo: the group walks into Bancroft Hall at the U.S. Naval Academy)

(Above photo: Nicko in the Main Office at the Academy, in front of a display about USNA graduate and Medal of Honor winner Admiral Stockdale.)

(Above photo: Mulindi in Memorial Hall at Bancroft Hall. Below: Dr. Wrage with our group on the Yard of the Naval Academy.)

SPS 2011: On Capitol Hill!

2011-07-12T21:38:00.002-04:00

The 2011 Class of the St. Albans School of Public Service spent a great day today on Capitol Hill, meeting for private Q&A sessions with a U.S. Congressman and a U.S. Senator before touring the beautiful and historic U.S. Capitol Building. (Above left photo: Caroline and Allison outside the office of their Member of Congress.) See the slideshow of photos below for scenes from our day on the Hill!

SPS 2011: Presidential Medal of Freedom Winner Dr. Anthony Fauci

2011-07-11T14:10:00.000-04:00

One of our goals this summer is to help our School of Public Service students see that there are many paths to public service. Dr. Anthony S. Fauci, a pioneer in the global effort to research, treat and prevent HIV/AIDS, demonstrated today in his visit to SPS that a career in public health can epitomize the term "public service."
Dr. Fauci (see photo at left) is the Director of the National Institute of Allergies and Infectious Diseases (NIAIDS), a component of the National Institutes of Health (NIH). He has had a storied career, culminating most recently in his being awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the Nation's highest civil honor. The Presidential Medal of Freedom "recognizes outstanding individuals who have been leaders in their chosen fields, have led lives of vision and character, and have made especially meritorious contributions to our nation and the world." The June 19, 2008 citation reads: "As a physician, medical researcher, and public servant, Dr. Anthony Fauci has dedicated his life to expanding the horizons of human knowledge and making progress toward groundbreaking cures for diseases. His efforts to advance our understanding and treatment of HIV/AIDS have brought hope and healing to tens of millions in both developed and developing nations. The United States honors Anthony Fauci for his commitment to enabling men, women, and children to live longer, healthier lives."

For our part, SPS was honored to have Dr. Fauci visit us once again. Dr. Fauci spoke to us of his path to service in the field of health, beginning with his Brooklyn roots and education at a Jesuit High School in New York City, Regis High School. He joined the National Health Service during the Vietnam War, at a time when all graduating doctors were being drafted into the military or National Health Service, and has remained in the field of public health ever since.

Dr. Fauci spoke of how, in 1981, his colleagues counseled against his decision to retool his laboratory research to investigate a curious form of pneumonia afflicting a few dozen gay men--he was told "not to throw away a good career." Dr. Fauci persisted, and of course those few dozen cases were the leading edge of the worldwide HIV/AIDS epidemic that has infected tens of millions. Through pictures and his words, Dr. Fauci traced how, with the interest of Surgeon General C. Everett Koop and President George H.W. Bush, he was able to help mobilize information and resources at the governmental level to work to prevent and treat HIV/AIDS. Dr. Fauci traced his efforts through the Reagan, George H.W. Bush, Clinton, George W. Bush, and Obama administrations, giving what amounted to a primer in how people of good will and conviction can set aside political differences in the interests of public health and science.

Most recently, Dr. Fauci's work on HIV/AIDS at NIH has focused on creation and coordination of the Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief, which in the past five years has reached millions of people in Africa and other developing regions throughout the world. Dr. Fauci also noted that the work of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases is not confined to HIV/AIDS, but includes efforts to battle tuberculosis (a leading worldwide killer) and potential bioterrorism threats.

After his presentation, Dr. Fauci took questions from our SPS group on topics ranging from political issues surrounding appropriations for HIV/AIDS relief in Africa, to the demographics of HIV/AIDS infection in the U.S. today. The group went away with an appreciation for an often-overlooked arena of public service, and admiration for what Dr. Fauci has accomplished in the field.

SPS 2011: Back to Work After the Weekend!

2011-07-11T08:00:00.003-04:00

After a weekend that included the SPS Garden Party and Alumni Day and outings to a baseball game, the Smithsonian Folk Life Festival, and bowling**, it's back to work for the St. Albans School of Public Service Class of 2011. Today's busy day includes classes in Public Speaking and Economics; a visit from public health pioneer Dr. Anthony Fauci; a case study examining the rules of engagement in Afghanistan; and another shot at a twilight tour of the monuments on the National Mall. Good thing everyone looked well-rested at breakfast!

(**By all accounts, the highlight of the bowling outing was the bus ride. Really. Several enterprising students were able to get live feeds of the Women's World Cup USA vs. Brazil on their cellphones, and apparently the progress of the bus startled a few passerby as loud and exhilarated chants of "USA! USA!" emerged from it during the exciting conclusion to the game as the US team triumphed in penalty kicks.)

SPS 2011: Garden Party and Alumni Day

2011-07-10T14:17:00.002-04:00

One of the best things about the St. Albans School of Public Service is how our SPS students stay connected--to each other and SPS--long after their month in Washington, D.C. has come to a close. Yesterday SPS alums from over the years came to meet the SPS 2011 class and reunite with their own classes at the annual SPS Garden Party and Alumni Day. Shout-outs to the SPS classes of 2010 and 2009 for great showings (SPS 2009, in their own inimitable fashion, entered en masse) and, for the "golden oldies," to the Class of 2003 (St. Albans School's own Amelia Thompson, SPS 2003, may have had a little something to do with that). SPS old and new enjoyed mocktails in the Ampitheatre, dinner in Gregory Court, and an ice cream social on the roof to end the festivities. See the slideshow below for photos!

SPS 2011: At the Smithsonian Folklife Festival

2011-07-09T13:29:00.004-04:00

The St. Albans School of Public Service class of 2011 is currently at the National Mall enjoying the Smithsonian Folk Life festival. This year's festival celebrates the culture of Colombia; the 50th Anniversary of the Peace Corps; and rythm and blues music. The Festival includes music, crafts, dance, and sports exhibits. According to an on-site dispatch from SPS faculty member Mr. Stephany, "the SPS gang is tearing up the dance floor at the Colombian music and Rhythm/Blues tents. Jairus [second from right, above photo] led the Blues tent in some Memphis style line dancing. SPS had the place rockin'!"

SPS 2011: More Photos from the Baseball Game

2011-07-08T23:18:00.003-04:00

(Click on any photo in slideshow to go to online photo album with downloadable photos.)

SPS 2011: Take Us Out to the Ballgame!

2011-07-08T20:28:00.005-04:00

After a day of hard work (economics and public speaking seminars; a case study on education policy; and group project work on the mock Political Action Committees) the St. Albans School of Public Service ended things off with a trip to that ultimate summer relaxation spot: the ballpark. So far the rain has held off and it is a cool and comfortable summer evening at Nationals Park as the Nats take on the Colorado Rockies.

SPS 2011: Knowledge in the Age of Google and Globalization

2011-07-06T15:34:00.012-04:00

In the past two days the 2011 Class of the School of Public Service has been thinking about knowledge, both new- and old-style. On Wednesday, SPS heard from speaker Pedro Burelli, an international businessman and political commentator. Mr. Burelli took a wide-ranging and thought-provoking look at knowledge in what one might think of as the twin age of Google and globalization. Mr. Burelli started with the premise that, with the aid of technology and the massive digitization of some of the great libraries of the world, this is the first generation where it might truly be argued that, for those with access to technology, anyone who is ignorant will be ignorant by choice.

After thinking about the opportunities for learning available via the technology of digitization of books, the stage was set for today’s trip to the greatest library in the world, the Library of Congress. (Photo above on the steps of the Library of Congress, from left: Alyssa, Alex S., Nicko, Madeleine, Lachlan, Brady, Andrew.) Thanks to the efforts of Mrs. R. Gordon, a St. Albans parent and volunteer at the Library of Congress, our group was able to get unprecedented access to some of the treasures of the library. A highlight of the trip was a presentation by the Library of Congress’s music division in which we were able to examine original scores created by Beethoven and Mozart. (!!!!)

On the heels of yesterday’s presentation from Mr. Burelli, it was interesting to hear about the Library of Congress’s continuing efforts to digitize much of its own collection. One of our students, John C. from Atlanta, noticed an quotation gracing one of the Library’s many ornate walls (see photo above left), “The true university of these days is a collection of books,” that seemed particularly apt.

See below for a slideshow of photos from today's visit to the Library of Congress:

SPS 2011: Private Tour of the National Portrait Gallery

2011-07-05T17:19:00.005-04:00

Today our group was lucky enough to receive a private tour of the Smithsonian's National Portrait Gallery from curator Wendy Wick Reeves. Ms. Reeves gave us insight into another side of public service -- the work of curators at national museums such as the National Portrait Gallery. Interestingly, there can be a political dimension to the work; for example, it is important in the gallery of Presidents that the modern presidents have portraits of approximately the same size. The gallery of Presidents was a big hit with our group in general, and the group enjoyed the melding of portraiture and history evident throughout the museum.

The SPS Class of 2011

2011-07-05T09:21:00.003-04:00

Taken before our July 4 Cookout.

SPS 2011: Independence Day at Mount Vernon

2011-07-04T15:45:00.000-04:00

Rest assured, we have not begun arming our residential faculty! RA Helen (pictured at left) is pictured on the grounds of Mount Vernon, the estate of George Washington. Fittingly, the St. Albans School of Public Service class of 2011 marked Independence Day with a trip the home of our nation's first president. We enjoyed the impressive educational exhibits (including the educational theatre dedicated to St. Albans School's own Ted Eagles); a tour through the historic mansion itself; a daytime fireworks display over the Potomac (lots of smoke, good booms and bangs, and some pretty good fireworks too); and a patriotic concert on the grounds. See the slideshow below for some pictures from our day across the Potomac.

SPS 2011: SPS Olympics Concludes with Gold Medal Ultimate Frisbee Game

2011-07-03T16:38:00.000-04:00

In every Olympics there is that signature closing event -- for SPS, it is the Gold Medal game in the Ultimate Frisbee event. See the slideshow below of action photos from the hard-fought contest!
(Double-click on any of the photos above to go to the online photo album with downloadable photos.)

SPS 2011: SPS Olympics Indoor Events

2011-07-03T16:13:00.000-04:00

On a typical DC July day (translation: hot hot hot and muggy) it makes sense to have some indoor Olympics as well, so our intrepid SPS Olympians took part in a group crossword puzzle; group July 4 trivia contest; and the "Minute to Win It" derived multi-event giving each competitor 30 seconds to do things like get a cookie from their forhead into their mouth without their hands and pull a dollar bill out from under four quarters leaving the quarters balanced on a glass rim. See slideshow below for some of the action (including people with cookies on their eyes!).

SPS 2011: The Annual SPS Olympics Begin with Egg Toss

2011-07-03T16:03:00.000-04:00

What better way to celebrate the July 4 Holiday weekend than the annual SPS Olympics?! The Olympics began with an event long celebrated in Ancient Greece: the Egg Toss (apparently the Athenians were particularly skilled at this event, as were the Corinthians). As the photos below show, our competitors battled valiantly for airborne egg supremacy.(Above photo: Danny lets fly with flawless egg tossing technique)
(Above photo: Incoming! Olivia draws a bead on a falling egg)
(Above photo: Paging Mr. Belichick, Mr. Bill Belichick -- Pat in the process of making an impressive grab)
(Above photo: Daniella and Purcell refining their tossing technique early in the round)
(Above photo: Nicko sets himself for a difficult catch. Below photo: Alas! Nicko anguishes over the lost egg. Ou sont les ouefs d'antan?)
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SPS 2011: SPS At the Newseum

2011-07-03T15:26:00.006-04:00

Although the public-service oriented elves who keep up the SPS blog took the day off yesterday (see Granger, H., Ethical Treatment of Elvish Employees), the St. Albans School of Public Service class of 2011 was as busy as ever on Saturday. In the morning, a group of motivated SPS students walked the mile to the National Zoo accompanied by RA Helen. In the afternoon, the entire group visited The Newseum, a museum that celebrates the history of newsgathering and the First Amendment. The Newseum's exhibits include eight sections from the Berlin Wall (see photo above: from left, John, Chelsea and Alexandra pose in front of a section from the Berlin Wall); the "Checkpoint Charlie" sign that marked the entrance to the American Sector in Cold War-era Berlin (see requisite photo below of Charlie A. in front of the eponymous sign); a great exhibit of 80 front pages from today's date from around the world; a terrific gallery of Pulitzer Prize winning photographs over the years with audio commentary from the photographers (see photo below); and a very fun 4D movie highlighting the exploits of under cover reporting pioneer Nellie Bly. (Bly was the pen-name for Elizabeth Jane Cochran. She was most famous for successfully feigning insanity and subsequently exposing the brutality and neglect of New York's Women's Lunatic Asylum.) The Newseum also has a fun interactive exhibit where visitors can try their hand at broadcasting the news or weather. This is one of our favorite SPS weekend activities every year and we highly recommend it for visitors to Washington D.C.!

(Above photo: Airton checks out the photography exhibits)
(Above photo: Akshat tries his hand at on air reporting!)
(Above photo: Charlie A. in front of an original "Checkpoint Charlie" sign)

SPS 2011: Slideshow of Photos at U.S. Supreme Court

2011-07-01T19:45:00.002-04:00

(Double-click on any photo in the slideshow to go to the online photo album with downloadable photos.)

SPS 2011 . . . A Conversation with a U.S. Supreme Court Justice

2011-07-01T19:31:00.006-04:00

Just 48 hours after arguing a real case from the Supreme Court's current term in the SPS mock Supreme Court argument, the St. Albans School of Public Service Class of 2011 got a taste of the real thing. We got a private tour of the historic court building, including the beautiful conference rooms notable for their ornate chandeliers and the many fine portraits of past Chief Justices, but the highlight of the day was yet to come. U.S. Supreme Court Justice Elena Kagan (pictured above, at center, with SPS 2011), the newest member of the Supreme Court, took the time to have an extended question-and-answer session with SPS on subjects ranging from Constitutional theory to courtroom procedure. Not just the future lawyers at SPS, but the whole class, came away impressed and excited by the opportunity to engage with Justice Kagan. (And who knows? Maybe in 40 years or so a future SPS class will be hosted by an SPS alum!)

SPS 2011: Slideshow of Photos from Our Visit to Georgetown University

2011-06-30T16:26:00.002-04:00

A slideshow of photos from our trip today to Georgetown University for a campus tour, lunch in historic Georgetown, and then a conversation with Georgetown Professor Paul Almeida. (Double-click on any photo to go to the SPS online photo album with downloadable photos.)

SPS 2011: On the Campus of Georgetown University

2011-06-30T13:41:00.002-04:00

We have enjoyed a great campus tour, had lunch in the neighborhood, and are now at Georgetown University's McDonough School of Business having a conversation with Professor Paul Almeida about globalization and strategy.

SPS 2011: Slideshow from Birthday Celebration

2011-06-29T22:28:00.000-04:00

Enjoy the slideshow of photos from tonight's birthday celebration at SPS -- Happy Birthday, Lachlan!

SPS 2011: Celebrating a Birthday

2011-06-29T22:16:00.002-04:00

We had our first student birthday of the 2011 St. Albans School of Public Service program -- Lachlan turned 17! We celebrated with some signature DC cupcakes -- they were definitely a hit with all!

SPS 2011: Slideshow of Photos from Mock Supreme Court Argument

2011-06-29T16:33:00.000-04:00

Enjoy the slideshow of photos from today's mock Supreme Court argument. Double-click on any photo to go to the SPS online photo album.

SPS 2011: The "SPS Supreme Court" Decides!

2011-06-29T16:17:00.004-04:00

After spirited arguments from the "lawyers" for both sides, the two "SPS Supreme Courts" have issued their rulings in the mock Supreme Court argument of the Brown v. Entertainment Merchants Association case. Both Courts have ruled that the California statute banning the rental or sale of "ultra-violent" video games to minors violates the First Amendment and must be struck down. The Court convening in the Trophy Room (see photo above of the Trophy Room SPS Supreme Court) was unanimous in its ruling. The Court convening in the Kellogg Room (see photo below of the Kellogg Room Supreme Court) split 6-3 as the dissenters argued that the statute was a reasonable exercise of California's power and should have been upheld. See the post above for a slideshow of photos from the day's activities!

SPS 2011: The "SPS Supreme Court" is In Session!

2011-06-29T15:02:00.005-04:00

The SPS Supreme Court is once again in session! This year the SPS 2011 students are arguing the case of Brown v. Entertainment Merchants Association, which presents the issue of whether a California statute banning the sale or rental of "ultra-violent" video games to minors violates the First Amendment. The SPS "lawyers" representing both California and the video game sellers are both making good cases--it remains to be seen if the "SPS Supreme Court" will make the same ruling as the U.S. Supreme Court (which struck down the California law on First Amendment grounds). Stay tuned as we await a judicial decision! (Above photo: Charlie A., one of the lawyers for the State of California, argues for the SPS Supreme Court to uphold the law.)

SPS 2011: Taking Advantage of that Washington, D.C. Location!

2011-06-28T13:51:00.003-04:00

On Day Three of SPS, the SPS 2011 class fanned out to four different locations in Washington, D.C. for four quintessential D.C. experiences:

At 8:00 am, a dozen students, accompanied by SPS faculty members Mr. Eagles and Ms. Basta, were off to Capitol Hill to attend a hearing of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee on the U.S. involvement in Libya in the context of the War Powers Act. (We weren't the only ones at the hearing--the The New York Times was there too. Click here for a link to the Times article about hearing.) The SPS group has checked in -- after lunch on the Hill, they are going back to hear the Committee's mark-up session.

Also at 8:00 am, a group headed off to an event hosted by one of D.C.'s premier "think tanks," the Brookings Institution: "PhDs, Policies and Patents: Innovation and America's future." (Click here for a link to the Brookings Institutions description of the event.) Led by James, our Program Assistant who is a Princeton engineering major, and Shawn, our intern from Vanderbilt U., they are on their way back to St. Albans now for lunch.

Our third departure of the day, at 8:30 am, sent approximately 8 SPS 2011 students to the Woodrow Wilson Center to attend a panel discussion entitled: "An Israeli-Palestinian Agreement? What's possible and What Isn't." (Click here for a link to the Wilson Center's description of the event.) As the above photo shows, our group followed the discussion intently!

The last departure of the morning, at 8:45 am, sent some of the class to another Brookings Institution event: "How Social Networking Can Reinvigorate American Democracy and Civic Participation." (Click here for a link to the Brookings Institution's description of the event.) Proving that not ALL networking has to be electronic, our SPS trip leader, Helen, found out she knew one of the organizers who then spoke privately to our SPS group.

After a busy morning, there's more to come: this afternoon we will split into case study groups for "The Case of the Jailhouse Lawyer," a case study that uses the famous Gideon v. Wainwright Supreme Court case as a vehicle for exploring the mechanisms of the American justice system. (This will set up SPS 2011 nicely for tomorrow's big event: a mock Supreme Court argument of a case from the U.S. Supreme Court's current term.) And just to make sure everyone is REALLY tired and goes to sleep early in the dorm, after dinner the group will go on a twilight tour of the Monuments on the National Mall.

Slideshow of Photos from the First Case Study

2011-06-27T19:30:00.000-04:00

After a day outside spent in team-building exercises on the ropes course, it was into the classroom for the first case study of the 2011 program. (Click on any photo above to go the online photo album.)

SPS 2011 is on the Case!

2011-06-27T19:24:00.005-04:00

After a day of exercising muscles out on the ropes course, the SPS 2011 class got its first chance to exercise those intellectual muscles (all formidable, of course!) in our first case study of the 2011 SPS session.

The "case method" of teaching is familiar to graduate students in fields such as law, business, and public policy. A "teaching case" is written in narrative-style, and describes a specific situation or conflict (perhaps a complicated policy decision for a government official) with the goal of, as Harvard's Kennedy School of Government states, "put[ting] students in the shoes of real-life decision-makers in order to prepare them for their own lives of decision-making." Instructors act as facilitators of discussions with an eye toward helping the students identify the problem, analyze the causes, and formulate solutions.

Our first case of the session is a Harvard Kennedy School of Government case, "Ethical Problems in Public Careers: Lying." The case presents the reader with a series of vignettes, or "mini-cases," some fictional and others drawn from real-life situations, that all focus in on one particular issue: whether it is ever ethical or "right" for a government official to be dishonest in the quest of a greater good. Some of the scenarios? A reporter lies to his confidential source to persuade the source that the reporter is already aware of secret information and just needs confirmation; a mayoral candidate does not tell the press, when asked, that he plans to make cut-backs on popular city programs if elected; a Speaker of the House misleads his colleagues to break a deadlock and get a crucial appropriations bill through Congress. The vignettes are designed to present students with dilemmas that require nuanced thought and discussion, and highlight some of the common excuses or rationalizations for a lack of candor in public life: "that's how the game is played"; "I'm just doing my job"; and "it's for a good cause." (The word is that all three of the sections had lively and animated discussions -- see the photo slideshow in the post above for evidence!)

SPS 2011 . . .On the Ropes!

2011-06-27T15:58:00.000-04:00

The 2011 Class of the St. Albans School of Public Service spent the day doing team-building exercises (including a zip-line) at the Madeira School in Virginia. Our group leaders, from the company Innerquest, did a great job at helping our group get better acquainted and have a great time. Enjoy the photo slideshow below! (Double-click on any photo to go to our online Google Picasa photo album, from which you can download photos.)

Slideshow of Photos from SPS Opening Cookout and Ice Cream Social

2011-06-26T21:25:00.000-04:00

After an all-American cookout in Gregory Court, it was up to the rooftop to the Frist Terrace for an ice cream social to end the SPS day.

This is the View from My Ice Cream Parlour . . .

2011-06-26T21:23:00.001-04:00

Sort of. After a cookout in Gregory Court and an orientation session with the Residential Faculty, it was up to the Frist Terrace--the rooftop garden of St. Albans School--for an ice cream social and a great view of the sixth largest cathedral in the world, the Washington National Cathedral.

SPS Scavenger Hunt is Under Way!

2011-06-26T16:15:00.001-04:00

The SPS Scavenger Hunt is officially under way! Four teams (see slideshow above) are scouring St. Albans School and the surrounding campus area for the answer to important St. Albans School trivia questions such as the names of St. Albans School's two Astronaut Alumni (Michael Collins and Rick Hauck); which St. Albans School class stained glass window panel depicts the Constitution (class of 1988); and which SPS faculty member is a current college lacrosse player (Helen). The teams have only 60 minutes so they are moving quickly and working efficiently!

St. Albans School of Public Service Has Officially Begun: The First Student Has Arrived!

2011-06-26T11:03:00.002-04:00

After all the waiting and preparation, the 2011 St. Albans School of Public Service program has officially begun with the arrival of our first student: Coleman, from Boston, Massachusetts. (See bottom left photo as Coleman checks in.) Coleman has now won the historic honor of being known as Student Number One for SPS 2011. As you can see, our staff was eager for his arrival, as they histrionically demonstrate in the top left photo (on left, Residential Faculty member John Stephany, on the right, Residential Faculty member Helen Conaghan).

It's Arrival Day . . . Just Waiting for the First Student to Arrive!

2011-06-26T10:45:00.001-04:00

The SPS faculty and staff are set up and ready to receive the great SPS class of 2011! The 2011 session will kick off when the first student arrives . . . should be any minute now . . . (Above photo, from left: Mrs. Larocque, Residential faculty; James, program assistant; Shawn, Vanderbilt U. VIEW Program intern; Helen, Residential faculty; and Emily, Residential faculty.)

A Welcome to the SPS Class of 2011 from an SPS Residential Advisor!

2011-06-24T19:01:00.000-04:00

Helen is both an SPS alum and one of our residential advisors (RAs) living in the dorm. After experiencing SPS as a student, she's looking forward to meeting the class of 2011 and experiencing SPS from the faculty side of things!

It's Not A Red Carpet, But . . .

2011-06-23T18:57:00.002-04:00

Two of our SPS staff members, Shawn (left window), an intern from Vanderbilt U, and James (right window), a Program Assistant from Princeton, hang out the welcome banner as we prepare for SPS 2011 to begin on Sunday, June 26. The good news? Neither James nor Shawn fell out of the window while hanging the welcome banner! The bad news? The banner was to be stored until this Sunday for the big day (SPS Arrival Day!), and our highly efficient facilities staff thought it was trash and threw it away while putting the finishing touches on cleaning the dorm rooms! (Oops. But the dorm rooms are clean!) But you're still welcome, SPS class of 2011 -- there just won't be a banner proclaiming it.