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Joe Kallenbach (left), a senior political science major at Western Illinois University, is an intern in the office of Illinois Congressman Peter Roskam (right) in Roskam's Washington, D.C. office through April 25.
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WIU Intern Gains Experience in D.C.

April 6, 2015

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MACOMB, IL - - Western Illinois University student Joe Kallenbach is currently serving as the school's second intern in the WIU in D.C. program.

Kallenbach, a senior political science major at WIU, has been interning in Illinois Congressman Peter Roskam's Washington, D.C., office this semester and will continue his experience until April 25.

He has enjoyed working with Roskam's staff, which he said is very active and easy to work with. The Crystal Lake, IL, native is also very grateful for the opportunities WIU has provided him.

"It is extremely exciting to work for someone who represents my home district," Kallenbach said. "I have enjoyed meeting with WIU alumni who have established themselves in D.C. I am grateful for their help and guidance throughout the way."

WIU Political Science Professor and Director of Public Leadership and Outreach Janna Deitz, who served as an American Political Science Association Congressional Fellow from 2011-12, said the University's WIU in D.C. program provides many opportunities to students. In 2014, Deitz revamped the program and even traveled to D.C. to advertise the program to Illinois' Congressional offices.

WIU's first intern in the revamped program was Matthew Marshall, now a senior political science major, from Monticello, IL. He worked in Illinois Congressman Rodney Davis' Washington, D.C. office.

"The opportunity to see Congress at work, up close, during my fellowship was invaluable to my teaching and research," Deitz said. "Because I learned so much, I wanted to make an internship opportunity available for WIU students, as well. Many students seek D.C. internships, especially Congressional internships during the summer. Yet offices also need interns during the academic year; a semester-length internship will help make the most out of that professional experience for students."

The experience is also teaching Kallenbach a similar lesson.

"I truly love living and working on Capitol Hill thus far, and Congress is definitely an institution I would like to be part of for a long time," said Kallenbach.

For more information about the WIU Department of Political Science, visit wiu.edu/cas/Political_Science/.

Posted By: Mary Friday (WIUNews@wiu.edu)
Office of University Communications & Marketing