In preparation for departure, IU State Relations Director Zack Smith Williams provided two sessions as an overview of how state government is structured and political parties are represented. He also explained to participants their First Amendment rights, representing themselves as citizens, and President Whitten’s role in representing Indiana University.
The day began with a continental breakfast and informal peer engagement. Upon arrival, the participants observed a case being argued in the State Supreme Court. This experience provided exposure to the role of the courts in the interpretation and execution of the law.
From there, scholars observed the House of Representatives in a committee session, with the Indiana Commissioner of Higher Education present in the chambers. They spoke to a lobbyist, who was a former 21st Century Scholar from Indiana University Indianapolis. He educated participants about what lobbyists do and their role in providing information on issues and creating draft proposals for bill consideration. Representative Vernon Smith from District 14 greeted students and shared that he was one of the founding legislators to pass the bill that created the 21st Century Scholarship Program. Senator Eric Bassler shared with students his reasoning for being a civil servant, the difference between an Indiana State Congressman and a Federal Congressman, and the need for civil engagement now more than ever.
At lunch, participants excitedly chattered about the experience and continued to get to know each other. After lunch, it was time for the tour of the statehouse. The tour guide, J. R. Edwards, was very knowledgeable and gave an excellent tour. Scholars learned about the history of the state house, the architecture, the offices, chambers, and other spaces throughout the building. They ended the tour by returning to the Indiana Supreme Court Chambers, where the tour guide shared his background with the American Institute of Physics. Students were able to ask him about the internship opportunities offered through his professional organization affiliations.
Next, students visited the Law Library, where they were greeted by an IUB alumnus and Special Collection Development Librarian for the Indiana Supreme Court, Cathrin Verano. She shared the history of the library, and scholars were exposed to law books from as early as the 1500s that covered topics ranging from colonial law to tribal law. Participants were amazed by the holdings and the aged fixtures of the space itself.
The scholars were joined by IUB alumni and Indiana Commissioner for Higher Education, Chris Lowry, who shared his passion for the 21st Century Scholars Program as well as his first-generation background. He shared his experience as an intern at the state house and his career pathway that ultimately led to his serving as the commissioner. He brought with him IUB alumni and Indiana State Supreme Court Justice Christopher M. Goff. Justice Goff shared his story as a first-generation student and his pathway to serving on the highest court in the state.
In summary, the participants were able to network and be uplifted by fellow participants, peers, interns, alumni, the Commissioner for Higher Education, Indiana State Legislators, a Supreme Court Justice, an accomplished and knowledgeable tour guide, and 21st Century Scholar staff, making it an unforgettable experience.
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