Students in the Alfred University Economics Club (AUEC) engaged in a fun and impactful trip to Washington, D.C., and Virginia, April 2–5.
Students in the Alfred University Economics Club (AUEC) engaged in a fun and impactful trip to Washington, D.C., and Virginia, April 2–5.
Students enjoyed a mix of career-focused and cultural experiences that provided valuable hands-on learning through visits to Congressman Nick Langworthy’s office, Micron Technology, and the Fairfax County (Virginia) Economic Development Authority. From Capitol tours to deep dives into semiconductors, supply chains, and energy, students asked sharp questions and soaked up knowledge.
But it wasn’t all business, AUEC faculty advisor Sangjoon Lee, professor of economics, noted. There was plenty of fun, too. The group explored the Smithsonian Museums, savored Korean BBQ, and caught a Washington Wizards NBA game for the full D.C. experience.
Lee credited Maksym Smirnov, AUEC president, for organizing the trip, and Luke Johns, treasurer, for not only crunching expense numbers but also driving through city streets and highways. Brandon Thurner ’05, alumni lead—who has played a key role of all seven of the trips AUEC has taken to the nation’s capital—served as the full-time chaperone this year. Thurner is project manager for Enegis, a Fairfax County energy consulting firm that focuses on strategy, technology, economics, and project development.
He also thanked the university’s Career Development Center and Center for Advanced Ceramic Technology for helping prepare students for the trip. “They were ready to shine, and their energy made the trip unforgettable!” Lee commented.
Lee and Thurner first organized the annual trip to Washington in 2017. Fifteen students, representing 11 academic majors and four countries—Ukraine, Canada, Brazil, and the United States—participated in this year’s event.