The Washington Center (TWC) for Internships and Academic Programs, an organization that provides college students with the opportunity to work and learn in the nation’s capital, has named Ohio Northern University as its Private University of the Year.
          
ONU is being recognized for its strong commitment to internships and academic programming offered through TWC. From publicizing the program, to advising students of opportunities and assisting students with the application process, Ohio Northern has distinguished itself as a leader among private universities and their placement of students with high-profile internships. Ohio Northern will be recognized at the annual Academic Affairs Awards Luncheon, which will be held at the National Press Club in Washington, D.C., on Oct. 1.
          
Robert Alexander, associate professor of political science, ONU’s liaison for the Washington Center and a member of the Washington Center’s National Advisory Board, expressed excitement about the award. “Being named the Private University of the Year by The Washington Center speaks to the strong caliber of our students. They are the ones who are truly being honored by this award. They have taken advantage of amazing opportunities they simply could not get on a college campus. Ohio Northern has been a leader in recognizing the importance of experiential learning opportunities like those offered through The Washington Center.”
          
Ohio Northern has a strong relationship with TWC and has partnered with the Center for nearly two decades. The University encourages and supports students who wish to engage in internship opportunities through TWC. Members of the ONU faculty have served on the National Liaison Advisory Board for a number of years and have served as faculty leaders in TWC programming.

This summer, 10 ONU students will participate in either the Democratic National Convention Program in Charlotte, N.C., or the Republican National Convention program in Tampa, Fla. In the last five years, more than 90 ONU students have participated in TWC programming. This includes 48 in the traditional D.C. program, six in the Internship Abroad program, 13 students in the 2008 Presidential Convention program, two students in the Arab-Israeli simulation, and one student in the 2008 Presidential Inauguration program. Students from any major are able to participate in TWC programming. More than 15 majors from three colleges (Arts & Sciences, Business Administration, and Pharmacy) at ONU have had participants in TWC programming. ONU students have enjoyed excellent placements and real-world experience that have helped them in their post-graduate lives.