Carbondale Reporter

Travis Washington, a speech communication senior from Chicago, won the 2017 Alexander Lane Internship from Southern Illinois University Carbondale’s (SIUC) Paul Simon Public Policy Institute, the school announced recently.

 

“The Alexander Lane Internship is a wonderful way for the university to both honor Lane’s achievements and honor his spirit, opening doors to deserving students and giving them an opportunity to get valuable hands-on experience,” SIUC Prof. Linda Baker said. “I think Travis will find this experience rewarding and an excellent beginning to his postgraduate career.”

 

Lane served in the Illinois General Assembly in 1906 and 1908, one of many prominent roles he took after beginning life in antebellum Mississippi. He was also a noted school principal and physician known for his achievements and public service.

 

Washington, who leads the SIUC College Democrats and is a senator on the Black Affairs Council, will work with the Illinois House Democratic legislative staff, learning about legislative and political processes on the job.

 

“Lane’s perseverance in overcoming barriers and achieving his goals serves as an inspiration to today’s students,” Pamela Smoot, Lane's biographer.

Smoot is also coordinator of the Office of Recruitment, Retention & Outreach in the College of Liberal Arts.