Article by Julie Waechter, special to Adams State
Two Adams State University Political Science majors are interning in Colorado’s capital as part of the John McDaniel Legislative Internships, according to Dr. Michael Mumper, emeritus professor of Political Science.
Adams State’s McDaniel Endowment funds stipends and scholarships for the interns, the first of whom are Ramon Garcia and Zachery Radigan. Garcia is working with Adams State’s lobbying firm, Sewald Hanfling Public Affairs, while Radigan is assisting 2013 Adams State alumnus Matthew Martinez, Representative for Colorado’s 62nd District, and his aide, Courtney Hocking, Adams State Class of 2022.
“These internships are an excellent career development opportunity for students and provide our local legislators with much needed staff assistance. This will help develop a pipeline of graduates working in Colorado state government. Interns may work on policy, constituent, administrative, and logistical assignments,” Dr Mumper noted.
Interns work in Denver with their legislator/public affairs firm through the spring semester, while the state legislature is in session. A third internship position with the lobbying firm is available for the summer. Students earn 9 political science credits for the internship and take a 3-credit online course on state government, as well as meet virtually each week with their professor.
“Taking this internship was one of the best decisions I have made for myself and my future,” said Radigan. The senior political science major hopes to build a career in international relations and foreign affairs. “The internship is more than just paperwork and policy; it’s about being part of something bigger than yourself and helping shape the future.”
Martinez is vice chair of the Education Committee, and serves on the Agriculture, Water & Natural Resources Committee, as well as on the Legislative Council. Radigan’s duties in Martinez’s office include conducting research and analysis on current legislative issues, as well as reviewing, editing, and writing such legislative documents as bill summaries, fact sheets, and recorded minutes. He also serves as a liaison to other legislators, constituents, activist groups, and government agencies to ensure accurate information and timely communication.
“This internship opened doors I never could have imagined. From networking with legislators to witnessing democracy in action, it has sharpened skills that are invaluable to my career, whether in law, government, or advocacy. This program has taught me how to serve the public,” Radigan added.
Garcia, a junior political science and pre-law major, is already serving his rural community as Vice President of the Sierra Grande School District Board of Education and as President of the SLV BOCES Board of Directors, a collaboration between the 14 San Luis Valley school districts.
“These two roles have given me first-hand experience in governance at the local level, and my internship has allowed me to connect those experiences to state-level policymaking and advocacy,” he said. His responsibilities include attending House and Senate committee meetings, tracking legislation, and taking notes on key discussions, as well as drafting itineraries, preparing agendas, and coordinating client meetings.
“The most valuable part of my internship has been the opportunity to work on tracking legislation and policy research, more specifically in areas relating to education, infrastructure, and economic development,” he said. “This experience gave me a more in-depth understanding of policymaking, law, and the relationships made in the governance process.” Garcia plans a career in public service, government, or the legal field, with the goal of influencing policies that positively impact communities.
The Adams State Foundation established the John E. McDaniel Foundation with assets from the John E. McDaniel Living Trust. The namesake of Adams State’s McDaniel Hall, Dr. McDaniel retired as Professor Emeritus of History in 2007, after a 40-year teaching career; he died May 2, 2023. He also previously served as president of the Foundation.
Dr. Mumper said the legislative internships are open to all Adams State juniors and seniors who are able to spend a semester in Denver. For more information about the John McDaniel Legislative Internships, contact him via email: mmumper@adams.edu.
