Reinhardt’s Student Government Association President Represents the College at National Policy Conference in Washington, D.C.

Christopher Williams’ first trip to our nation’s capital was one of great importance. He wasn’t there just as a tourist; he was there to represent Reinhardt College at the 2010 American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC) policy conference on the U.S.-Israel relationship—the first nationally recognized policy conference that Reinhardt has been represented.

“It was exciting that I got to represent Reinhardt because I was among nearly 250 other Student Government Association presidents, all from schools like UCLA, Morehouse and Harvard,” said Williams, a senior from Loganville, Ga. and Reinhardt’s SGA president. “We as a smaller, private college were represented and acknowledged in our nation’s capital; it was a great moment for Reinhardt!”

From learning about political relationships to how to catch a cab, Williams took away many valuable experiences from his trip. “I learned so much during my time in Washington, D.C. I learned a lot about Israel and the importance of their relationship with the United States, and also of the impact that Iran's fight to acquire nuclear weapons has on Israel, the U.S. and the rest of the world. I learned how to lobby my congressmen and even how to catch a cab!”

The conference also gave Williams the opportunity to see politics up close and personal. “During the conference there was a large protest outside of the convention center where we were. It was intense! I've never experienced anything like it.

“The conference also gave me a chance to see some prominent politicians at their finest. I got to hear Hilary Clinton, as well as Tony Blair and Benjamin Netanyahu, speak right in front of me!”

What will Williams, who will graduate this May, remember most about his experience at the conference? “I will always remember that I was the first student ever to represent Reinhardt at a nationally recognized policy conference! The experience and insight that I gained at the conference will last me a lifetime!”

AIPAC Background
AIPAC believes the key to securing the U.S.-Israel alliance in the future is to educate student leaders today. AIPAC's Leadership Development Department empowers students to be confident advocates for Israel-both on campus and beyond. Working with high school, undergraduate, and graduate students, as well as young professionals, AIPAC's training programs teach students how to strengthen the U.S.-Israel relationship through political involvement. On campuses across America-from Ivy League universities, to small liberal arts colleges, to Historically Black and Christian schools-AIPAC gives students the tools to find their voices in support of a strong U.S.-Israel relationship.

As of June 1, 2010, Reinhardt College will take on a new name – Reinhardt University. Since 1883, Reinhardt has focused on being “the way college should be,” and although the name will change, Reinhardt will remain true to its values as a private liberal arts institution affiliated with The United Methodist Church which offers a caring learning environment dedicated to meeting each student’s needs.

More than 1,100 students are enrolled in Reinhardt’s three graduate programs in business administration, music and education, and 40 undergraduate degree programs, which range from business, communications and education to psychology, music and math. Reinhardt has two locations- a residential campus in Cherokee County in Waleska, Ga., just 45 minutes northwest of Atlanta, and center focused on adults in Alpharetta, Ga. It also is offers selected programs in Epworth, Cartersville and Marietta, Ga.

Additional attractions on the Waleska campus include the Falany Performing Arts Center, the Funk Heritage Center and the Fincher Visual Arts Center.
For more information, please contact Reinhardt at 770-720-5526 or 1-87-REINHARDT or see the College website at www.reinhardt.edu.

Reinhardt College
7300 Reinhardt College Circle
Waleska, Ga. 30114

Lauren Thomas
Media Relations Coordinator
email: lht@reinhardt.edu
phone: 770-720-5514

This release was published on openPR.