Students Get an Insider's View of Nation’s Capital from Alumni

For the last 44 years, St. John’s University students interested in career opportunities in and around Washington, DC, have been provided a unique networking opportunity through the Alumni Insider’s View...US Capital (DC AIV) program. Thanks to the generosity of alumni—who are where these students hope to be someday— students enjoy several days in our nation’s capital, absorbing the knowledge and practical experience offered by a host of dedicated St. John’s graduates.

Through the years, the program has attracted and sustained the participation of alums across multiple generations, who share and pass on a willingness to give back to help current students.

Offered through a collaborative effort by the Office of Alumni Relations, University Career Services, and Advancement and University Relations, this year’s trip took place from October 18 to 20, with 42 participating students exposed to a wide array of informational activities, tours, and networking receptions.

More than 150 student applications were requested, and 82 completed the process, which included a video interview, uploading their résumé to Handshake, and an orientation session. It was a competitive field, and the selected students presented thoughtful statements about what they plan to gain from this experience and what they hope to share with alumni. Students participating in this exciting initiative demonstrate significant academic achievement and a commitment to service that has always been a unique aspect of the St. John’s experience.

Some highlights included visits to the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Museum, the Library of Congress, the Federal Bureau of Investigation Headquarters/J. Edgar Hoover Building, the US Capitol, and much DC sightseeing.

Julia Buccellato, a senior Legal Studies major from the Staten Island campus, said interacting with St. John’s alumni working in the DC area gave her a better vision of her future path. “The St. John’s DC AIV program was an enriching experience that transcended beyond the classroom setting. Meeting with alumni and receiving their one-on-one, career-related guidance allowed me to form meaningful connections and opened my eyes to the vast amount of postgraduation opportunities. I returned to campus with renewed enthusiasm and purpose for my future career.”

Students attended two panel discussions about leadership and networking moderated by Brian Browne ’93C, ’97G, Associate Vice President, University Communications and Public Affairs—and a past student participant from 30 years prior.

“The first time that I ever visited DC was as a student in this program,” shared Mr. Browne, “and it fueled my passion for government and politics. Our supportive alumni make this the signature experience that it has been for decades.”

Brian V. Breheny ’90CBA, ’96L, Partner and Cohead, SEC (US Securities and Exchange Commission) Reporting and Compliance, Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP and Affiliates, generously hosted and underwrote the cost of the Student and Alumni Networking Reception.

During his remarks, Mr. Breheny shared that even though he was involved in many extracurricular activities as a student, he never participated in the Insider’s View Program, but he enjoys welcoming students and generations of alumni to DC to get to know each other.

“It’s a great program,” he said. “Thanks for continuing the tradition.”

“The DC AIV program was an amazing experience,” stated Lacy S. Worrall (pictured right, on left side), a senior from Massachusetts studying Government and Politics and a member of the President’s Society. “My favorite part was listening to alumni panels at the Russell Senate Office Building. The speakers shared their career paths and gave us valuable advice on what we can do now as students to set ourselves up for success in government roles. At the networking reception held at Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP, I spoke with Congressional staffers and think-tank writers about their roles. Doing so was especially enlightening given that these are positions I hope to pursue in the future.”

“Learning about the meaningful and inspiring work of our alumni broadens perspectives and reveals a world of opportunities,” shared Paulette Gonzalez-Sierchio, Assistant Vice President, University Career Services. “The overall sentiment of our participants may be summarized by one student’s reflection. ‘This enriching experience has inspired me to align my academic and professional goals with a greater sense of purpose and civic responsibility, echoing the core values of St. John’s University’s mission.’”

Panelists

“Navigating the District: Pathways to a Fulfilling Career and Life in Washington, DC” session

• Jacqueline Alvarado ’21C, Legislative Correspondent, Office of Senator Ben Ray Luján (NM)

• Joseph Arevalo ’00CPS, Senior Principal Cybersecurity Analyst, BAE Systems

• Mark Lauricella, Esq. ’15L, National Security Law Counsel

• Anfernee Osandu ’21C, Project Coordinator, Office of the General Counsel, The Brookings Institution

• Gabriel Vazquez ’18CPS, Intelligence Analyst, Booz Allen Hamilton

“Capitalizing on Leadership: Essential Skills for Success” session

• Christopher Coes ’05C, ’06G, Assistant Secretary for Transportation Policy, US Department of Transportation

• Marc Kuzmicki ’05CPS, Assistant Special Agent in Charge, DEA Special Operations Division

• Ashley Mocarski ’15CPS, Vice President of External Affairs, CapitalHQ

• Sean O’Gorman ’19C, ’20G, Policy Analyst, American Foreign Service Association

• Benjamin Zeitlin ’05L, Administrative Law Judge, US Department of Health and Human Services