Washington Program Settles Into New Space

With fall studies underway, 16 CMC students enrolled in the Claremont McKenna College Washington Program already are enjoying the benefits of a new program facility in the heart of the nation's capital that includes a reception and lounge area, a tech-friendly student office, a multipurpose classroom, and a welcoming environment for alumni visitors and other guests.
Located near the White House on Seventeenth Street, just steps away from the historic Mayflower Hotel, acquisition of the new, 1,750 square-foot suite demonstrates CMC's continuing commitment to educate and cultivate tomorrow's leaders in government, the private sector, and nonprofits, says CMC and Washington Program alumnus Alexis Orton '03. "Thousands of 5-C alumni live in the D.C. area, and many of us are excited about the opportunities the new facility offers to meet current students and gather for events and influential speakers, a capability impossible with the old facility," she says.
Washington Program director Elizabeth Spalding says the new space affords students around-the-clock access to study space with areas for reading, computer work and printing, and added videoconferencing capabilities for seminar classes, guest speakers, and other related functions. "Students are already enjoying the suite in the many ways that it was envisioned," Spalding says, "stopping by at lunch, staying late after class, and coming in to use the computers. The enthusiasm among recent and even older program alumni is also high."
In addition to students and alumni, Spalding notes that CMC faculty and staff, as well as the research institutes, will find the space appealing for book launches, one-day seminars or lunches, and media events. The D.C. alumni chapter has already scheduled at least one fall function in the new suite, and Spalding projects at least two or three other events each semester.
Alumni, faculty, and/or staff interested in visiting or scheduling events may contact the Washington Program directly at 202-833-4946.