The capstone trip to Washington D.C. for the ENGR 599 Leadership class was phenomenal! Not being a traditional government or political enthusiast, the trip opened my eyes to the ways of the government and has resulted in a 180 degree change of attitude toward the political arena.

The first night of the trip, Major General Robbins said, “don’t sleep, enjoy every second you can up here.” I tried to take his advice, although I couldn’t do the not sleeping part, I did enjoy every second I spent in Washington. The trip was as amazing educationally as it was socially and it was a very great, fun time away from the studies of school. After four years of spring break trips, this was by far my favorite, spent with both great colleges and a great program in which I am very lucky to be a part of.

I think that the trip to Washington DC was very worth-while. It was great to interact with our state leaders in their environment. It was an especially great way to get to know my fellow classmates as well.

During the first half of spring break, students will participate in an all-expenses-paid trip to Washington, D.C. to visit with members of Kentucky’s congressional delegation, their key staff members, leaders in national engineering professional organizations, and Federal agencies with engineering missions. Details are being worked out through the University’s federal relations office. We will depart from Lexington Bluegrass Airport on the morning of Sunday, March 9, and fly to Ronald Reagan International Airport in Washington, D.C. Students will have the remainder of the day Sunday to visit important cultural attractions such as the Smithsonian Institution, the Lincoln, Washington, and Jefferson Memorials, the Library of Congress, the National Archives, and the Vietnam War Memorial.

We also plan to attend at least one cultural event at the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, Ford’s Theater or other similar venue. It is anticipated that we will return to Lexington on the morning of Wednesday, March 12. All travel arrangements will be handled through the Office of the Dean of Engineering. Students who wish to extend their stay should work with Joy McDonald in the dean’s office to arrange their travel itinerary. Travel costs in excess of round-trip travel between Washington, D.C. and Lexington, Kentucky, lodging and subsistence beyond the official travel dates, and other incidental expenses incurred (whether during the official travel dates or during an extended stay) will be the responsibility of the student.