CICC Member Spotlight

As the representative for a district that is the proud home of eight NAICU member institutions, and as the graduate of a private, non-profit university myself, it has always been important to me to support these institutions of higher education. These schools are just some of the many institutions that help provide a top-notch education to the thousands of students who choose to continue their learning in Massachusetts, and I proudly advocate for them as a member of the Congressional Independent Colleges Caucus.

Some of the most innovative and exciting research in the state is coming out of the institutions in my district. My office has worked closely with these schools to help secure federal funding to support students, faculty, and staff. Additionally, all of our schools are instrumental partners in the larger communities in which they reside—they provide jobs and opportunities for community learning and engagement.

At American University, I learned how to think critically and fight for what I believe in. Our colleges and universities should be incubators of discussion and debate. They should be breeding grounds for intellectual growth—that’s what American University was to me and I’m forever grateful for it. American also allowed me the opportunity to intern for Sen. George McGovern (no relation). This opportunity quite literally set me on the path for my career—I worked on Sen. McGovern’s presidential campaign and then as an aide to former Congressman Joe Moakley for many years before eventually running for office myself. The resources American University provided me kickstarted a lifelong career in public service.