Representative Paul Ryan of Wisconsin has become the second Washington Semester alum to serve on a national ticket. Ryan, selected by Governor Mitt Romney to be his running mate, follows in the long-standing tradition of Washington Semester alumni who have achieved prominent professional careers, such as former Governor of Massachusetts and Democratic nominee for president in 1988 Michael Dukakis; former U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Service Donna Shalala (D); and former U.S. Senator Max Cleland (D-GA), Former Congressman Jim Nussle (R- IA), Former Congressman Paul McHale (D- PA) Deputy Campaign Manager Obama for American 2012 Stephanie Cutter, House Ways and Means Committee Staff Director Daniel Elling among others.

Congressman Ryan came from Miami University of Ohio to participate in the Foreign Policy program in the fall semester of 1991. During Congressman Ryan’s time with the Washington Semester Program he interned with Senator Bob Kasten (R-WI).

For the past 10 years, Congressman Ryan has continued his relationship with American University’s Washington Semester Program as a frequent guest speaker to students in American Politics and other classes. Many students from the program have had the opportunity to intern in his Washington, DC office, most frequently students from his congressional district.