A Blog on McConnell Center Life

On September 26, 2011, the McConnell Center hosted historian Richard Bernstein to discuss Thomas Jefferson’s legacy in American constitutional theory. Professor Bernstein is the author of multiple books on constitutional history, but has also written a biography of Thomas Jefferson that is regarded as "the best short biography of Jefferson ever written." The lecture was the second installment in the Remembering America: From Colonization to the Civil War Lecture Series. Professor Bernstein’s extensive knowledge of the life and work of the American founder offered an enlightening understanding of how Jefferson’s experiences and career shaped the development of American government. Professor Bernstein traced the path of Thomas Jefferson from his early political career as a founder and state legislator through his eventual term as Secretary of State and finally as President. One of the most striking views of Jefferson depicted during the lecture was his struggle to reco...

During the Summer of 2011 I spent six weeks in Washington D.C. interning for the Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell. It was an extremely rewarding experience during a fascinating time for our country. For the most part, my time in Washington was very enjoyable and I was able to learn quite a bit along the way. I roomed with fellow McConnell Scholar, Trey Pippin, in an English Basement Apartment near Galluadet University. I was fortunate to find this place on Craiglist, owned by a Political Science professor who worked at the nearby University. Everyday we could catch the bus right outside and have a ten to fifteen minute commute to Union Station. After the short five minute walk (which was very nice because this summer was the hottest D.C. has been in a while) we would clear the security scanners at the Russell Senate Office Building. I worked Monday through Friday from 8:30 A.M. - 5:30 P.M. It was quite the change of pace from the college lifestyle. My duties at work including or...

The entrance interview: SGA President Frizzell details plans for the year

"How audacious to think that tobacco farmers, shopkeepers, and lawyers knew how to better govern a society?" Quite audacious, even laughable, it may seem to the loyal Englishman during the American Revolution. Dr. Lorrie Glover sat down with the McConnell Scholars in a seminar to discuss early American history, the primary focus on the courage of men and women to say, "Yes, I'll get on the boat," to a brave, new world. This idea of American Audacity is not tucked away in the books of history. The idea of knowing better than the other man is an idea that reigns supreme in this country. American ideas continue to revolutionize landscapes today. Blake Christopher and Paige Brewer both touched upon that point. The man behind Microsoft Computers, Bill Gates, thought he knew the best way to develop and market personal computers to the world. And even still with all of the success Mr. Gates has enjoyed over the years, Steve Jobs, thought he had an even better idea. Som...