Students in Dr. Angie Eikenberry’s Public Policy 1001 got out of the classroom for a firsthand look at state government on a tour led by IMRP Director Andrew Clark.

Clark pointed out local sites on the brief, 10-minute walk from the Hartford Times Building to the State Capitol, including such historic spots as the Wadsworth Atheneum, Hartford’s Ancient Burying Ground, and a Bushnell Park in early bloom.

Inside the Hall of the House of Representatives, the largest room in the State Capitol, Clark spoke about his years as a legislative aide to state representative Bill Dyson, who served New Haven’s 94th district from 1976 – 2008.

The tour then proceeded via underground passageway to the LOB, the Legislative Office Building, where much of the work is done. Students were greeted by a current legislative intern at UConn and learned about opportunities to earn up to six academic credits completing a part-time internship during their undergraduate experience.

Noah Hurt, a first-year graduate student in the MPA (Master of Public Administration) program who serves as the class TA, noted the visit helped students gain a deeper understanding of how the Connecticut legislature works. “It was a powerful way to connect what we learn in class to real-world processes,” Hurt said.

Hurt pointed out the beauty and meaning of the State Capitol. “It’s not just the architecture that stands out, but also the rich history represented inside and out. Being (there), reminded me that there are real opportunities for people like me to make a difference in our state. It makes me motivated to keep working hard so that one day I might have the honor of working with or even becoming part of the Connecticut legislature.”