Mr. Deacon Goes to Washington

The Forest & the Hill

Wake Forest just took its relationship with our nation’s capital to the next level. This fall, the Wake Washington Center opened its doors to the Demon Deacon and Washington, D.C. community, marking a bold new moment in a long-standing partnership between a city rich in opportunity and ambitious young minds ready to absorb everything it has to offer.

Location. Location. Location.

There’s no place like the center of things. With an address of 1 Dupont Circle, the Wake Washington Center is 4,300 square feet of beltway vibrancy positioned in the beating heart of the district. Its neighbors include think tanks, research institutions, museums, nonprofits and government agencies – many of which provide hands-on learning experience for Wake Washington students.

“This program allows our foundational Wake Forest strengths – rigorous classroom learning and intense student-faculty engagement – to intersect with the opportunity to explore and shape public life.”

Katy Harriger, faculty director of Wake Washington

IN SESSION

The inaugural set of classes includes “U.S. Policymaking in the 21st Century” and “American Constitutional Law: Separation of Powers and Federalism,” taught by Faculty Director Katy Harriger. This coursework incorporates visits to Capitol Hill, the Supreme Court and the White House.

“Whether students decide to focus their time on politics, international affairs, communications, nonprofit organizations or the arts, I know that any Demon Deacon who spends a semester here will be better for doing so.”

United States Senator Richard Burr (’78)

DIVE IN

From monuments to museums to restaurants to cherry blossoms, there is no shortage of things to see or do while in the capital of the free world. Much like our international houses and study abroad programs, Wake Washington offers participating students exposure to perspectives and experiences that extend far beyond the boundaries of classwork or internships.

LIVE & LEARN

For students with aspirations of one day working in Washington, there’s nothing quite like the experience gained within the fast-paced, highly competitive climate of a city that’s shaping global policy daily. The 16 undergraduates participating in the residential program all have an alumni or parent mentor and balance classwork with internships. They also enjoy access to other Washington businesses, agencies, organizations and thought leaders.

“We came to Washington, D.C. because we know it is a place our students and alumni want to be. It is here – where there are so many intersecting forces at work, where important conversations are had and decisions are made, where people have the opportunity to be in the center of our nation’s activity, where there is room to make a difference – it is here we want to be. It is here Wake Foresters need to be. It is here we are pleased to be.”

President Nathan O. Hatch, Wake Forest University

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