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New Rochelle , NY –Iona senior political science majors Jordan Barnes of Kernersville, North Carolina and Tsveta Gospodinova of Norwalk, Connecticut will spend their summer vacation interning in the U.S. Senate. Many undergrads wouldn’t be excited about a summer sans sand and surf; Barnes and Gospodinova couldn’t be happier.

“These internships not only provide me with an invaluable experience, but also allow me to apply the knowledge I have learned in the classroom to real life situations. I work with an amazing group of people who share my interests and are highly driven. The internships also offer a great opportunity for networking and job searching after graduation,” said Gospodinova who will work in Senator Joe Lieberman’s (D-CT) office until July 7 and then in the office of Senator Chris Dodd (D-CT) until August 11. A typical day for a Senate intern includes administrative work, giving tours to constituents, research assignments and assisting with projects as necessary.

Gospodinova, a member of Iona’s honors program, a resident assistant and vice president of the student government association, came to the U.S. from Bulgaria in 1999. Her interest in foreign affairs has enabled her to work with three legislative assistants who advise Senator Lieberman on defense issues.  “I have researched information about the Haditha massacre in Iraq, the Senator's contribution on Iran bills, and a memo for his meeting with the Lithuanian Ambassador. Also, hearings in the Senate or House are open to interns and I enjoy attending the Foreign Relations Committee in the Senate and the International Relations Committee in the House.  The other day I had the unique opportunity to visit the Egyptian Embassy for a luncheon organized by the Women's Foreign Affairs Organization where Ambassador Shaker from Egypt was the keynote speaker,” she said.

Barnes, a student minister at Iona, will intern in the office of Senator Elizabeth Dole (R-NC) for the entire summer. She is also the first recipient of the DeFeo Family Endowed Scholarship for her academic excellence and commitment to service.

“These are two exceptional students. We worked with them and encouraged them but, to their credit, they did the leg work and got these internships on their own,” said Dr. Jeanne Zaino, chair of the political science department.

Senate interns Tsveta Gospodinova (left) and Jordan Barnes.

Founded in 1940 by the Congregation of Christian Brothers, Iona College is a private, coeducational institution of learning in the tradition of American Catholic higher education. Iona, currently listed in the US News and World Report's annual "America's Best Colleges 2006" and The Princeton Review's Best Northeastern Colleges 2006 edition, offers undergraduate degrees in liberal arts, science, and business administration, as well as master of arts, master of science and master of business administration degrees and numerous post-graduate certificate programs.

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For questions or more information please contact:
Meghan Finn
Public Relations Office
Iona College, 715 North Avenue, New Rochelle, N.Y. 10801
tel: 914 633-2005 fax: 914 637-2711

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