January 20, 2017
Simon Institute selects Jacob Selsor for internship
CARBONDALE, Ill. -- The Paul Simon Public Policy Institute at Southern Illinois University Carbondale has awarded the spring 2017 Gene Callahan Internship at the Illinois State Capitol to Jacob Selsor.
"The internship provides selected students the opportunity to be an active participant in the legislative process of Illinois state government," Jak Tichenor, interim institute director, said.
As the 2017 student intern, Selsor will be assigned to the House Republican issues staff. In his work, Selsor will acquire new skills and gain firsthand knowledge of the legislative and political processes. The experience and knowledge received during the General Assembly legislative session can be a great asset and lead to exciting career opportunities.
Selsor, a native of Auburn, Ill., plans to graduate in May 2018 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in political science with a pre-law specialization. He is a University Excellence Scholar and honors student. His interest in public affairs, public service and the law began as a child watching the news with his father while following the 2004 presidential election.
The Gene Callahan Internship was created in honor of the late Gene Callahan, a longtime aide to U.S. senators Paul Simon and Alan Dixon. Callahan served as a member of the SIU Board of Trustees and was a founding member of the institute’s board of counselors. The internship is supported by a generous gift from Jerry Mileur, who served with Callahan on the board of counselors. The internship provides a stipend to the selected student to help defray housing and meal expenses during the spring semester.
Linda Baker, university professor at the institute and former Secretary of the Department of Human Services and Director of the Department of Employment Security, as well as the first African-American legislative liaison for an Illinois governor, mentors students during their internship terms in Springfield.
“It is a pleasure to work with promising students with a history of community involvement. Gene Callahan was an important community leader, and I enjoy the opportunity to work with young people who share his spirit and commitment to service. With his excellent undergraduate record and dedication, I think Jacob will greatly benefit from this experience and make a significant contribution in the future,” Baker said.
Private donations from individuals and corporations fund the Gene Callahan Internship program. Tax-deductible donations can be made online at http://paulsimoninstitute.siu.edu/contribute/index.php or sent to the Paul Simon Public Policy Institute, Southern Illinois University Carbondale, Mail Code 4429, 1231 Lincoln Drive, Carbondale, Ill., 62901. For more information, contact Baker at 217/553-6660.