Celebrating 25 Years

During the past 25 years, the Les Aspin Center for government has given more than 2,000 students the opportunity to experience the political process first hand in congressional, executive branch, nonprofit, corporate and journalistic offices.

The roots of the center reach back to 1984, when Rev. Timothy J. O'Brien coordinated internships for students interested in working in local congressional offices and on local political campaigns. By 1988, there was enough student interest to explore a summer program in Washington, D.C. When Father O'Brien persuaded former Secretary of Defence Les Aspin to come to Marquette 1994, the program was given a boost and Father O'Brien expanded the initiative to a a full semester. After Aspin's unexpected death in May 1995, the Aspin Center was renamed in his honor.

Join us to celebrate 25 years

The Les Aspin Center will be holding 25th Anniversary Celebrations on Marquette's Campus and in Washington, D.C.

Thursday, April 11, 2013 - Marquette University Campus

A Conversation with Rev. Tim O'Brien 5:30 p.m. - 6:30 p.m.

Hosted by Mike Gousha, Distinguished Fellow in Law and Public Policy

Eckstein Hall, Appellate Courtroom - 1215 West Michigan Street

Reunion And Reception 6:30 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.

Haggerty Museum of Art - 530 North 13th Street

For questions or special needs, please contact University Special Events at 414.288.7431 or universityspecialevents@mu.edu.

Parking is available at $3 per vehicle in the Wells Street parking structure located at 1240 West Wells St.

Washington, D.C. 25th Anniversary Celebration

September 19th - more details to come

Share your memories

Submit your Les Aspin Center photos to aspincenter@marquette.edu. The Les Aspin Center will be accepting photo submissions to be used as a look back at the last 25 years.

Apply for study

• Washington, D.C. internship programs
• Kleczka internship program
• Study abroad
• Fellows program

• Marquette's program in Washington, now the Les Aspin Center, was a substantial part of my decision to engage in politics for the betterment of society.
  • Honorable Pedro Colón
    First Hispanic elected to Wisconsin state legislature
    Milwaukee County circuit court judge
• Marquette's Washington program provided me with a solid academic understanding of Capitol Hill, in addition to the exposure of daily life and work here.
  • Tim Yehl
    Former chief of staff
    U.S. Sen. Frank Lautenberg (N.J.)
• Interning at the Les Aspin Center in Washington played a big role in advancing my career on Capitol Hill.
  • Steve Radke
    Vice president of government relations
    Northwestern Mutual
• My internship in the mayor's office has been an amazing experience. I have learned so much about how city government works.
  • Sheena Adams
    Kleczka Internship: Milwaukee mayor's office
    Major: Marketing

Quick fact:

• 2,200 students have graduated from Les Aspin Center programs.
• More than 50 alumni work as professional staff members in the U.S. Congress.
• We've trained more than 400 African leaders on democracy.
• Students intern at nearly 100 congressional offices, the White House, the FDA, the Department of Defense and more.
• Students live only four blocks from the U.S. Capitol.
• We welcome students majoring in biomedical science, business, communication, engineering, nursing and political science.
• We've been taking students to Africa for nearly 20 years.
• Our biomedical engineering students have interned at the FDA for 15 years.