Kleczka donates $300,000
for Aspin Center internship program

September 2004

Rep. Jerry Kleczka, who will retire this year after 20 years of service in the U.S. House of Representatives, has given a $300,000 gift to Marquette’s Les Aspin Center for Government to establish the Congressman Jerry Kleczka Internship Program.
 
The Les Aspin Center already provides valuable experience for students at the federal level in Washington, D.C. The Kleczka Internship Program will enhance opportunities for paid internships for academically talented students, particularly minority students with financial need, who wish to work in public service at the state and local levels.
 
“Congressman Kleczka has been one of our biggest champions, lending his support to the idea behind this center that in the tradition of the great Les Aspin, we would provide young people with a foundation in leadership and public service,” Rev. Tim O’Brien, director of the center, said. “ We are honored to announce that this historic gift will be used to establish a program in his name, so that the Kleczka Internship Program will represent Jerry’s lasting commitment to inspiring future leaders."

Kleczka began his career in public service as a member of the Wisconsin Assembly in 1969. In 1974 he was elected to the state Senate and in 1984, began his tenure in Congress.