(February 18, 2014)

Centenary student completes Washington Semester Program, foreign policy and violence research

SHREVEPORT, LA — Junior Laura Deen from Highland Park recently finished a stint in the nation's capital as part of the Washington Semester Program at Centenary College of Louisiana. A 2011 Highland Park High graduate, Deen studied foreign policy at American University and completed an internship in policy at the Dershowitz Group.

"I had the opportunity to obtain professional experience in my field and broaden my world view," said Deen. "I ran an intensive research project in which I analyzed the influences of United States foreign policy on Iraq and the historical evolution of sectarian violence. The Washington Semester Program has been vital to my academic development and was one of the primary reasons why I chose to attend Centenary College."

At Centenary, Deen is a political science major and an active leader on campus. She serves her sorority, Zeta Tau Alpha, in various capacities. She is also a member of the Centenary College Choir, the Model Arab League, the College Republicans, and Sigma Alpha Iota International Music Fraternity. After graduation, she plans to pursue a career in Middle East policy and hopes to return to Washington to attend graduate school and start her career.

"My experience in DC confirmed that I am on the right track in pursuing my career goals and aspirations," Deen said.

The Washington Semester Program is one of many action-oriented opportunities available to Centenary students designed to help them grow as leaders ready to step up to global challenges. First-year students entering in fall 2014 will begin their college experience with immersive study in Paris, France. Centenary joins a very small number of institutions that offers a shared international study experience to first-year students. More information is available at www.centenary.edu.