Eppard Scholar gains valuable internship experience

Saint Francis University student, Elise Dumouchelle of Ashburn, Virginia, gained valuable experience during a 6-week Congressional internship this summer in the Washington, DC office of Congressman Bill Shuster.

Dumouchelle, who is a triple major in International Studies, Political Science, and Spanish, is the recipient of the 2017 Ann Eppard Memorial Scholarship and Congressional Internship. In addition to the internship opportunity, Dumouchelle also received a $5,000 scholarship.

Saint Francis University President Fr. Malachi Van Tassell, T.O.R., Ph.D., is pleased with the opportunities that this scholarship program has provided the university’s students.

“The University continues to be thrilled about the success of this memorial endowment in honor of Ann Eppard who was the first Pennsylvania woman ever to serve in the powerful position of Chief of Staff to a Member of Congress. Elise has proven herself an outstanding student during her first year at Saint Francis. Among her many achievements, she earned a 4.0 GPA as member of University’s Honors program, is an athlete with our NCAA Division I Women’s Volleyball Team, and serves as a member of the University’s Student Government Association. I’m proud to see her continue to grow with this opportunity on Capitol Hill as she uphold the successful tradition of previous Eppard scholars.”

About the scholarship:

Established in 2007 by retired Congressman Bud Shuster (PA, 9th), the Ann Eppard Memorial Scholarship and Congressional Internship program offers annual scholarships for summer congressional internships to deserving Saint Francis University students.  Ms. Eppard, a native Pennsylvanian, was a trailblazer on Capitol Hill.  She was the first Pennsylvania woman and one of the first women in America to rise to the powerful position of Chief of Staff to a member of Congress.  She was a role model for many women who followed in her footsteps, serving as a mentor to innumerable interns and staff and ensuring that they enjoyed a rich and rewarding experience on Capitol Hill. Tax-deductible contributions to the scholarship fund may be sent to the university at:  SFU Ann Eppard Memorial Scholarship and Congressional Internship, P.O. Box 600, Loretto, PA 15940.