Jayson Lorenz

Hello Student Leaders,

A warm greeting from Jayson Lorenz. I will be serving as your academic director during your stay here in Georgetown. As such, I will be coordinating what I hope will be a rich and exciting experience that will provide you with a deeper understanding of the United States while simultaneously sharpening your leadership skills.

First, please let me take this opportunity to provide you with a little bit of my background. I possess a master’s degree in English from Georgetown and have been teaching here in the English and American Studies departments since 1997. My courses are interdisciplinary in nature and often examine the intersection of media, economics, and the political spectrum. I also oversee Georgetown’s entertainment media internship program and have written several documentaries, as well as serving as a cultural commentator for BBC television specials. In addition, I am heavily involved with the business side of media, reviewing films for potential licensing and creating several major marketing campaigns.

As Academic Director of the Institute for Student Leaders, I will be coordinating our classroom seminars, our many off-campus visits, as well as assisting with the service component of the program. It is my goal that you gain a deeper knowledge of the basic tenets of American democracy while becoming with the distinctive cultural components of an increasingly multicultural society. To do so, we will utilize important readings and cultural artifacts, such as film, photography, and painting, host a range of insightful guest speakers, and engage in lively discussion.

Our location here in Washington, D.C. allows us the tremendous opportunity to visit several important government facilities and cultural landmarks. I am looking forward to our visits to the Supreme Court, the United States Capital, the Smithsonian Institution, and other area landmarks. In addition, we will be taking day trips to other rich and diverse cities, as well as relaxing a bit with a movie or perhaps a game of bowling.

Giving back to the community is an important aspect of the Georgetown University tradition. My own life has been greatly enriched through participation in various charitable organizations. I run each year to raise funds for both AIDS research and Multiple Sclerosis awareness. While here, an integral aspect of your education involves community service. You will work with a local organization that assists those in the Washington, D.C. community who are in need and will benefit greatly from your support.

I believe that your experience here will be greatly rewarding. My student assistants, Bryan and Joe, and I are very excited about meeting you.

Warm Regards,
Professor Jay Lorenz