MACON – Mercer University sophomore Eduardo Rubio was recently selected for a Congressional Hispanic Caucus Institute (CHCI) internship this summer in Washington, D.C.
Rubio, from Palmetto, is a computational science and economics double-major with a minor in mathematics.
As part of his internship, he will conduct research, draft talking points, organize events, attend hearings and briefings, and provide assistance on the floor of the House of Representatives from June 2-July 28.
Rubio has participated in activism related to immigration reform at the local and national level, appearing on television news broadcasts, speaking at rallies and serving as a panelist at academic events. He traveled to Washington, D.C., last October with the organization FWD.us to discuss immigration policy and the DREAM Act with members of Congress. He also helped to organize the eighth annual Collegiate Alliance for Immigration Reform (CAIR) Conference at Harvard in February.
“I am both honored and humbled. I remember applying to this opportunity thinking that there was no way I would be accepted, but here I am,” said Rubio. “I am beyond excited to meet the other interns and see what we can provide as a team by putting all our unique abilities and mindsets together. It is truly an incredible opportunity that has left me inspired, motivated and hungry.”
At Mercer, Rubio serves as a peer adviser. He is also co-founder, treasurer and vice president of operations for the Mercer chapter of One In Four, an organization dedicated to preventing sexual assault.
As a member of the University’s debate team, he won first place in the novice division and fifth place in the varsity division with partner Taylor Cole at the Georgia B. Bowman Invitational hosted by William Jewell University in Liberty, Missouri, last September.
Rubio is also a member of the Mercer Leadership 2017 cohort and assists the student body with developing professional skills as a career service associate with the Center for Career and Professional Development. After graduation, he hopes to attend graduate school.
“Eduardo is not only a fantastic student; he is a fantastic person. He is one of the single most brilliant, yet still deeply caring, undergraduates I have ever had the pleasure to work with,” said Dr. Vasile Stanescu, assistant professor of communication studies and director of debate. “This national award is further recognition of Eduardo’s unique abilities and the type of national excellence Mercer students continue to personify. I could not be more proud.”
The Congressional Hispanic Caucus Institute is a nonprofit and nonpartisan 501(c)(3) organization, providing leadership development programs and educational services to students and young emerging Latino leaders. For 40 years, the CHCI has forged a critical pathway to developing the next generation of Latino leaders, creating a transformative and lasting impact on Latino youth and the nation. For more information, visit chci.org.
