CLOSE UP ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT
Alumni find many ways to put the skills they learn through Close Up programs into practice. We are shining a spotlight on those doing extraordinary things at all stages in their academic and professional lives. Read our interviews with former students, teachers, and staff to learn about their experiences and accomplishments.
Colleen Creighton - Student 1990 | Program Instructor 1999-2001
April 2019
Colleen
After her first encounter with Close Up, Creighton returned as a Program Instructor, and again as a speaker with Close Up. Now, Creighton is making an impact on national policies through her work with the American Association of Suicidology.
Read Colleen's Full Interview Here
Brent Rudell - Program Instructor 1999
April 2019
Brent “BJ” Rudell spent just one season as a Close Up Program Instructor, but the experience validated his desire to help youth find their political voice.
Read Brent's Full Interview Here
Jaylin D. McClinton - Student 2012
December 2018
After his 2012 Close Up participation, Jaylin D. McClinton’s academic and career choices have been grounded in a strong belief in the power of civic engagement and social justice.
Read Jaylin's Full Interview Here
Brianne Nadeau - Student 1997
September 2018
A longtime resident and civic leader in Washington, DC, Councilmember Brianne Nadeau remembers one of her first experiences in the District was a 1997 Close Up trip.
Read Brianne's Full Interview Here
Paul Schreiber - Student 1995
August 2018
Paul Schreiber came from Burlington, Ontario to Washington, DC in 1995 for Close Up’s High School Program. Today he is a successful storyteller, organizer, and engineer who has been involved in numerous projects focused on the intersection of civic engagement and technology.
Read Paul's Full Interview Here
Anita Ortiz - Student 1988
July 2018
Anita Ortiz has a passion for media and politics that inspired her participation as a student in three televised Close Up Forum programs. She continues to put her passion into practice at Viacom, Inc. as an executive working on issues of diversity and inclusion.
Read Anita's Full Interview Here
Jeff Spoeri - Student 1983, Program Instructor 1987
April 2018
As a Close Up student in 1983 and Program Instructor from 1987-1989, Jeff Spoeri developed valuable skills that have served him well personally and professionally.
Read Jeff's Full Interview Here
Maya Nieto - Student 2009
April 2018
Maya Nieto drew inspiration from the historic crowd when she attended the 2009 Close Up Inauguration Program as a high school senior.
Read Maya's Full Interview Here
Randy Schipper - Student 1977, Program Instructor 1983
December 2017
Randy Schipper first came to Close Up in 1977 and returned to work as a Program Instructor in 1983. He could fill volumes with Close Up memories.
Read Randy's Full Interview Here
Geoff Browning - Student 2004
December 2017
Geoff Browning found a spark of inspiration to pursue a career on Capitol Hill during Close Up programs in 2004 and 2005.
Read Geoff's Full Interview Here
"I recently graduated with a B.A. in political science and am now working in the environmental non-profit field. I am planning on attending law school a year from now. The Close Up Program helped me realize how much I want to be a part of shaping government and politics. As a result, I am dedicating my life to public service."
