Kayla Bunch Selected for Prestigious Washington D.C. Fellowship

Kayla Bunch, ’21, a member of Kappa Kappa Gamma sorority from St. Louis, MO, has been awarded the 2018-2019 Emerson National Security Fellowship.

Named after Westminster College alumnus and former U.S. Representative from Missouri Bill Emerson, the Emerson National Security Fellowship has allowed students the opportunity to compete for a prestigious fellowship since 1998. A member of the class of 1959, Representative Emerson contributed significantly to the development of public policies as they related to both domestic and international issues. He was elected to Congress in 1980 and was re-elected seven times.

Along with an internship in  Washington, D.C., the Emerson Fellow also receives academic credit for the experience as well as a stipend to put towards travel and living expenses.

“I am incredibly honored to have received the 2019 Bill Emerson Fellowship,” Kayla says.  “Bill Emerson left a legacy that any Westminster student should be proud of–a legacy of compassion, service, and leadership. The opportunity to travel to Washington D.C. for an internship is an immeasurable experience for a student like me, who otherwise would be unable to afford to stay in the Capitol.”

The 2018-2019 Emerson Fellow will be the last recipient of this prestigious Fellowship. 

Kayla is triple majoring in political science, environmental studies, and philosophy.

“I intend to engage the crucial issue of climate change on national and human security through my work in D.C. ,”” says Kayla.  “This opportunity will aid me greatly in developing professional skills for my majors, political science, environmental studies, and philosophy.  I am excited to begin my search for an internship, but more importantly, to begin working toward a legacy inspired by Bill Emerson.”