Marcy Kaptur Honored as Glenn College Marks 25 Years in D.C.

Published Date August 19, 2025
News Type College News

Congresswoman Marcy Kaptur speaks after receiving the John Glenn College of Public Affairs 2025 Excellence in Public Service Award. (Credit: Majesti Brown) 

By Maddie Firth

As a kid growing up in a small Ohio town, Drew Hatter never pictured himself in Washington, D.C.  

That changed when Hatter, who received his BA in Public Management, Leadership and Policy in 2017, joined the Glenn College Washington Academic Internship Program (WAIP) in 2016. The experience opened doors he once thought were out of reach. He is now senior federal government relations manager at The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research. 

It can’t be overstated enough the impact this program has on public servants and public service as a whole.  

Drew Hatter
Glenn College graduate

Hatter was among students, alumni and friends of the college, including Sen. John and Annie Glenn’s son and daughter, David and Lyn Glenn, who gathered this spring to celebrate the 25th anniversary of impactful Glenn College programming in the nation’s capital. The event also honored Congresswoman Marcy Kaptur, the longest-serving woman in the U.S. House of Representatives, who received the 2025 John Glenn Excellence in Public Service Award.  

Dean Trevor Brown acknowledged the challenging times public servants face today and reflected on one of Glenn’s core beliefs: Democracy depends on courageous people willing to do the difficult, often unglamorous work of service. Brown underscored the importance of investing in students and nurturing their aspirations as essential to strengthening democratic institutions. 

“Tonight, we reflect on a quarter century of impact — on students, on careers and on the public good — made possible by the bold vision of Senator Glenn,” Brown said. “He believed that our democracy thrives when young people are empowered through education and inspired to serve. He knew that bringing students to the heart of our nation’s capital would help nurture a generation committed to civic responsibility, public engagement and ethical leadership.” 

Brown presented Kaptur with the 2025 John Glenn Excellence in Public Service Award, which honors individuals who embody values Glenn held throughout his life: integrity, courage, bipartisanship and a deep commitment to the common good.  

Congresswoman Marcy Kaptur, third from right, celebrates with WAIP students at the Excellence in Public Service award program. (Credit: Majesti Brown)

Meet past recipients of the John Glenn Excellence in Public Service Award, including the three most recent: Gen. John W. “Jay” Raymond, the first commander of the U.S. Space Force; U.S. Comptroller General Gene Dodaro; and NASA Administrator Bill Nelson.

“Congresswoman Marcy Kaptur has spent more than 40 years in the U.S. House of Representatives fighting for working families, championing America’s industrial heartland and shaping a more just and sustainable future for our country,” Brown said. “She has carved out a legacy that speaks to perseverance, principle and public service of the highest order.” 

Kaptur emphasized the importance of standing up for communities often overlooked in national debates. Her legislative work includes co-founding the Congressional Ukraine Caucus, advocating for the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative and supporting American manufacturing and fair trade.

Like Senator Glenn, I have never forgotten where I came from or the people whose labor powers our economy. 

Congresswoman Marcy Kaptur
U.S. House of Representatives 

In a fireside chat during the event, Lyn and David Glenn shared their memories of Washington, D.C., and the accomplishments of their parents, as well as their assessment of public discourse and public service today. 

(From left) Dean Trevor Brown and Lyn and David Glenn share insights during a panel discussion at the Excellence in Public Service event. (Credit: Majesti Brown)

The evening also celebrated the ongoing success of the Glenn College’s Washington programs. Newer initiatives like the MPA-DC graduate degree and the graduate Minor in Federal Policy and Management reflect the college’s commitment to making Washington a living extension of Ohio State’s campus.  

The Washington Academic Internship Program, launched in 2000, stands as a living tribute to Glenn’s vision. It started with 20 students and now provides hundreds of undergraduates with hands-on experience across government, nonprofits, think tanks and more. The program combines academic rigor with cultural enrichment and professional development. 

David Glenn spoke about the lasting impact of these programs and the importance of sustaining them into the future. 

You’ve built more than a program. You’ve built a living, thriving network that connects Ohio to the nation’s capital. 

David Glenn
son of Sen. John Glenn

The Glenn College’s Washington programs have inspired alumni to give back by offering mentorship and internship opportunities to current students. This continues the cycle of public service across generations.  

Former Sen. John Glenn staff member and longtime WAIP student supporter Lorraine Lewis reflected on what it means to be a mentor: “You’re not just a mentor or an intern host for one semester. You’re in it for life.”   

As the event closed, Brown shared appreciation for alumni, students, friends and supporters for their dedication to public service. 

“Thank you for believing in our mission,” Brown said, “and for helping us carry forward the legacy of service that Senator Glenn and Congresswoman Kaptur so powerfully represent.”

Learn more about opportunities in Washington through the Glenn College.