"This is different from being a Nieman, which is kind of a professional retreat, because it has a lot more student interaction that I'm really excited about," Fulwood said. "For fellows this is a great break because we deal in our workaday lives so much that it is very helpful to be able to step back while meeting young people interested in our areas."

IOP Director Alan K. Simpson said he has already taken a liking to his temporary colleagues.

"It seems to me like they make up a very spirited group and they are fun to be around," Simpson said. "These are Fellows with experience in public life that they can share with students, while also enjoying themselves because they're already impressed with the students they've met."

Eugene Krupitsky '02, Fellows Chair at the IOP, said that very diverse professional and geographic backgrounds of the Fellows was a major strength of the group this semester.

"The goal of the Fellows program is to facilitate greater student interaction on both a formal and an informal basis for the purpose of breaking down the negative perception of politics," Krupitsky said.

Rob F. McCarthy '02, IOP study groups chair, said he was very excited about the Fellows' plans.

"This semester's Fellows brings to the IOP an extraordinary combination of political experience and interest in working with undergraduates," McCarthy said. "These qualities will enable them to lead informative and enjoyable study groups."