When making her pitch for higher education, she says alumni connections to the University allow her concerns to take on a “vividness” and “circumstantiality” that might not exist for congressmen who did not attend Harvard. Harvard is also a good starting point for conversations.

“Usually Harvard alums have something they remember and want to talk about,” Faust says.

But, while talk can be pleasant and entertaining, Faust remains mindful of the goal of Harvard’s interactions with legislators and the conversation quickly switches to business.

“They often will ask questions about things going on on campus, and that does create a bond,” Faust says. “But also, it’s fun for me to be able to tell them something about higher education by focusing on the Harvard context.”

Still, these efforts do not dictate legislation directly.

Kennedy School graduate and Maryland Congressman Christopher Van Hollen says that though his time studying at Harvard has influenced how he approaches policy, Harvard’s positions on issues do not necessarily affect his own political stances.

“I think my experience at the Kennedy School was very helpful in shaping how I think about certain public policy issues,” he says.

“But look, if you’re asking me about whether the position Harvard takes on issues influences [me], I’d have to say no.”

Both Faust and Heenan say that while alumni connections make it easier for them to bring up issues facing higher education during conversations with Harvard graduates, alumni in Congress are only a small piece of the puzzle.

“We would never begin and end our advocacy in Washington with the Harvard delegation,” says Heenan.

—Staff writer Hana N. Rouse can be reached at hrouse@college.harvard.edu.

—Staff writer Justin C. Worland can be reached at jworland@college.harvard.edu.