Ashley Morris, a 24-year-old MSU student pursuing a master’s degree in human resources and industrial relations and a second-year law student, was named the recipient of the 2010 Daniel Rosenthal Legislative Intern award.
The award was founded in January 1977 in recognition of Daniel Rosenthal, a legislative intern who died in June of that year, said Grant Littke, the dean and director of field experience and student affairs though James Madison College.
Morris works for state Sen. Michael Switalski, D-Roseville, for whom she has interned since August 2009. Switalski nominated Morris for the award this semester.
She credits the chance to break boundaries in political policy for her recognition.
“I didn’t realize how interested and how much I would enjoy working when I went into it,” Morris said.
“There are great opportunities out there that (students) just have to find a passion for — you just have to be open to them.”
Littke said award recipients are noted for their dedication and work ethic.
“(They have) made themselves available and throw themselves into the work of the office,” Littke said.
“The usual pattern at the state Capitol is that students just do what is asked, but there is so much room to improve.”
As a recipient, Morris received a $600 cash prize, awarded during her time under Switalski for which she was not paid and did not receive college credit.
For students looking to follow Morris’ lead, Switalski said students should pay attention to the amount of work she’s done throughout the past several months.
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