Testimonials

The Alexander Hamilton Society has been pivotal throughout my academic, professional, and intellectual endeavors in college. AHS's programming helped students who are interested in foreign affairs like me explore the professional and intellectual landscape of the policy world beyond the classroom. Most importantly, I found my core group of friends and colleagues that have lasted beyond college at AHS.

Junie Park

AHS has truly changed my life -- I came into Yale as a freshman with a deep passion for foreign policy and national security, but it was only after attending an AHS speaker event that I was connected to one of my closest mentors today and received a DC internship opportunity that jumpstarted my professional development. Since then, AHS has helped me find friends, mentors, job opportunities, fellowships, and so much more in the national security space, and I'm extremely grateful -- I know I, and so many others, wouldn't be where we are today without all the support that AHS has given us.

Pranav Pattatathunaduvil

The Alexander Hamilton Society has been the single most formative community in my pursuit of American grand strategy. From founding the Wheaton College chapter to moderating panels with leading scholars and hosting a student reading group on U.S.–China relations, AHS gave me both the intellectual framework and the leadership platform to grow. It has shaped not just what I believe about American power—but the kind of person I hope to be in stewarding it.

Zach Welch

The Alexander Hamilton Society has been instrumental in making my dream of working on U.S. foreign policy a reality. Before I became involved in AHS, I wished I could be a part of the "DC world" and connect with like-minded peers and mentors, but I did not even know where to start. From engaging in my chapter's roundtable discussions, local fellowship, and speaker events, receiving financial support and educational enrichment through the Hamilton National Fellowship, putting out my first ever publication in the Hamiltonian journal, and ultimately leading the UC Berkeley chapter as president and advocating for the organization and its mission to any student who would listen, AHS has opened so many doors for me. Thanks to AHS, I am prepared for a career in public service, with a robust, principled foundation and a vast network of friends and role models.

Samantha DeCosta

Testimonials

AHS is unique in foreign policy and national security circles in Washington DC because it is the only professional organization that convenes both world leaders and future leaders for private, candid, and open engagements on today's most pressing topics. It is easy to hear a former Secretary of Defense speak at a venue about the world around them, but it is very rare to have dinner with him later that day and talk through his decision-making process, his biggest motivations throughout his career, and his biggest missteps. AHS is the best place in Washington to have a seat at that dinner table.

David Rader

DC Professional Chapter Chair, Security and Strategy Seminar 2020-2021 China, 2021-2022 Russia, 2022-2023 Defense

As a kid who grew up in rural Michigan, I always had an interest in foreign policy but no family connections or industry insights to figure out how to get to DC. Joining the Hillsdale College AHS chapter changed the trajectory of my dreams and made them a reality. When I graduated and moved to DC, I had an instant group of friends and mentors that wouldn't exist anywhere else. Today, I stay connected through the professional chapter. The professional development opportunities are great, but more than anything I know AHS is preparing future national security leaders, and I believe it is one of the best investments I can make for a safer, stronger United States.

Callahan Stoub

Security and Strategy Seminar 2022-2023 Iran

As one of the chairs of the AHS DC professional chapter, I'm proud to say that the Alexander Hamilton Society provides much more than the typical DC networking experience. While the opportunity to engage with high-level defense and foreign policy officials as speakers and mentors is undoubtedly a perk, I have found just as much value in the network of peers and close friendships I've developed. In a city where the only constant is change, AHS has managed to cultivate an enduring community of individuals brought together by a love for America and commitment to Hamiltonian principles.

Ashley Rhoades

DC Professional Chapter Chair, Security and Strategy Seminar 2020-2021 Iran, 2022-2023 Defense, 2023-2024 Russia

I participated in all four of the Alexander Hamilton Society’s Security and Strategy Seminars on Iran, China, Russia, and defense policy from 2020 to 2024. Participating in SSS provided an incredible experience to learn and engage with an impressive range of foreign and defense policy experts and practitioners, in both the guest speakers and the other fellows, that deepened my understanding of the geopolitical challenges facing the United States. I also developed lasting connections and friendships through the seminars that continue to have an impact on my work and career.

Ian Merritt

Security and Strategy Seminar 2020-2021 Iran, 2021-2022 China, 2022-2023 Russia, 2023-2024 Defense

Senator Ted Cruz Speaks at the 2024-2025 Security and Strategy Seminar Closing Dinner

June 6, 2025

On June 5, 2025, we gathered for the concluding session of our 2024-2025 Security and Strategy Seminar. This event marked the culmination of ten months of rigorous learning, collaboration, and professional growth for our fellows.

The program explores four critical challenges facing the United States: the People’s Republic of China, Vladimir Putin’s Russia, the Islamic Republic of Iran, and U.S. defense strategy and policy. Throughout the year, this exceptional cohort engaged with leading experts in foreign policy and national security, immersing themselves in a curriculum designed to challenge and expand their understanding of today’s most pressing global issues. With a combination of lectures, interactive seminars, and hands-on exercises, these fellows sharpened their analytical skills by writing policy briefs and participating in engaging and nuanced conversations.

The seminar’s closing dinner was a true highlight, featuring distinguished guest and speaker, Senator Ted Cruz. We are grateful to Senator Cruz and his team for joining us to provide such an impactful endnote on the conclusion of the program .

We look forward to seeing the continued impact these fellows will have as they advance in their careers – whether in government, academia, the private sector, or beyond. Their experience in the Security and Strategy Seminar has prepared them to tackle complex challenges and lead with integrity in the ever-evolving field of foreign policy and national security.

Congratulations to the 2024-2025 cohort, and thank you to everyone who made this year’s seminar a success.

Learn more about our Security and Strategy Seminar