First Kimmitt intern begins duties in D.C.

Lucas Hamilton, a UM junior majoring in political science and print journalism, recently was selected as the first J. Stanley Kimmitt Public Service Internship recipient.

Hamilton, who also is a member of UM’s Davidson Honors College, is working in Washington, D.C., this summer as an intern for Montana Sen. Max Baucus on the Senate Finance Committee. He also will be enrolled in the Washington Center internship program, an opportunity that will involve him in a once-a-week class and access to scholarly guest speakers.

The Kimmitt internship also carries a $1,500 stipend. The Havre native began his 10-week internship in May.

Hamilton, who said he heard about the internship through DHC Dean James McKusick, as well as through his mom, Lynn Hamilton, who serves on the Montana Board of Regents, said, “It’s a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, and I’m honored to start the program off as the first intern.”

The internship was established to honor Stan Kimmitt, former secretary of the U.S. Senate and aide to Montana’s late U.S. Sen. Mike Mansfield. The internship was established by Kimmitt’s five children — Robert Kimmitt, Mark Kimmitt, Jay Kimmitt, Mary Laxton and Judy Rainey — last fall during a visit to UM.

In future semesters, the Kimmitt internship will rotate among all members of the Montana congressional delegation.

Hamilton is the son of Lynn and Miles Hamilton of Havre. He also is a member of UM’s College Democrats, and serves on the MontPIRG Board of Directors, as well as a peer adviser.