Michael Butler '16

• Senior political science major from Dahlgren, Illinois
• Student Ambassador for Admission Office
• Fellowship of Christian Athletes
• Bearcats cross-country team

Michael Butler’s 2014 Student Lobby Day visit with an Illinois state legislator led to an internship with a U.S. Congressman the following spring.

“Interning for Congressman Mike Bost was not something I anticipated doing,” said Michael, whose American Politics class traveled to the Illinois State Capitol in Springfield to discuss higher education funding, particularly the state’s Monetary Award Program (MAP) grant. His local lawmakers were unavailable so Michael met one-on-one with Mike Bost, R-Murphysboro, who then represented the 115^th District in the Illinois House.

“We talked for a good 30 minutes and really hit it off,” he recalled. An acquaintance later put him in contact with Bost’s campaign manager during the state rep’s bid for Congress.

 

“I worked for his campaign for U.S. House off and on from then until November. Through this opportunity I met Gov. Chris Christie, Gov. Bruce Rauner, and Speaker John Boehner. Bost’s press secretary was impressed by my work during the campaign and set up an internship for me during the spring semester.”
 

Michael interned in Congressman Bost’s Belleville, Ill., office two days a week from January to May, earning four credit hours and valuable experience.

“I learned a lot. I did some research, helped coordinate some events, answered the phone, passed on concerns of constituents and entered a lot of data into the computer. I am really thankful for the opportunity”

The McKendree student-athlete also appreciates his understanding and supportive coach and professors, and opportunities to participate in NCAA D-II and the Fellowship of Christian Athletes.

 

“Small class sizes have allowed me to foster relationships not only with my classmates but my professors as well. McKendree is a good place to be.”
 

In preparation for his senior year and beyond, Michael is training for the Bearcats’ cross country season, studying for the LSAT and visiting law schools. He will graduate in May with a bachelor’s degree in political science-legal studies and start law school next fall. He aspires to someday run for public office and jokingly adds he has his campaign slogan in mind: “Michael Butler, at your service.”

Learn more about McKendree University and the Political Science program.

 

U.S. Rep. Mike Bost (IL-12) visited with Michael Butler after speaking to Dr. Ann Collins’
Public Policy class in April.