CEL Co-Hosts "Capitol Connections" Event
Wednesday, July 16, 2025
On Tuesday, July 8, the Center for Effective Lawmaking (CEL) co-hosted a networking reception titled “Capitol Connections: A UVA & Batten School Networking Mixer.” Taking place at the Sonoma Restaurant and Wine Bar in Washington, D.C., the event brought together 130 current and prospective students, alumni, faculty, and staff of the Frank Batten School of Leadership and Public Policy and the University of Virginia more broadly. Participants connected with new and familiar people, while hearing how bipartisan leadership is shaping the future on Capitol Hill and beyond. The gathering brought together those deep in the policy world and those just beginning their D.C. journey, and provided a way to expand their networks and learn about new professional opportunities.
Midway through the program, Batten School Dean Ian Solomon gave a speech to toast the event, noting challenges facing the public policy field and his hopes for the future. He was followed by Batten Professor and CEL Co-Director Craig Volden, who explained the purpose of the Center and how those in the room could help to build a better Congress.
(l-r) Batten School Dean Ian Solomon and Batten Professor and CEL Co-Director Craig Volden.
We would like to thank all the organizations who co-hosted this very successful mixer with us, providing critical logistical and financial support: the UVA Batten Alumni and Development Offices, the UVA Career Center, the Batten Alumni Advisory Board, and the UVA Club of Washington, D.C. We look forward to collaborating with them going forward, and to seeing the fruits of the many connections made last week.
All photos courtesy of Andrew Hullman.
