The 2002-2003 Class of Fellows journeyed to New York for their first domestic policy study trip. Focused on the theme of "Recovery and Resurgence: New York's Leaders Look Forward One Year After Disaster," the class held a broad range of in-depth meetings with senior officials in the public and private sectors from November 4 - 8, 2002.

The trip kicked-off with a visit to the United Nations for a meeting with Ambassador Richard Williamson, Alternate U.S. Representative to the U.N. for Special Political Affairs. The visit provided an overview of the history and role of the U.N., and was timely given that the U.N. was in the midst of developing the Iraqi resolutions. Next, the Fellows visited the offices of John Whitehead, Chairman of the Lower Manhattan Development Corporation (LMDC). Mr. Whitehead shared insight on issues related to memorializing Ground Zero, while also addressing business and residential development issues. Fellows then attended a lunch meeting with Thomas Nides, Chief Administrative Officer with Credit Suisse First Boston and several of his colleagues. The Fellows engaged in a discussion of the investment banking industry and corporate governance issues.

Day One continued with a tour of the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) trading floor and a meeting with NYSE Chairman Dick Grasso, followed by a viewing of Ground Zero hosted by the LMDC. The class concluded the day with a reception in their honor hosted by Gaynor McCown ('93-94) in her home, where the Fellows had an opportunity to interact with New York alumni.

Day Two of the policy study trip included a VIP tour of West Point hosted by General Bill Lennox ('86-87). In addition to briefings about academics and life at a military academy, the Fellows were given an aerial tour of the campus in UH-1 helicopters. Many Fellows found the highlight of the visit to be the one-on-one interactions with cadets during lunch at the cadet mess and at a reception at the home of General and Mrs. Lennox. Both Colonel Maggie Belknap ('92-93) and Colonel Robert L. III Gordon ('92-93) took time out of their schedules to accompany the Fellows during the day at West Point.

The third day of the trip came on the heels of the mid-term elections. The class was able to gain insight on the election results during meetings with former New York City Mayor Ed Koch, as well as in meetings with Paul Gigot ('86-87), Editor of The Wall Street Journal Editorial Page and PCWHF Commissioner Bill McGurn, The Wall Street Journal Chief Editorial Writer and Member of the Editorial Board. The Fellows also held meetings with New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg, AIG Chairman, and CEO Hank Greenberg, New York City Police Commissioner Raymond Kelly, and New York City Police Chief Estavillo.

The final day of meetings also was quite busy. Former Treasury Secretary Robert Rubin hosted the Fellows in his Citibank offices, followed by meetings with key media including ABC Correspondent Peter Jennings, John Miller of 20/20, and veteran 60 Minutes investigative reporter Mike Wallace.

With the first trip completed, the class is busy planning their next two domestic policy trips - Texas in late January and Florida in July.

- Kelly Kenneally