Pop quiz: What does the Cleveland International Film Festival, Guardians opening day and The Columbus Seminar all have in common? 

Answer: They all are staples of the spring in Cleveland. 

Students from Cleveland State University traded the classroom for the Ohio Statehouse, making the trek down I-71 towards Columbus and diving into the inner workings of state government thanks to the annual Levin College of Public Affairs and Education’s Columbus Seminar.  

Taking place March 9-13, the immersive program provided students with firsthand exposure to policymaking and played a pivotal role in shaping future leaders in public service at the local, county and state levels.  

Dean Jill Gordon, who joined Levin students for the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, said what she loves the most about The Columbus Seminar experience is seeing learning unfold through the eyes of the students. 

“Their passion for public service, commitment to creating change for the common good, and support for one another—although they possess different perspectives—are truly inspiring,” she said. “The Statehouse becomes a real-world classroom, where students not only observe government in action but also benefit from the opportunity to reflect on what they’ve seen and experienced. It is incredible to witness their growth and enthusiasm for making a difference.”

Beneficial, being the key word, as many seminar alumni have gone on to serve in elected office or key government roles, including Ohio Senate Minority Leader Nickie Antonio and Representative Tristan Rader. Others, like Chief Government Relations and Business Development Officer at Akron Children’s Hospital Anthony Gutowski, have leveraged their experience into influential public affairs careers. The seminar’s many alumni hold positions in leadership at Cleveland City Hall, Cuyahoga County, the Ohio General Assembly, the Governor’s Office, and the U.S. Senate, among many other important institutions. 

Helping to guide the transformative experience was Associate Professor Meg Rubado, Ph.D., of the Maxine Goodman Levin School of Urban Affairs. Her leadership ensures that students not only gain access to the highest levels of state government but also develop the confidence and connections to pursue careers in the public service sector. 

“The Columbus Seminar would not be the transformative experience it is without the generosity of the many public officials, nonprofit leaders, and professionals who take the time to engage with our students. Their willingness to share insights, answer questions, and offer thoughtful advice creates an unmatched learning experience. Through these interactions, students gain not only a deeper understanding of government and policy but also the confidence and inspiration to pursue careers in public service. I am so grateful for their dedication to fostering the next generation of civic leaders." 

Learning Through Experience  

This year’s cohort, consisting of eighteen students, continued The Columbus Seminar tradition by spending their spring break engaging with policymakers, networking with professionals and experiencing the fast-paced world of state politics in a way that textbooks alone could never provide.  

Throughout the week, students met with members of the General Assembly, legislative staff, the Governor’s Office, executive agencies, nonprofit organizations, lobbyists, news media, and policy experts to better understand how government decisions shape the lives of Ohioans. Through discussions with the Office of Budget and Management, the Legislative Service Commission, and the Ohio Department of Higher Education, students gained real insight into the mechanics of policy and governance. 

Katura Pleasant was a member of this Spring’s cohort. She said the experience was second to none. 

“It was a life-changing experience [that] allowed me and my classmates to interact with various stakeholders within the State of Ohio. I was able to sit in on a Supreme Court of Ohio oral argument, Ohio House Committee hearings, and opponent testimony for [Senate Bill 1],” she said. “This experience connected me with Levin alumni residing in Columbus. My time at Levin has been phenomenal and has afforded me countless unique opportunities to see where my degree can take me.”  

Student to Leader: A Full Circle Moment 

For two Columbus Seminar alumni, this year’s program marked a powerful full-circle moment. Minority Leader Nickie Antonio and Representative Tristan Rader, both former participants, credited the seminar as the first time they envisioned themselves in state government. This year, they returned not as students, but as mentors—hosting the next generation of aspiring public leaders. 

Minority Leader Antonio welcomed students René Martin and Andrew Sobhy for a day of shadowing, while Representative Rader was paired with Sydney Hughgart. Their journey from students exploring state government to elected officials guiding today’s seminar participants is a testament to the lasting impact of the program.  

When reflecting on the experience of hosting Sydney Hughart, a sociology student set to graduate with her bachelor’s degree this spring, Representative Rader had nothing but good things to say.

“She is so sharp, engaged, and already incredibly knowledgeable about what’s happening at the Statehouse. These students are way ahead of where I was when I did this program a decade ago! Excited to see where their futures take them.” 

In addition to hosting shadows, Minority Leader Antonio held a Q&A session with the class, inviting students to ask about her experiences and career. During the discussion, student Amanda Shaffer had asked out of the many “firsts” in her life and career, which had been the most meaningful? Antonio, the first openly LGBTQ+ member elected to the Ohio General Assembly, reflected on her personal journey.

“You know, the biggest first for me was graduating from college,” she shared. As the first in her family to earn a degree -and a proud two-time graduate of CSU- she emphasized, “It made the biggest change in my life.” 

For current students, hearing from these alumni and seeing their journey from student to elected official made the experience even more meaningful. 

In addition to seminar alums Senator Antonio and Representative Rader, 15 members of the General Assembly hosted CSU student shadows. Several students had the opportunity to shadow their own legislators, including Kayla Dennis (Levin alumnus/Senator Kent Smith), Amanda Shaffer (Representative Mike Dovilla), Mary Siweirka (Senator Nathan Manning), and Claire Sharp (Senator Tom Patton).

Other students shadowed a legislator with whom they shared policy interests. These included Jeffrey Phillips (Representative Phillip Robinson, Jr.), Erika Shinn (Levin alumnus/Representative Sean Brennan), and Remeil Walters (Levin alumnus/Representative Darnell Brewer).  

If that wasn’t enough, students had the unique opportunity to attend Governor Mike DeWine's 2025 State of the State address. Some fortunate participants received floor or gallery seats, allowing them to experience the event alongside state legislators and dignitaries. This firsthand exposure to the governor's policy agenda provided invaluable insights into the legislative process and the state's priorities. 

Inside the Statehouse

Claire Sharp, an MPA student who lives in in Ohio’s 24th District, had an unforgettable experience shadowing her State Senator Tom Patton. “I observed the Senate Transportation Committee as they worked on the budget, including adopting a sub-bill, and was honored to be recognized by Senator Patton, the committee chair,” she said. “I also had the incredible experience of watching Governor Mike DeWine’s State of the State Address from the gallery.” 

Brianna Bray (MPA) shadowed Representative Juanita Brent. “I had the opportunity to observe the inner workings of the legislative process firsthand. I attended the State of the State, observed stakeholder meetings, and observed how lawmakers collaborate to shape public policy. Overall, this experience provided me with a deeper understanding of how laws are crafted, the influence of public testimony, and the strategic decision-making involved in advancing legislation.”

She added:

“It also allowed me to connect with legislative staff, gaining valuable insights into the day-to-day responsibilities of those working behind the scenes to support lawmakers and their agendas. These connections have not only expanded my professional network but have also provided me with mentorship opportunities that I know will be crucial as I move forward in my career.”

Spring Break with a Purpose  

While some students traded in their books for the beach, students attending The Columbus Seminar experienced more than just a class, but rather a stepping-stone to careers in public service, law and policy and providing a first real taste of what it means to work in the government. By the end of the week, the cohort left with a deeper understanding of the political process, a network of professional connections and possibly a great passion for a new career goal. 

MPA student Clare Sharpe said she is enthusiastic and rejuvenated about what lies ahead for her future. 

“This experience reinforced my passion for public service and I’m excited for what’s ahead!”