FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: March 31, 2014

For More Information:
Dustin Crutchfield
Public Relations Department
Glenville State College
(304) 462-6394
Dustin.Crutchfield@glenville.edu

GLENVILLE, WV – For the second year in a row, Glenville State College student Travis Nesbitt has attended the American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC) conference in the nation's capital. The trip, which was paid for with a scholarship that Nesbitt received from AIPAC, took place March 1st through 4th. Student leaders from colleges and universities all across the country were invited to the annual conference to attend sessions about global cultures, diversity, technology, healthcare, and government.

"I learned a lot about different aspects of other cultures. It was really interesting to hear the perspectives that other students from across the U.S. have," said Nesbitt. "I made many new friends and connections who found my life in West Virginia to be as interesting as I did of theirs in their hometowns."

While in D.C., Nesbitt took time out of his schedule to visit with U.S. Senator Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.) and Congressman David McKinley (R-W.Va.). "I had the honor to introduce Senator Manchin at GSC's graduation ceremony in 2012 (when Manchin delivered the keynote address) so it was great to see him again and to visit Mr. McKinley's office for the first time," said Nesbitt.

Capping off the experience was an opportunity that Nesbitt didn't quite expect. He was recently informed that he has been selected to take part in the Campus Allies Mission to Israel trip this summer. The nearly two-week trip is paid for by the Adam and Gila Milstein Family Foundation which aims to educate and train students and young professionals. "I was blown away when I got word that I was being invited to go to Israel this summer. I thought I learned a lot at the conference in D.C., but this experience will certainly be one that is once-in-a-lifetime," said Nesbitt.

Looking ahead, he hopes to be able to work with the AIPAC to develop some brochures and resources to share what he has learned with students on campus. "It's important for students to keep up with current events and realize just how globally connected we are," said Nesbitt.

Nesbitt is a junior criminal justice major at Glenville State College. He has been involved in GSC's Student Government Association for three years with two of those being as president. Nesbitt is also in the GSC Army ROTC program and is on track to become a U.S. Army Second Lieutenant upon his graduation. He has also been a member of the Jane Lew Volunteer Fire Department since 2008. He is the son of Linda and Jim Tinney and is originally from Weston (Lewis County), West Virginia.