(Posted May 24, 2010)

HUNTINGDON, Pa. -- Jared Edgerton, a sophomore at Juniata College from Windsor, N.J., majoring in philosophy, politics and economics, recently received a Finnegan Fellowship from the James A. Finnegan Foundation, enabling Edgerton to work at a paid, 10-week internship this summer at one of Pennsylvania's executive agencies.

Edgerton is one of two Juniata students honored as Finnegan Fellows at the Governor's Luncheon March 26 at Gov. Ed Rendell's Residence. There are four Finnegan Fellowships handed out each year. Typically members of the governor's staff meet with each Finnegan Fellow to determine their interests. Each Fellow will be matched in an internship with an agency that reflects his or her individual interests.

Edgerton, the son of Ilene and David Edgerton of Windsor, received the internship on the strength of an essay, letters of recommendation, college transcripts and extracurricular activities.

Edgerton remains an active student on campus, serving as a senator in student government and the student Senate. He has been named to the Dean's List the past two semesters. He also is a member of the college's Phone-athon team and is currently training to be a supervisor.

Edgerton also is a Juniata athlete, competing on the men's track team in javelin as a freshman and sophomore. In addition, he presented his research on John Rawls and John Nash at the Juniata Liberal Arts Symposium April 21.

Edgerton has gained significant international experience. This winter he spent nearly three weeks in a shortened academic winter break program in The Gambia in West Africa. Next year, as a junior, he will study abroad at two different institutions, spending fall semester studying politics at Maseryk University in the Czech Republic, and spending spring semester studying Arabic at the University of Fez in Morocco.

The James A. Finnegan Foundation was established in 1960 to honor the memory of James A. Finnegan, Secretary of Pennsylvania from 1955 to 1958. Finnegan fellowships have been awarded since 1960. Finnegan served under Pennsylvania Gov. George M. Leader. Prior to his service as Secretary, Finnegan was president of the Philadelphia City Council from 1951 to 1955.

Contact April Feagley at feaglea@juniata.edu or (814) 641-3131 for more information.