(Posted May 24, 2010)

HUNTINGDON, Pa. -- David Grim, a sophomore at Juniata College from Boalsburg, Pa., majoring in politics, recently received a Finnegan Fellowship from the James A. Finnegan Foundation, enabling Grim to work at a paid, 10-week internship this summer at the Bureau of Commissions, Elections and Legislation in Pennsylvania's Department of State.

Grim 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 fellowships available 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.

Grim, the son of Carol and Stephen Grim of Boalsburg, received the internship on the strength of an essay, letters of recommendation, college transcripts and extracurricular activities.

Grim remains an active student on campus, serving as the class president for the class of 2012 the past two years, as well as serving in student government and the student Senate. He also is a member of the Model United Nations Club and served as the club's treasurer this academic year, 2009-2010.

Grim also is a Juniata athlete, competing on the men's soccer team as a freshman and sophomore. He also was named to the Landmark Conference All-Academic Team for the fall 2009 season. As a member of the soccer team he traveled to Germany in summer 2009 and also studied abroad at a 10-week summer program in The Gambia and Senegal in West Africa.

Grim also is an active volunteer in his community, where he served as student representative the past two years on the Centre County Drug and Alcohol Planning Council, a group that works to provide rehabilitation services and preventative measures for the Centre County area.

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.