(Posted March 31, 2008)

HUNTINGDON, Pa. -- Tim Breya, a sophomore at Juniata College from McClure, Pa., studying politics and French, recently received a Finnegan Fellowship from the James A. Finnegan Foundation, enabling Breya to work at a paid, 10-week internship this summer at one of Pennsylvania's executive agencies.

On March 28, Breya will attend a Governor's Luncheon at Gov. Ed Rendell's Residence, where 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.

Breya, the son of Diane and Joseph Breya of McClure, wrote an essay on constitutional reform in Pennsylvania. Internships are awarded on the strength of the essay, letters of recommendation, college transcripts and extracurricular activities.

Breya is a member of Juniata's track and field team and also competes on the college's cheerleading squad. He also participates in the French Club. After his summer internship in Harrisburg, Breya will study abroad at the University of Strasbourg, in Strasbourg, France. He will spend fall semester at the university, followed by a spring-semester internship at a European governmental agency.

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.