First-year student Connor Smith has received a scholarship to attend the World Affairs Council of America’s 2010 National Conference to be held in Washington, D. C. Nov. 4-5. The theme of the conference is “U.S. Foreign Policy: Into the Next Decade.”

Smith was one of 25 students and young professionals who received a scholarship to attend the event, which is designed to give participants an opportunity to network and engage with some of the most well-regarded global policymakers and experts on the critical national security challenges facing the country. Speakers will include Lawrence H. Summers, director of the National Economic Council; James Steinberg, deputy secretary of state; General Raymond Odierno, former commanding general of U.S. forces in Iraq; and Ryan Crocker, former U.S. Ambassador to Iraq.

Smith first became acquainted with the World Affairs Council when his family hosted two foreign exchange students through the council in 2008. As a result of this, he met James Falk, who is the president and CEO of the council’s Dallas-Fort Worth chapter.

Falk encouraged Smith to apply for the 2009 National Youth Leadership Forum on National Security, which introduces high school students to careers in defense, intelligence, the diplomatic corps and more. Smith ended up being selected as president of the 400 students who attended the event in Washington, D.C.

Smith is majoring in environmental studies at Southwestern and is a member of the varsity lacrosse team.