Tonight, the Orrin G. Hatch Foundation celebrated the dedication of the Hatch Center in Washington, D.C., marking a continuation of Senator Hatch’s commitment to fostering the next generation of leaders.
Made possible by the support of the Orrin G. Hatch Foundation and the Kem and Carolyn Gardner family, the Hatch Center will be a place where students develop professionally and grow personally, learning the values of civility, leadership, and public service.
Situated at 1527 and 1529 18th Street NW, near Dupont Circle, the center features modern amenities such as furnished bedrooms, student lounges, rooftop balconies, and a conference room. It will serve as the heart of the University of Utah Hinckley Institute’s national internship program and as Utah’s “embassy” in Washington, D.C., enhancing the state’s influence and presence in national policymaking circles.
The Hinckley Institute’s national internship program, which has been sending students to Washington, D.C. since 1965, will utilize the Hatch Center to house up to 50 interns per semester. The Hatch Center will allow more students to take advantage of full-time internships in various government institutions, public advocacy groups, and consulting firms.
With the dedication of the Orrin G. Hatch Center, we honor Senator Hatch’s enduring legacy, reflecting his dedication to shaping leaders who embody integrity, leadership, and a commitment to public service. This center is a dynamic space designed to engage and inspire students in active dialogue with policymakers, fostering the development of well-rounded, civic-minded individuals ready to contribute meaningfully to our society.
“The Orrin G. Hatch Center represents Senator Hatch’s belief in the power of mentorship,” said Matt Sandgren, Executive Director of the Orrin G. Hatch Foundation. “He cherished his role in guiding young minds and helping tomorrow’s leaders take their first career steps. We’ve watched as Hatch alums have gone on to make significant contributions not just in the halls of government, but also in the private sector, in non-profits, and in various public endeavors. Together, we can foster and empower the rising generation in honor of a man who deeply believed in its potential.”
“Orrin Hatch became one of the greatest senators of all time,” said Taylor Randall, University of Utah President. “He was able to reach out across the aisle and he was able to find common ground where you thought it was impossible. To me, that is the characteristic most needed for today’s day and age. And so when I think about honoring history, I think about honoring that memory and what he was able to do, I hope our students will be able to develop that skill while they are here.”
“For our students to come here to Washington, D.C., it is the defining moment of their educational experience,” said Jason Perry, Vice President for Government Relations and the Director of the Hinckley Institute of Politics at the University of Utah. “This is where they decide what they want to do in their lives. This is where they meet the people who are going to direct them throughout their lives. This Orrin G. Hatch Center is going to launch the next generation of leaders for the United States of America.”
