La Salle University Junior Patrick Boyer Interning
at the White House During Spring Semester

Patrick Boyer had one day to make up his choice: stay at La Salle University for the spring semester where he had good friends and really liked his classes, or accept an offer to work as an intern at the White House.  

The Wilmington native chose the latter.  

Since January 8, Boyer has been working at the Office of Strategic Affairs, which used to be headed by President George W. Bush’s key aid, Karl Rove. Boyer helps research topics and issues that are part of the president’s long-term strategies and goals, what he calls “the game plan.” 

“It’s been a pretty good experience so far,” said Boyer, a junior and History/Political Science major at La Salle. “I didn’t know what to expect when I started, but I’ve gotten comfortable with it. Basically I help out with whatever needs to be done.” 

When Boyer was informed he’d been accepted for an internship, he asked when he would have to make a decision. “Today,” he was told.  That’s when he asked his father about the offer, and Matthew Boyer advised him, “It’s a once-in-a-lifetime experience.” 

“I told him it was an incredible opportunity,” his father said. “I think it says a lot about La Salle that it wasn’t a no-brainer decision for him. He really likes his friends and the academics there.”  

Stuart Leibiger, chair of La Salle’s History Department said, “Patrick is a pleasure to have in class because he works hard, he is a leader in class discussion, and he is a thoughtful student of American politics.”  

Boyer, who has a GPA of 3.51, works in the Eisenhower Executive Office Building, adjacent to the West Wing of the White House. Many of his tasks involve researching public policy issues. 

“It’s interesting to see what people thought about topics 10 years ago,” he said.  

In applying for the position, Boyer had to write an essay on what he appreciated about the Bush administration, supply three letters of recommendation, and pass a background check. Then there was the interview. 

“I wasn’t used to a phone interview,” he said. “Every one I’ve done (for jobs or internships) has been face-to-face. It lasted for 30 minutes. He was asked questions on topics that “you don’t see on the nightly news,” he said.

After moving into La Salle’s dorms as a freshmen, Boyer registered to vote in Pennsylvania, and he became active with La Salle’s Republican club. He campaigned for former U.S. Senator Rick Santorum and earned an internship with Santorum’s Pennsylvania office. Last summer, he worked as a research assistant at a Wilmington law firm. 

A graduate of Salesianum High School in Wilmington, Boyer said he’s considering law school after graduating from La Salle.