Eph vs. Eph

Eph vs. Eph for Congress

Perhaps for the first time, two Williams alumni are vying for the same congressional seat. In Virginia’s 8th District this fall, Don Beyer ’72 is the Democratic Party nominee and Micah Edmond ’96 is the Republican Party nominee. Here’s what both bring to the contest—and what each has to say about how Williams informed their commitment to public service.

Don Beyer ’72, Democrat
Don-Beyer-grid-image

At Williams
Economics major
Phi Beta Kappa
Outing Club
WCFM radio

After Williams
Built a regional car dealership chain
Lieutenant Governor of Virginia
Ambassador to Switzerland
Led Virginia commissions for poverty/welfare reform and economic recovery
Co-founder, Northern Virginia Technology Council
Chair, Jobs for Virginia Graduates
President, Youth for Tomorrow
Virginia chair, Clinton-Gore and Kerry-Edwards presidential campaigns
Treasurer and Virginia chair, Howard Dean presidential campaign
Finance chair, Mark Warner senatorial campaign
Mid-Atlantic finance chair, Barack Obama presidential campaign

“Public service seemed integral to the Williams culture. Mission Park, Climb High/Climb Far and political action were what we did in 1968-1972. But it was the Center for Development Economics—professors wholly committed to lifting the world out of hunger and poverty—that sealed my desire to serve.”

Micah Edmond ’96, Republican
micah-edmond-grid-image

At Williams
History major
Wrestling, crew, swimming
Reunion Ranger
Massachusetts Air National Guard

After Williams
M.A. and M.B.A., Johns Hopkins
Marine Corps (eight years: two overseas tours and a Pentagon posting)
Senior staffer for multiple members of House Armed Services Committee
Launched a consulting firm to advise businesses on the impact of federal spending and regulations in the national security sector
Senior defense adviser, President Obama’s Simpson Bowles Commission and the Congressional Joint Select Committee on Deficit Reduction
Assistant vice president, Aerospace Industries Association
Term member, Council on Foreign Relations

“Williams College heavily influenced my path to public service. I learned that an education is not what you know but what you keep seeking. I also learned that one person can make a difference through service. Like Col. Ephraim Williams, I was inspired to serve my country in and out of uniform.”