During the summer months, many high school and college students are busy working summer jobs, volunteering in their communities, or interning at various businesses and organizations. For Quinnipiac University student Benjamin “Ben” Cloutier, interning at North Haven’s Town Hall this summer has been a positive experience, and coincides with his college studies.

“This is the first year we are doing this program. Ben is interning in the First Selectman’s office under the Presidential Public Service Fellowship,” stated First Selectman Michael Freda. “We are pleased to have one of Quinnipiac University’s finest students interning in town hall.”

Freda explained that Quinnipiac approached him about the fellowship program and he embraced the opportunity. Freda believes that working with the university, which has its graduate campus here in town, is a wonderful way to build connections and bridges.

“Ben is a fine young man with a great future,” said Freda. “He is a fine asset for Valerie and me in my office. His presence and professional assistance are well received, helpful, and appreciated.”

Cloutier is from Goffstown, New Hampshire. He will be entering his junior year at Quinnipiac in September. His major is political science. He also is involved in several organizations on campus, including the Freshman Orientation Program, Brother of Sigma Phi Epsilon, President of the Student Body/Student Government and Executive Board Secretary of Students in Free Enterprise.

“I chose to major in political science, because I wanted to improve my reading, writing and speaking skills, and after Quinnipiac, I want to go to law school. Quinnipiac was my choice because of the beautiful campus and environment, the academics, and the location was far but close enough to home,” stated Cloutier. “I applied for this fellowship because, after law school, I have an interest in getting involved in government, so interning in town hall would give me good exposure and experience on how government works on a town and local level.”

The process began back in April, and six candidates were interviewed for the position. All the candidates were exceptional students with diverse backgrounds, solid academics and all involved in school affairs, according to Valerie Goodkin, executive assistant to the First Selectman.

“It was a very difficult decision to make because all the candidates were great, but I made my decision on Ben because he seemed to be a good fit for this office and our community,” said Goodkin. “Ben is well-rounded, enthusiastic, personable, professional and we work well together.”

Goodkin added that Cloutier will be interning for ten weeks during the summer. He is working on a group of projects that include benchmarking with an EPA intern with the Clean Energy Task Force, preparations for Show and Sell in October, and some public works projects with the director of public works Lynn Sadosky.

“Ben is very professional and conscientious about following a task through to its completion. The fellowship program is wonderful and has been beneficial both to Ben and to the First Selectman and me,” Goodkin added.

“When I received the call from Valerie that I was chosen for the internship, I was excited and esthetic, and it brightened my day. This is a productive way to spend my summer. I’m being paid through a federal grant dispersed by Quinnipiac University,” explained Cloutier. “And everyone has been kind, helpful, and a pleasure to work with.”

Cloutier’s interest in law and government was peeked when he took a course called Introduction to Legal Studies taught by Quinnipiac professor and attorney Steven Walsh from Hamden. Walsh also inspired Cloutier to want to work with people.

“I’m enjoying my work here at the North Haven Town Hall and learning many things that will be helpful with my studies,” Cloutier said. “Everything you learn is to your advantage. I believe in keeping active because it is beneficial socially, mentally, and physically.”

When he’s not working or studying, Cloutier enjoys playing basketball and video games, listening to music, hanging out with friends and reading. His favorite reads are non-fiction books about the economy, sports and food. Family is important to Cloutier and he is the oldest of three children.

“I have two sisters Catherine and Corinne, and I’m the big brother who tries to set a good example for them and me. My parents Debbie and Ray are a wonderful support system and they support what I’m doing at Quinnipiac, at North Haven this summer, and what I want to do in the future,” said a smiling Cloutier. “I believe that we should get involved in our community, work hard, cultivate friendship, don’t overlook or write people off, and enjoy life.”

“My first two years of college have been great, and I’m looking forward to the next two years and what lies ahead in the future,” added Cloutier. “I will embrace all opportunities and learn all I can while striving to be the best person I can be.”