Spring Break 2023

For the first time since the pandemic, the Patterson School was able to host the Spring Break trip! Students traveled north with Ambassador Carey Cavanaugh. The focus this year centered around the Canadian border - land, sea, and air - looking at immigration, smuggling/drugs, commerce, and environmental issues. Various stops were selected to provide students with a hands-on, practical understanding of how diplomacy, defense, and commerce are implemented.

Starting on Monday, students toured the Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, National Air and Space Intelligence Center (NASIC), and the Airstream, Inc./Thor Industries Factory and Manufacturing Center on their way to Detroit, Michigan.

Tuesday, students visited the Department of Homeland Security's Customs and Border Protection station in Detroit, the U.S. Coast Guard at Belle Isle, the International Joint Commission,  and the Windsor-Detroit Bridge Authority.

The final day, students met with the Consulate General of Japan at the GM Renaissance Center in Detroit, toured the GM World Headquarters, visited the U.S. Coast Guard/Royal Canadian Mounted Police Coast Guard Station in Belle Isle, and the Cass Corridor with stops at Shinola (watch and bicycle manufacturer) and Jack White's Third Man Records. Additionally, they visited the Islamic Center of America and the American Arab Chamber of Commerce.