A Passion for Public Service

Matthew poses with Speaker of the House Mike Johnson on a balcony with a view of Washington, D.C. 

Photo: Matthew Bauer

As a full-time intern in Washington, D.C. last October, Matthew Bauer had an up-close view of events that roiled the nation for several weeks. Working in the office of former Speaker of the House Kevin McCarthy, he witnessed the California congressman’s ouster from one of the country’s most powerful political roles.

“This was the first time in the history of the American government that the Speakership was vacated under a motion brought about by other representatives,” said the fourth-year student majoring in political science and criminology and criminal justice. “I became well acquainted with the legislative process and the importance of maintaining strong constituent relationships.”

Fortunately, Bauer completed his internship under McCarthy’s successor, Mike Johnson, where he gained additional insights into politics and personal connections. “While this internship experience was certainly unprecedented and challenging at times, I was very fortunate to have a front-row seat during one of the more trying moments in our nation’s history,” he said.

Serving the greater good

His four-month tenure in the District gave him unique experiences. Bauer visited the White House several times (“One time being for the annual White House Christmas Tree Lighting”), sat in the House chamber for multiple noteworthy votes and attended a Congressional Committee hearing concerning free speech. 

“Washington, D.C. is an amazing place, and the opportunities there are truly endless. I would love to stay there and work as a staffer on Capitol Hill!” said Bauer.

He credits his enthusiasm to serving the greater good to California Lutheran University and its faculty members in the Criminology & Criminal Justice and Political Science Departments. “CLU has fostered a passion for public service and the importance of strong leadership,” he said. “Their diverse professional experiences and passion for the field are contagious and have left a lasting impression on me.”

Bauer originally decided to study one of his majors due to an interest in learning about the psychology of criminal offenders. Yet he realized much more occurs in the criminal justice field after taking four years of coursework involving criminal law, intersectionality, crime and victimization.

Now finishing his last semester at Cal Lutheran, Bauer works part-time at the Ventura County Probation Agency (VCPA) as a student worker. The organization has direct supervision of nearly 5,900 adult and almost 400 juvenile offenders currently on probation. In this role, he assists the probationary officer assigned to multiple DUI cases.

“I routinely audit the 1,100+ client caseload, examine police reports, maintain a chronological database and assist in victim restitution investigations. VCPA is an excellent agency, and I couldn’t recommend it enough to prospective students looking for an internship,” he said.

Unbound support from faculty 

Before joining the VCPA and interning in Washington, D.C., Bauer served as an assistant in the Criminology & Criminal Justice Department for more than a year, where he supported faculty in their work and helped guide his peers through trying academic times. 

“Our professors do an amazing job in challenging students, encouraging vocational opportunities and providing unbound support,” said Bauer. “It’s been an honor to aid  Dr. [Schannae] Lucas as she carries the well-respected legacy of our major as department chair!”

Other faculty he says have molded him into a scholar include Molly George, PhD, and Helen Lim, PhD, both of whom also teach in the Criminology & Criminal Justice Department. 

“Their wealth of knowledge and commitment to their students has been very impactful. I am very fortunate to have had their unwavering support through difficult moments in my undergraduate career.”

When he is not in the classroom or working at VCPA, Bauer participates in three extracurricular activities. He serves as vice president of Cal Lutheran’s Mixed Martial Arts Club, is a Criminal Justice Student Association member, and has recently joined Cal Lutheran’s Model United Nations team. MMA Club allows him to build his physical and mental fortitude, while the latter two provide a forum for exploring topics related to his major and engaging with others in a collaborative environment. 

“These clubs provide community and have strengthened leadership skills for both me and fellow members,” Bauer said. Skills he mentions include public speaking, mentoring, collaboration, listening to others and achieving goals. 

With Commencement around the corner, Bauer’s experiences with the Criminology & Criminal Justice and Political Science Departments, the Criminal Justice Student Association, on Capitol Hill and at VCPA have prompted him to consider not only possibly returning to the nation’s capital to work but also launch a career in law enforcement. He eventually wants to earn a master’s degree in political science or public administration but would first like to enter the workforce to gain a few years of professional experience. Long term, he wants to remain in Southern California to serve others.

“I’m eager to apply my education from CLU and help improve the lives of individuals and communities as a whole,” he said.