October 18 – 20, 2004
By Jordan Pallitto ‘06
In a bi-partisan manner that is all too uncommon these days, former Congressmen William Clinger (R-PA) and Jim Lloyd (D-CA) together spent three days visiting Allegheny College in October as part of the Congress to Campus Program. The former congressmen came to Allegheny to encourage students to consider careers in public service, and give them a real-world look at the workings of American government.
Monday evening, Clinger and Lloyd met with College Republicans and Young Democrats to discuss the upcoming election. Throughout the day Tuesday, the former congressmen visited American Government and Elections classes; chatted with members of Allegheny’s student government; and later that evening, presented a public lecture in Quigley Hall auditorium after having dinner with CPP student fellows.
Many students appreciated the chance to meet the congressmen in person. “I can’t believe how sincere and down to earth they both were. They were comfortable and we were comfortable,” remarked Craig Korpiel, an Allegheny sophomore.
“They certainly made a lasting impression,” said Allegheny junior Adam Fogel. “It was great to hear their real life experiences—both successes and frustrations—as candidates and politicians.”
Wednesday morning, they spoke to students at Saegertown High School about politics and how Congress works. And by mid-afternoon, they were on their way back to Washington to start the cycle over again.
“Clinger and Lloyd displayed true respect and camaraderie for one another and a clear love for the public service they advocated,” said another Allegheny student. “It would be great if all politicians demonstrated such bi-partisan cooperation.”
The Congress to Campus visit at Allegheny was made possible by the Allegheny College Center for Political Participation (CPP).
Organized by the Stennis Center for Public Service, the center for Democracy and Citizenship, and the U.S. Association of Former Members of Congress, Congress to Campus sends bipartisan pairs of former Members of Congress–one Democrat and one Republican– to visit college campuses across the country. They conduct classes, hold community forums, meet informally with students and faculty, visit high schools and civic organizations, and do interviews and talk show appearances with local press and media. The program provides a distinctive and powerful means to educate the next generation about American government, politics and public affairs.
For more information about Allegheny College’s Center for Political Participation, please call (814) 332-6201.