By Troy Berchoff, Photos Courtesy of Gardner-Webb University
BOILING SPRINGS, N.C. – The Gardner-Webb College Democrats and Republicans hosted their second annual Pizza and Politics event on October 17, 2024 in Tucker Student Center’s Faith Hall.
The event provided attending students an opportunity to ask the panelists questions about each party’s views on the economy, foreign policy, and Biblical relevance in general politics among other topics.
Due to the event being hosted during election season, Pizza and Politics experienced high turn out. The event featured pizza for students as well as handouts that provided students with panelist info and sample questions.
The event was guided by the theme of what college students believe to be the most important issues in America. Students were encouraged to ask their burning questions based upon their unique perspective.
Kristen Wilson, a freshman, attended the event to hear out both sides of the political spectrum. “Pizza and Politics made me think about the different things both sides bring to the table,” she said.
answers an audience question.
Freshman Hildi Smith, a political science major, took special interest in how the event represented the collective student opinion of politics on campus.
“Personally, I wish the campus was more political. I feel that many people don’t care about it and they view politics as annoying, but it’s crucially important,” noted Smith. Smith also pointed to the size of the clubs, which both have relatively low membership but high event turnout, as proof of this opinion.
Republican panelist Ted Alexander, a North Carolina state senator, described his perspective on the event. “It’s important for me to hear the concerns and issues with college students. It’s important for the students to know that even with their differences in philosophy and approach to politics, we are still all Americans,” he shared.
answers an audience question.
Alexander further outlined this principle with a short mission statement.
“I may disagree with you, but I will defend to the death your right to disagree,” said Alexander.
The Democratic party was represented at the convention by panelists Justin Matthews (a former North Carolina House candidate), Dr. Kent Blevins (chairman of the Cleveland County Democratic Party), and Marianne Luedeman (President of the Gardner-Webb College Democrats).
The Republican party was represented by panelists Alexander, N.C. Representative Kelly Hastings, RNC Committeewoman Kyshia Brassington and Youthan Love, chairman of the North Carolina Federation of College Republicans.
For inquiries about future political events occuring on the Gardner-Webb campus, College Democrats President Marianne Luedeman can be reached at [email protected]. College Republicans President Maverick Imlay can be reached at [email protected].
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