Spring Break
Election Watch Party in Grand Court
Cameron Birch
Issue date: 10/31/08 Section: News
Students gathered Nov. 4 in the Main Building Grand Court to watch the results of the 2008 Presidential Election between Sen. John McCain (R-Ariz.) and Sen. Barack Obama (D-Ill.).
Drexel University students were invited to watch CNN's coverage of the election on a large projection screen. Additionally, tables were set up and a buffet of food and snacks were offered to students.
According to Dorothy Schwartz, director of Administrative Services for the Hagerty Library, the library sponsored effort of "Drexel Voters 2008" along with the help of a communications class put together the event to watch America elect its president.
Charlie Vaihinger, a sophomore communications and public relations dual major, was one of the students that participated in the event's planning. He said Drexel Votes had a basic idea of what they wanted and left much of the planning up to the class.
One example was the group's choice to broadcast CNN; Vaihinger said the planning committee saw it as "middle ground" despite the varying opinions of its members.
Also, Vaihinger said the watch party was a "[chance to] leave harsh politics at the voting booth and celebrate together." He called the party a "unified event" after "divided buildup."
In the past, Drexel Votes has hosted watch parties for the Presidential debates, held informational events, and gone through efforts to register students to vote.
Schwartz complimented the program and election, stating it, "helped students realize what they do." She also discussed how it dispelled the 'misconceptions' students had about voting and showed new voters reliable sources of election information.
Schwartz and Drexel Votes invited Assistant Professor of History and Politics Scott Knowles to speak at and attend the event. Additionally, games for the evening were planned as students watched the election results before the watch party ended at midnight.
Knowles in an interview talked about the importance of the election and its relevance to Drexel University students. He saw the election in Pennsylvania as a, "battle between counties" and saw the turnout in Philadelphia and Pittsburgh as a major component of the election.
Drexel University students were invited to watch CNN's coverage of the election on a large projection screen. Additionally, tables were set up and a buffet of food and snacks were offered to students.
According to Dorothy Schwartz, director of Administrative Services for the Hagerty Library, the library sponsored effort of "Drexel Voters 2008" along with the help of a communications class put together the event to watch America elect its president.
Charlie Vaihinger, a sophomore communications and public relations dual major, was one of the students that participated in the event's planning. He said Drexel Votes had a basic idea of what they wanted and left much of the planning up to the class.
One example was the group's choice to broadcast CNN; Vaihinger said the planning committee saw it as "middle ground" despite the varying opinions of its members.
Also, Vaihinger said the watch party was a "[chance to] leave harsh politics at the voting booth and celebrate together." He called the party a "unified event" after "divided buildup."
In the past, Drexel Votes has hosted watch parties for the Presidential debates, held informational events, and gone through efforts to register students to vote.
Schwartz complimented the program and election, stating it, "helped students realize what they do." She also discussed how it dispelled the 'misconceptions' students had about voting and showed new voters reliable sources of election information.
Schwartz and Drexel Votes invited Assistant Professor of History and Politics Scott Knowles to speak at and attend the event. Additionally, games for the evening were planned as students watched the election results before the watch party ended at midnight.
Knowles in an interview talked about the importance of the election and its relevance to Drexel University students. He saw the election in Pennsylvania as a, "battle between counties" and saw the turnout in Philadelphia and Pittsburgh as a major component of the election.
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