On a college campus of 2,300 students located in a small suburb of Columbus, Ohio, it is a rare sight to see Secret Service agents walking around campus. Well, maybe not so rare as of late.
Four years ago, Presidential candidate John McCain and First Lady-elect Michelle Obama came to campus to gain the support of the students. This past spring semester, Presidential candidate Mitt Romney visited campus as a stop on his campaign route, and last Tuesday, President Barack Obama visited campus as a part of his Ohio campaign strategy. Among the nearly 3,300 community members and press in attendance at the President’s rally were a large number of students. A few of students were even given the opportunity to participate in the rally.
Junior John McClain, a Vocal Music Education major, sang the national anthem during the rally.
“It was really cool,” McClain said. “It was really nerve-wracking. I could see where the Cap students were in the audience, and it made me less nervous.”
McClain was selected for the honor by Dr. Lynda Hasseler, a professor in the Conservatory of Music, but McClain didn’t know before anyone else that the President was coming to campus.
“I think the Secret Service told Susan Merryman [President Bowman’s Chief of Staff], and Dr. Hasseler Thursday night, and then Dr. Hasseler contacted me Saturday,” McClain said. “I didn’t practice a lot because I didn’t want to psych myself out. I’m glad I didn’t know in advance.”
McClain has received only positive feedback from his performance and was told the President thought his rendition of the National Anthem was outstanding.
“It was an honor to sing for the President and represent Capital University,” McClain said. “I would like to thank the administration and Yochum for this opportunity and thank Dr. Hasseler for thinking I could do it.”
Another student, Steven DeBusk, a senior sociology and philosophy major, was the introductory speaker for the President. Debusk is a former BMX rider and decided to come to college later in life after pursuing a career in professional bicycle motocross riding.
During his introduction for the President, DeBusk explained that he is only able to attend college because of grants, scholarships, and student loans, which is why he supports President Obama and his efforts to increase Pell Grants and aid in student loan repayment.
But regardless of political affiliation, many students came to the rally and a large number were just excited to see the President in person.
“No matter if you’re Democrat, Republican, conservative, or liberal, it’s the President,” senior Matt Hazzard said.
“Amazing!” senior Katelin Shepard said.
“It’s a cool opportunity to see the President in person,” senior Andrew Protopapas said. “I’m not an Obama supporter, but it’s our President. He’s probably going to say things that I agree and disagree with, but I think there needs to be respect for the President.”
“It was cool how he directed the speech toward the students,” McClain said. “He knew his audience well.”
Despite the nearly 3,300 attendants, some students didn’t have the opportunity to attend the rally.
“I was working,” junior Kyrsten Stenerson said. “I would’ve liked to go see him because he’s the President. I hear he’s a good speaker and I would’ve liked to see him in person.”
“I also would’ve liked to compare reports of his speech from different papers; there can be biased forms of media,” Stenerson continued. “I would like to see what he says in the most unbiased way I can.”
“During ticket day, I was working for 12 hours, and I was home during the rally,” senior Kristen Schlatter said. “I would’ve like to see him, because how often does the President come to campus? I would’ve liked to experience it first-hand.”
“It’s a cool opportunity to hear all sides, we get so many different politicians to come here,” graduate student Erin Miller said. Miller could also not attend the rally.
Overall, there was a positive response to the President visiting campus.
“I think it was a great start for the year,” McClain said. “It brought the students together before school started.”
Despite students uniting to welcome the President to campus, the political divide still rages on campus and across the country.
“[President Obama] has my vote,” McClain said. “[Gov.] Romney is cutting funding for the arts, like the National Endowment for the Arts and PBS. I grew up watching PBS.”
“I may consider voting for [President Obama],” Stenerson said. “I’m typically more Republican, but he’s the lesser of two evils. I feel like Romney just wants to win, and, unfortunately, a third party can’t win.”
Election day is, November 6, 2012.
ccarr2@capital.edu
