Monmouth students have joined together to bring a College Democrats club to campus. The College Democrats of Monmouth University is an organization that will focus on spreading and promoting the beliefs of the Democratic Party and getting students more involved in the political process.
Political science students have been voicing an interest in establishing the club on campus, and after discussion and cooperation, the Club became officially recognized by the Student Government Association early this semester in the budgetary process.
Until this year, there has only been a College Republicans of Monmouth University, and with the forming of the College Democrats on campus, there hopes to be more involvement from students in politics.
“I knew the Republican Club president well and thought it would be a great opportunity to have a Democratic club as well,” said Landon Myers, a senior political science student who serves as President of the College Democrats of Monmouth University.
The club has already hosted an event with Congressman Frank Pallone this month with local Democratic organizations, and it plans to have more events in the future with other elected officials and those involved in politics.
Because it has been recognized and chartered by the official College Democrats of New Jersey, the club is able to coordinate with different university chapters within the state. “This allows greater opportunities for the club to become involved with state politics and for members to have more leadership positions,” Myers explained. Several members of the club have already taken advantage of these networks, and have run for Chair positions and have become active in Caucuses that work together on specific issues.
Joseph Patten, Ph.D., an associate professor of political science, believes that having both groups on campus is essential. “It’s important to have thriving young Democrats and Republicans to help spread political awareness. It is really nice to have a culture here on campus with very conservative and very liberal students that can disagree on issues but still be friends.”
The advisor for the club is Nick Messina, a specialist professor of communications. “At a moment where our national discourse has all but seemingly collapsed, it is imperative that we foster an environment in which all students are given the opportunity to meet and share their like-minded opinions,” he said.
Messina continued, and said that what is most inspiring to him is seeing the interaction and desire that the College Democrats and College Republicans have in speaking with one another and have meaningful conversation.
“It’s easy to hate what one doesn’t understand – it’s a completely different experience trying to find the enemy in a friend. Our students are clearly trying to bridge the divide and it’s my hope that formation of the club will do just that,” he said.
“I am excited to hear that a chapter of the College Democrats is starting at Monmouth University,” said Senator Vin Gopal, who represents New Jersey’s 11th legislative district in the State Senate. “The College Democrats of New Jersey have played an integral role in electing Democrats throughout the state. I know the Monmouth University chapter will serve as a valuable asset and add to the success,” he said.
The College Democrats hold weekly meetings every Wednesday at 2:45 p.m. in the Center for Active Citizenship, located on the second floor of Bey Hall. If you are interested in joining or learning more about the College Democrats of Monmouth University, come join us!
PHOTO TAKEN by Nicholas Coscarelli
