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The next generation of voters goes head-to-head on critical election issues in student conventions and debate

Students from nation’s top universities face off at Case Western Reserve University on eve of the only vice presidential debate

September 23, 2004 | For more information: Donna Egan 952-346-6312

Students from Case Western Reserve University, host of the only vice presidential debate on Oct. 5, will team up with 14 other peer schools to model the political process with their own student debate Oct. 4 on the Case campus.

“This is a tremendous learning opportunity for Case students and their peers from around the country to engage in democracy and experience the election and debate process in a unique, hands-on fashion,” said Edward M. Hundert, M.D., president of Case. “We’re extremely proud of the enthusiasm demonstrated by these students, and feel that Case and the participating schools represent the best of the best of higher education institutions for providing such a memorable educational experience for their students.”

More than 60 talented students from Case and some of its esteemed peer universities will organize political parties, elect leaders, caucus and debate during this educational opportunity, including:

Each university will function as a state in a national political convention, and the student delegates will create signs, banners, buttons and other campaign materials to rally in support of their schools at simulated Republican and Democratic conventions on the Case campus Saturday, Oct. 2 and Sunday, Oct. 3.

As the student delegates organize their political parties, create their own political platforms and organize their conventions, they also will elect four students from each party to participate in the final debate Monday evening, Oct. 4. The debates will focus on four topics: the economy, national security, social issues and domestic policy.

“Young people are often characterized as apathetic, but our student conventions and debate will certainly help to dismiss that stereotype,” said Mark Carlson, M.D., associate vice president of Government Relations at Case. “This year’s election is expected to draw the highest turnout of young voters since 1992, and these student leaders will help generate additional interest in the democratic process among young people.”

The student debate is open to the public, and is scheduled for 7 – 8:30 p.m. EDT in the Thwing Center Ballroom on the Case campus. The event will resemble the format of the vice presidential debate between Vice President Dick Cheney and Senator John Edwards at Case the following evening.

Case students are not required to register to attend the student debate, however all others attending must register using this link: http://www.case.edu/vpdebate/students/debate_registration.htm

Case is further educating its students and the Cleveland community by hosting a series of political events during the “Race at Case.” Special symposia include “Moving After Paralysis,” “Access, Quality and Cost: Health Care for our Nation's Citizens” and “The Ohio Eight: Ohio’s History in Presidential Politics sponsored by KeyCorp.” Other programs include popular speaker Mo Rocca and a presentation by Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. entitled “Crimes Against Nature.” A detailed schedule of debate-related events can be found in the debate section of the Case Web site, at http://www.case.edu/vpdebate/.

About Case Western Reserve University

Case is among the nation's leading research institutions. Founded in 1826 and shaped by the unique merger of the Case Institute of Technology and Western Reserve University, Case is distinguished by its strengths in education, research, service, and experiential learning. Located in Cleveland, Case offers nationally recognized programs in the Arts and Sciences, Dental Medicine, Engineering, Law, Management, Medicine, Nursing, and Social Work. http://www.case.edu.