Debate 2016: Stepping Stones to the Big Event

Hey! My name is Matt, and I'm a Junior Political Science major from East Meadow, NY. By now, news has probably traveled around that Hofstra will be holding its third consecutive presidential debate! Here on campus, you’d be hard pressed to go anywhere and not see a sign or hear something about it. To go along with that excitement, Hofstra has organized a number of events which will ultimately build up to the debate on September 26^th. The events I have been able to attend have featured not only experts on the presidency, but also former governors and even White House staffers.

                  One of the first events I was able to attend featured David Axelrod. Axelrod currently serves as a senior political commentator for CNN and was a former chief strategist and senior advisor to President Obama. It was here that students were able to hear firsthand how Hofstra changed the election for their campaign in 2012. We heard some of the inside stories Axelrod carries with him from his time spent with the president. Students were also able to ask questions on a number of different issues, such as how he sees this election going and what type of role the Hofstra debate might play.

David Axelrod speaking to students

                  The next set of events I was able to attend were with former Louisiana Governor Bobby Jindal. Not only does Jindal have valuable policy making experience, but he also competed in the early stages of the Republican nomination process. One of my classes was actually able to secure a time where the class could sit down in Hofstra Hall and ask him questions while receiving a more in-depth analysis of what his past experiences were like. At his later event in the Adams Playhouse, Jindal outlined a number of concerns he had when he thought about running for present and talked about some of his experiences with health care and education policy back in Louisiana.

Gov. Bobby Jindal in the Adams Playhouse

            
      Other events coming up feature commentators from CNN, MSNBC, The Washington Post, and more. One other event I am pretty excited for is comedian and political analyst Larry Wilmore, who will be coming to campus this weekend. Wilmore is sure to bring a pretty unique set of views as he has formerly worked on shows such as “The Daily Show.”

                  Events like these are part of what makes Hofstra so special. Not only do I have the opportunity to experience what a presidential debate is like but I also get to hear from the people who have truly been there. No matter where you stand in the upcoming election, the value of hearing these stories is not lost. These lectures and discussions go a long way in building excitement for this debate, something which has certainly been growing as we inch closer!

Climbing to the Top

What a fun day with Hofstra Rock Climbing Club! My name is Michelle, and I'm a Junior from Newtown, CT. Fellow Pride Guide Jane and I tried out this awesome sport for the first time this Saturday at Brooklyn Boulders. There was a group of about 40 students, some veterans of the club, and some newbies just like us!

Look Ma, I'm bouldering!

After getting acquainted with each other, we started bouldering. This is going up short paths without the use of a harness. It's on a "v scale" so V0 is the easiest and as you go higher up, it gets increasingly harder. I started off at V0 but I got to V2, which I've never done before. I was extremely proud of myself! We then started top-roping, which is climbing up taller paths with the use of a harness. 

Jane had to strike a pose!

It's on a five-point scale so 5.6 is fairly easy. I climbed up a 5.8 to give myself more of a challenge. The veteran climbers were super helpful providing tips to me and other new members. I tried a 5.9 to really push myself, but by the end of the day my arms and legs were beat. However, the people in the club were very supportive and helped you strategize how to get up a path if you were struggling. Hanging (literally) out with the Hofstra Rock Climbing Club was a great full-body workout and a fun way to make friends! 

Rock Climbing Club's newest members!

Debate 2016: Amelia Beckerman

I was working at a burger joint in my hometown over the summer. I got a CNN update one day in mid-July while I was at work. It said that Hofstra was going to host the first presidential debate. I almost dropped a customer’s tray on the ground (luckily I’m a better Pride Guide than waitress)!

Now, just a week away from the debate, campus is slowly transforming from blue and gold to red, white, and blue. There’s no shortage of debate-related activities on campus. Hofstra is hosting politicians, economists, reporters, and lawyers every day leading up to the debate. My fellow students and I are going to be better-informed, more-conscious global citizens because of this experience. It’s going to be a lot of fun!

For more information about Debate 2016, visit hofstra.edu/debate. And don’t forget to join the #HofDebate16 conversation on social media!

Written by: Amelia Beckerman

Training: Pride Guide Style

While having Hofstra pride comes naturally as a student, learning all of the fun facts and news about Hofstra is a different story! That’s why we kick off every semester with a training to ensure that our Pride Guides give you and your families the latest information to help you make a decision! This semester was no different as we held our training this past Sunday, and it was a blast! 

Your 2016-17 Pride Guide Team!

The day started off with some group photos and the Pride Guide Awards! We shared who we felt was the class clown, most involved, who had the coolest internships, and even who had the most Hofstra Pride! After some laughs and stories behind the votes, it was time to move on to some serious business. 

We covered some changes in the office, how hosting the upcoming presidential debate will impact tours and events, and the e-board’s goals for the Pride Guide program. And after a lunch break, it was time to return to the fun in the first-ever Pride Guide Olympics! We all teamed up with some themes in mind and made our way to the fields to play the games! 

Team "Maroon 5"

Activities included putting on a frozen shirt, eating an oreo from our foreheads without using our hands, scavenger trivia, and more!

Playing Water Overflow

There was shouting, cheering, and laughing galore, especially when Mystery Inc. won the games!  We all had so much fun and can’t wait to do it again soon! We could not be more prepared and excited for the rest of the semester!

Team "Mystery Inc." wins the Olympics!

Debate 2016 Volunteers: Andrew Cohen

The debate is going to be such an amazing experience - not just for our students, but for the surrounding communities, as well. A bunch of high school students are scheduled to come to campus on the 26th, attending panels and experiencing everything happening, and that's where I come in. I'll be volunteering on Debate Day with credentialing, but I'll also be assisting with the groups of high school students. They're going to be a part of history - just like our students. 

My advice for all students is to take it all in. Get involved and see everything you possibly can throughout the debate. 

Andrew Cohen

Assistant Director for Campus Visit, Admissions

Hofstra University 

Debate 2016 Volunteer

Meet Your Pride Guides: Kristen Misak

Name: Kristen Misak
Hometown: Sayreville, New Jersey
Major: Marketing
Minor: Civic Engagement
Year: Senior

1. Why did you apply to be a Pride Guide?

I applied to be a Pride Guide because I wanted to use my knowledge of Hofstra and my experience in the college admission process to help new students through their own journey to Hofstra.

2. What is something most people don't know about you?

Most people don't know that I can make balloon animals! I love to make a monkey in a palm tree!

3. What advice do you have for first year students?

Don't be shy! Hofstra's campus is one of the friendliest places that I've ever been - don't be afraid to start a conversation. The person sitting next to you could become your best friend.

4. Describe your freshman orientation.

Freshman orientation introduced me to people who I've been friends with for three years now. Orientation makes it a lot easier to make the college transition and become comfortable in your new home away from home.