A group of civic-minded University of the Ozarks students have rejuvenated the Political Science Club on campus this semester, and their first event was a hit.
The seven founding members of the club are (pictured from left) Cristhel Mejia (finance director), Estefania Bautista (secretary), Vanessa Martinez (public relations director), Fernanda Aguilar (logistics director), Dr. Daniel Fudge (faculty advisor), Eduardo Munguia (president), Fernanda Maya Arista (social media manager), and Josue Garcia (vice president).
The Political Science Club is planning a series of events, projects, and initiatives in the field of political science that would pursue the objective of enriching the political knowledge of the students and community in general at the University, as well as promote well-informed global citizens.
“We aim to create a space where students can express their political interests and our first event was evidence of this,” Mejia said.
The first event presented by club was held last month and was a panel discussion featuring several U of O faculty members. The discussion was titled, “The Electoral College: 2024 Elections and the Taylor Swift Phenomenon,” and it examined the institution of the electoral college and how public figures such as Taylor Swift could potentially change the popular vote. The event drew approximately 40 attendees.
“As president of the Political Science Club, I was excited about the realization of our first event,” Munguia said. “I believe that this event is taking place at a crucial moment when it is important for students to understand their electoral system and start getting informed for the upcoming elections. We had a great participation from the community, and that excites us for the organization of future events. Likewise, we want to express our gratitude to the panelists, Dr. Minami Nishioka, Dr. William Gorton, and Dr. Nathan Eric Dickman.”
“We’re incredibly grateful to the professors who joined our panel and shared their insights and experiences on the electoral college and the 2024 elections,” said Aguilar. “Their expertise and passion for the topic made the event truly engaging and informative. We appreciated hearing not only their knowledge but also their personal perspectives, adding depth to our understanding of the issues discussed. Their contribution was truly invaluable. It is truly an honor to work with them as well as my fellow students in the executive team of the Political Science Club.”
Garcia said he was confident the first event would go well, considering the time that the group put into planning it, but that the team was “encouraged even more by the interest that the audience presented.”
“Each one of the contributions that the panelists shared were tremendously educational and enriching, focusing on the details of how the U.S. election process works with well-rounded research for international students to understand,” Garcia said. “Furthermore, we are proud to have brought a new representation of formality and professionalism as a club, and we are excited to organize more enriching events.”
Fudge, assistant professor of political science, said he is thrilled to see the students take the initiative to restart a club that has been dormant for several years.
“I am honored to be the advisor for the Political Science Club and this great group of students,” Fudge said. “This new organization will place a focus on civic engagement and be a welcoming organization to all students across the political spectrum and across nationalities. In the coming months, we will hope to plan several events related to civic education – through panel discussions and debates, experiential learning – in the form of trips to the Arkansas State Capitol and the Clinton Presidential Library, and in community engagement. Underlying the purpose of the organization is the idea that while people may have rights in a democratic society, they must also realize their own obligations – to country, to state, and to their community. This organization takes that idea and fosters growth in political knowledge and will help aide in understanding of the political world around us.”
Topics: Political Science