By Jamie Atkinson
The University’s Netherlands Complex hosted a viewing party screening the third presidential debate for upwards of 300 University students Wednesday night. The screening was centered around creative political activities.
The event, which was preceded by ABC’s filming of the 5 o’clock evening news, allowed students to eat food, make buttons, tie-dye t-shirts, take pictures with cardboard figures of presidential and vice-presidential candidates and mingle with fellow students. Free Debate ’08 collectibles such as water bottles, U.S.A.-themed top hats, shirts, backpacks, tiaras and beaded necklaces were available for students as well. The event was held in the newly renovated Netherlands Cafe.
In the north wing of the cafe a large screen was set-up where students and faculty alike crowded around to watch the debate. The south end of the cafe contained picture areas and creative activities. The party was one of four events being held across campus as part of a Debate ’08 banner entitled “Choose Your Party!” Other events were held in the student center theater, the student center main dining room and Hofstra USA. Netherlands was the only event to be held in a residential hall and offered creative options to the students.
“I chose the Netherlands party because it was way more convenient to where I live,” said Mark Thomas, a freshman who lives in Breukelen house. “Plus, I got to make buttons.”
While the crowd was, for the majority, freshman students, there were also a fair share of upperclassman who trekked across Oak St. for the event.
“I definitely think the program was a success,” said Abbie Menard, a senior who helped out with the event. “Students, especially upperclassman, really came out and seemed to respond well and it exceeded my expectations.”
“I really liked how they made creative activities without giving the event a childish feel, ” said Kira Redzinak, a sophomore who lives in Nassau-Suffolk. “It was worth the walk over.”
Students responded well to the event, filling the core and leaving standing room only positions to watch the debate. During the debate, the majority of the crowd was quiet but the audience was sprinkled with laughter and clapping at certain comments made by the presidential hopefuls. An hour and half later, at the conclusion of the debate, there were still only a few open seats. After the debate ended, many students headed over to Hofstra USA to a dance party, to the student center for more political programming or headed back to their rooms to rest.
After the crowd cleared out, ABC’s local station Channel 7 News hosted their post-debate student commentary with approximately 20 students.
“The entire day was really exciting,” said Melissa Gerson. “Even though I feel really exhausted, the Choose to Create party really did finish off Debate ’08 day well.”