By Ellen Hershberger | Echo
This semester the Political Science Department is hosting 11 campus-wide "brown bag" luncheon seminars featuring a variety of guest speakers. Stephen King, professor of political science and international relations, invited experts ranging from a Grant County judge to Taylor's very own police chief. This series provides an opportunity for local leaders to inform and equip students to be a part of their communities.
"I wanted students to be aware of the role that they can have within their state and local governmental and political spheres of influence," King said.
Each luncheon occurs in a banquet room of the DC from 11 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. The guest speaks for about 25 minutes, then answers questions. Four luncheons have already taken place.
On March 5, political journalist Craig Ladwig discussed how to make informed and balanced decisions in the political arena.
"That's something you're all capable of doing as college seniors and underclassmen," he said. "And that in turn will make you much better choices. Your careers will go better. And all these things are common sense, but sometimes it takes somebody who's got 40 years of experience to say you're on the right track."
Freshman Brecken Mumford attended the seminar hosted by Ladwig.
"We're going to be the next generation. We are going to be able to vote, we are going to be able to control what happens," she said. "If we don't educate ourselves on what the system is supposed to look like and what we're supposed to do about it, then I think that's really dangerous. So I think everyone should go."
Information about each speaker is provided in student announcement emails each week. King encourages all students and faculty to attend.
"I think it really has a very strong learning experience," King said, "but there's a practical learning experience to it as well. That's the goal."
