On the evening of Election Day, Tuesday November 12, 2012; the New Hampshire Institute of Politics hosted a Debate Watch Party for the college and local community in the Institute’s auditorium. Inspired by past collegiate tradition, the recently formed Civic Engagement Committee lead by John Pearson 14’ and Ashley Scoville 15’ sponsored the evening’s event. Over forty students of varying political persuasions were in attendance.
According to Marko Samardzic 13’ member of the Civic Engagement Committee and Vice President of the College Democrats, the party “was an engaging event where people regardless of party came to watch the closing of the 2012 election season. John and the entire committee did an excellent job leading this event.” In addition to student involvement; Executive Director Neil Levesque and staff members Lorie Chochran, Ann Camann, and Kate Giaquinto provided students with a comfortable atmosphere to relax with friends while election results rolled into campus. CNN live election coverage was displayed on the Institute’s wide projector screens. Food was provided as well with pizza from the Goffstown Pizza Market and chicken fingers from the Puritan Backroom. Former Intern to U.S. Senator Kelly Ayotte (R-NH)) Benjamin Houle 13,’ said that the event “provided a great balance of company, food, and political conversation.” Students were also given opportunities to participate in a free raffle, with various pieces of political memorabilia as prizes.
Brian O’Shea 14’, member of the Civic Engagement Committee told Crier News that the event was well received by the student body, and that the Institute looks forward to hosting a similar event for the 2014 midterm elections. Fr. Jonathan DeFelice, O.S.B. 69’, President of Saint Anselm College was also in attendance, sharing in the victories and upsets