St. Joseph’s College Students Attend Democratic National Convention

July 29, 2016

Patchogue, N.Y. – Three students from St. Joseph’s College (SJC) were part of an elite group of students from colleges and universities who were able to attend the 2016 Democratic National Convention at the Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia from July 25-28.

“The national conventions offer a first-hand look at policy, personality, politics, aspiration, tumult, unity of purpose and so much more,” said Tim Bishop, distinguished professor of civic engagement and public service at SJC and former U.S. Representative (2003–2015). “As first-hand participants, our students are having experiences that are simply not available in a traditional classroom, but will enrich their academic engagement for a long time to come.”

Jack Nix ’16, sociology major with a minor in political science, Conor Johnson ’17, history and political science major, Victoria Benalcazar ’17, a political science major and Juanita Arias ’18, biology and sociology major, attended the convention. Nix was at the convention as an intern, serving as assistant to CNN’s senior Washington correspondent Jeff Zeleny. Johnson, a summer intern for The Washington Center, was able to meet Vice President Joe Biden, New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio and CNN anchor Wolf Blitzer. Arias served as a runner for Fox News, was interviewed by CNN and Telemundo, and met the Democratic nominee for President, Hillary Clinton, as well as former President Bill Clinton.

“Being a part of the Democratic National Convention was an unforgettable experience,” said Nix. “I was fortunate enough to be on the floor of the convention hall for all four nights and was able to see every speaker, including President Obama. I learned things that you simply cannot get from a textbook. It was truly amazing to talk to people who I have admired for years. I cannot thank SJC enough for their kindness and help in sponsoring me to go to Philadelphia for this historic event.”

The 2016 Democratic National Convention highlights Democratic values and is the formal nominating event for the Democratic candidates for president and vice president. At the Convention, the Democratic Party also adopts the official Democratic Party platform.

For more information about SJC, visit sjcny.edu.

ABOUT ST. JOSEPH'S COLLEGE
St. Joseph’s College has been dedicated to providing a diverse population of students in the New York metropolitan area with an affordable education rooted in the liberal arts tradition since 1916. Independent and coeducational, the College provides a strong academic and value-oriented education at the undergraduate and graduate levels, aiming to prepare each student for a life characterized by integrity, intellectual and spiritual values, social responsibility and service. Through SJC Brooklyn, SJC Long Island and SJC Online, the College offers degrees in 49 majors, special course offerings and certificates, affiliated and pre-professional programs.