UNH Today

This week, when the country witnessed the nomination of the first female candidate for the presidency of the United States, UNH students were there. Not just in Philadelphia but right there in the Wells Fargo Center, where the 2016 Democratic National Convention was taking place.

Jesse Austin '18, Tali Cherim '17 and Julie Gabrielson '17 witnessed the historic moment as part of a seminar offered by The Washington Center, a D.C.-based nonprofit whose opportunities for students include spending two weeks volunteering at the Democratic or Republican Convention. UNH has had a partnership with The Washington Center since 1976.

“Even in my seemingly minor role I feel like I am part of history.”

The for-credit convention seminar provides a behind-the-scenes look at democracy in action, both at grassroots and national levels. 

“I had the honor of listening to highly influential politicians such as Michelle Obama and (Sens.) Bernie Sanders and Elizabeth Warren,” says Cherim, a senior who is majoring in women’s studies and English. “I’ve had the amazing opportunity to meet new people, make connections, listen to influential speakers, attend networking events and generally learn more about the American political process.”

Last week, the students attended lectures and briefings, learning about the history of political campaigns and conventions, convention procedures, the nomination process, campaign finance and media coverage. Cherim’s convention assignments included volunteering with Emerge America, an organization that recruits and trains Democratic women to run for public office, and PBS's "To The Contrary,” a news program run by and for women that discusses national and international issues and policies.

Austin was assigned to work with access control, checking credentials to make sure that the right people were admitted to the hall.

“Security is tight, and we work from noon to midnight. It's hard work, but rewarding as well,” says Austin, a political science major. “We get to help high- level political and media officials and sometimes get to talk to them. I am so thankful that I had this opportunity to serve and witness history. It's an experience that you will never forget, and the skills you gain —endurance, patience and hospitality — are irreplaceable.”

Of being there when Hillary Clinton received the nomination, Austin says, “Even in my seemingly minor role I feel like I am part of history.”

The Washington Center has had a seminar at every political convention since 1984. 

Paula DiNardo, coordinator for The Washington Center Program at UNH, helped students attend the Democratic National Convention in 2008 as an independent study and, “With my eye on these seminars,” immediately began working to make it a UNH course. A few years ago, she succeeded. Professor Marla Brettschneider, chair of the political science department and coordinator of the women’s studies program, was at the convention working for The Washington Center as a faculty leader, teaching the course to a group of 10 students from several different schools.

“Our students are so engaged in the program, they are loving the amazing variety of speakers and the high level of the discussions. It’s exciting to see young people asking well-informed questions, challenging authorities, seeking information and synthesizing it all with what they’re learning in the classroom,” DiNardo says. “Interacting with faculty and students from institutions all over the U.S. has been an unexpected bonus. Access to these opportunities is a strength of The Washington Center and a big reason why UNH has been partnering with them for 40 years.”

Note: Students apply to take the convention seminars. None applied to the Republican National Convention seminar.