Adelphi Gets in the Political Fray During Historic Election

Politics are a hot topic at Adelphi University—and for good reason. We are in the midst of an historic presidential election. For most undergraduates, this election is the first one in which they have a say in who becomes our next president. For graduate students, the election also has deep meaning, especially as it impacts their chosen professions and the causes that they have worked to support. Students, faculty, staff and administrators are not sitting on the sidelines. They’ve rolled up their sleeves to build awareness, advocate and have some fun this election season.

The Adelphi Votes voter registration drive is a powerful example of Adelphi’s culture of engagement. A small band of staff and students have led a movement to get out the vote, and their efforts are paying off. As of late September, the drive had registered 387 new voters and helped 96 voters apply for absentee ballots. In October and November, Adelphi Votes will hold debate-viewing parties and talks, including one with a perennial favorite: Professor Emeritus Hugh Wilson, D.S.W. See what’s ahead for this month.

On the eve of the election—November 7—New York Times columnist David Brooks will give a free lecture at Adelphi’s Garden City campus, “What to Expect ‘Tomorrow’—The Presidential Election.” Brooks is a popular and provocative op-ed columnist and book author, and his talk is sure to illuminate and probe what’s at stake in this election.

A number of departments and groups are also organizing events to address election issues. The Department of History will host two alumni— Jamie Diamond ’06, M.A. ’07, and Jesse Polman ’06, M.A. ’07—for a discussion with students, “Decision 2016: Why Your Vote Matters in All Races,” on October 6. On October 15, Sharon Goldberg, adjunct professor, will lead a presidential election workshop at Adelphi’s Manhattan Center for social work students to analyze candidates from a social work perspective.

Even Adelphi’s Best of Broadway show, held at the Adelphi University Performing Arts Center on October 15–16, will have a political bent. Students from the Department of Music will present a revue of Broadway songs with political overtones.

For a list of upcoming events, visit the Adelphi Votes website.

Adelphi Votes teamed up with the Nassau County Board of Elections to for a voting demonstration.