Clark College News and Events

Graphic–Clark College News and Events

Clark College News and Events


September 26, 2008
For Immediate Release
For additional information: 
Barbara Kerr, Executive Director of Communications and Marketing
Telephone:
360-992-2921
E-mail:  bkerr@clark.edu

 

CLARK COLLEGE WILL "ROCK THE VOTE" AS PART OF ITS
DIAMOND JUBILEE KICKOFF

The event, to be held on Thursday, October 2, will have a student focus: 
encouraging voter registration and participation in the political process

Rock the Vote logo 

Rock the Vote logoVANCOUVER, Wash. – On Thursday, October 2, the day on which Sen. Joe Biden and Gov. Sarah Palin will participate in the 2008 vice presidential debate, Clark College will host a bipartisan voter registration and “Get Out the Vote” effort called the “Rock the Vote Rally.”

 

The event will take place from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Andersen Fountain Plaza near Gaiser Hall and the Clark College Chime Tower. Clark College is located at 1933 Fort Vancouver Way, Vancouver.

 

This event is part of the 75 hours of special events in honor of Clark College’s 75th anniversary celebration.  It has been officially sanctioned by the national “Rock the Vote” organization.

 

As part of the event, the Clark County Auditor’s office will have laptops ready to register students and community members electronically.

 

PROGRAM SCHEDULE

 

11 a.m. – The event will include a complimentary lunch from Burgerville as well as voter registration. Guests will enjoy music by “The Bantuz” from Zimbabwe.  The event will also include a table fair featuring information about local and national candidates and parties.

 

Noon – Emcee introduction of “Let’s Rock the Vote!” by Clark County Auditor Greg Kimsey and Vancouver City Councilman -- and Clark alum -- Tim Leavitt

 

12:10 p.m. – Welcome by Clark College President Robert K. Knight

 

12:15 p.m. – Washington Secretary of State Sam Reed will discuss the importance of voter participation in Washington state and “why democracy is the greatest system in the world.”

 

12:25 p.m. – Clark County Democratic Party Chair Dena Horton: How you can be involved in the political process at the local level

 

12:40 p.m. – Clark County Republican Party Chair Ryan Hart: More on how you can be involved in the political process at the local level

 

12:45 p.m. – Clark College Political Science Professor Nick Forrest:  What is the role of students and why involvement in the political process and informed citizenry is a key American value

   

Organizer Tracy Reilly Kelly said, “Through this event, we hope that our students will become more informed about issues important to citizens and will want to take a more active role in the political process.” 
   

CLARK COLLEGE AND THE PRESIDENTIAL DEBATES
    

In partnership with the Metropolitan Exposition Recreation Commission (MERC) of Portland, Clark College vied to host one of the 2008 presidential debates.  While the joint bid was unsuccessful, Clark College and MERC say they are committed to continuing their efforts to bring a presidential debate to the Pacific Northwest. 
    

Clark College President Robert K. Knight said, “We were proud to partner with MERC in a true bi-state effort representing our entire region.   We were not only been working to host the first debate ever in the Pacific Northwest – we were striving to be the first community college ever to serve as the educational sponsor for a presidential debate.”
   

Knight said, “The student leadership of Clark College is energized about the many possibilities that a presidential debate would bring.  They -- and the college -- are committed to striving to make this happen – for Clark students and for other students throughout our region.”

     

FOR MORE INFORMATION
   

Information about the college’s 75th anniversary celebration is available on the college Web site:  www.clark.edu/clark75

   

Information about “Rock the Vote” is available at www.rockthevote.org

   

Information about the presidential debates is available at www.debates.org.

 

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