What does it mean when a new election is underway for our country? Change? Opportunity? These are things that come to mind when electing a new president and vice president into office every four years.
On Saturday, Longwood University President W. Taylor Reveley IV hosted, “Up Close and Presidential,” a Q&A for those who had questions on the upcoming vice presidential debate at Longwood University. The hour-long event was hosted at the Longwood Center for Visual Arts (LCVA) in the gallery of the “Citizen Leaders: A Century of Iconic Photography by the Associated Press” exhibit as well as promotional debate banners surrounding chairs for those to sit, relax and enjoy the session.
Reveley stated, “(This debate) will be interesting to watch unfold, and the most interesting thing is the experience that it will give the students.”
The president described how student volunteers will work closely with their future career. For example, digital media majors are working with the media during the debate and political science majors could or are working with the political campaign groups.
He also said some classes are incorporating the debate in their curriculum. He believes that this election is helping to teach people what it means to be a citizen in not only in terms of voter participation but observing and taking every aspect and understanding what the meaning of it really is.
Reveley also described how “this debate has become a fixture for Longwood” by allowing the university to build a new entry way along High Street, widen the walkway from Curry and Frazer residence halls and renovate Willett Gym’s entrance.
After explaining some of the events that will take place leading up to the debate such as a performance from the band, MKTO, Reveley opened the floor for questions.
What the process was for Longwood’s selection to host the vice presidential debate?
Reveley answered the question with a story. The idea came up one day in the class he teaches after a discussion based on presidential debates - how they work and how there is a real connection with them and Virginia. After that class, the gears started to turn and Reveley said he thought it could be a reality for Longwood’s small campus.
In 2015, Reveley started to do his research, he gathered some people to help with the process of finding out if Longwood would fit the technical thresholds a debate needs. Then, the debate commissioners visited Longwood and Farmville really caught their eye becaus e of how there is so much history surrounding the town and the feel of the students.
“A lot of places meet the technical thresholds but not all places have the closeness as Longwood (something of which) would bring this debate over the top” expressed Reveley.
By December 2015, Longwood was in the final six of seven places that the debate would be hosted. Not too long after that Reveley received a call from in which the person said, “So are you busy next year on Oct. 4?” Reveley replied, “I sure hope so,” leading the listeners into a friendly chuckle.
How will the debate affect students living in residence halls Curry and Frazer?
Reveley went on to reply that since the proximity is so close to Willett, the dorms will have to be empty that Monday. Students will be allowed back in within a few hours of the debate concluding on Oct. 4.
What were the odds of students receiving a golden ticket?
Reveley said it’s hard to predict how many tickets will be given out because they aren’t sure how much space the equipment for the debate will take up in the hall until a few days before the historic event will occur. Therefore, right now 1 in to 10 people will win a ticket if about 1,500 students enter their name. The drawing of the lottery will take place at the MKTO concert that Sunday.
Emails were sent to Longwood students to enter into a lottery. The president said at least 1,000 students already entered. eveley explained, that there are many interests in getting one of these tickets that allow access into the debate hall. Emails were sent to Longwood students to enter into a lottery. The president said at least 1,000 students already entered.
How many people will be on and around campus who aren’t the ordinary students, Farmville residents, faculty and staff ?
Reveley said there will be an estimated 3,000 journalists. Which makes up a big chunk of people there in addition to alumni, parents and people from surrounding counties.
“It’s hard to predict (the exact numbers). I think the debate isn’t going to feel as though it is like the Heart of Virginia festival, which is when Farmville has an abundant amount of people in the town and around the campus” explained Reveley.
What about budgets and debate funding?
Reveley described that the ordinary budgets were running as normal, and the funding for the debate came from sponsorship dollars as well as some of the money the state provided Longwood with to make this event happen.
A choice of family weekend, parents and students were welcomed to LCVA to a Q&A by President Reveley on the upcoming VP Debate.
A choice of family weekend, parents and students were welcomed to LCVA to a Q&A by President Reveley on the upcoming VP Debate.
A choice of family weekend, parents and students were welcomed to LCVA to a Q&A by President Reveley on the upcoming VP Debate.
President Reveley thoroughly explained his answers to the questions that were asked.
