On September 19, National Voter Registration Day, Hartwick College President Darren Reisberg officially launched the Institute of Public Service, a nonpartisan political institute focused on strengthening democracy in our region.
A Constitution Day Talk in the Anderson Theatre in the Anderson Center for the Art presented by New York State Assemblymember Jen Lunsford ‘04, D-135th Assembly District, was the highlight of the Hartwick College Institute of Public Service launch.
Before the Constitution Day Talk, a five-week voter registration and education campaign kicked off outside the Commons, Hartwick’s main dining facility. Heading to lunch, students were greeted by the Institute of Public Service Co-Directors and Hartwick Professors Laurel Elder, Zachary McKenney and Matthew Chick. Last year, the group registered 149 voters during this time frame and helped over 100 students apply for absentee ballots.
In addition to offering a range of public service internships, the Institute of Public Service has already lined up a number of events and programs, including a high school essay and video competition, hosting two local candidate forums, monthly meetings between Hartwick students and Oneonta Mayor Mark Drnek and Oneonta Common Council member Len Carson.
For more information about the institute, visit the website. Questions or ideas for strengthening democracy can be directed to [email protected].
