At the College Democrats' national convention last weekend, University students had the chance to rub elbows with some of Washington's most powerful movers and shakers.
A delegation of eight students from colleges throughout Michigan made the trek to Washington, D.C., meeting up with University CDs who are interning in the capital for the summer.
Lawrence Reszatar, the 1996-97 CD national director of political affairs, said the convention marked the end of a triumphant year.
"I feel good about going out on this note," Reszatar said. "We met our major goal of turning out over 6 million students for election day."
One University delegate came home yesterday with more than the usual post-convention enthusiasm.
LSA sophomore Sara Deneweth was elected to the national office of Student Director of Legislative Affairs.
"National CDs are working on setting up (for the 1998 election year) and building new chapters," Deneweth said. "My job is to help campus chapters across the country get information on issues and what's going on in Congress."
The convention featured a diverse agenda for a group of more than 300 CDs from across the nation.
An educational rally, televised on C-SPAN, kicked off the festivities on Thursday. Sen. Edward Kennedy (D- Mass.), Minority Whip David Bonior and House Majority Leader Richard Gephardt spoke in favor of increased financial aid and the Hope Scholarship.
The Hope, President Clinton's brainchild, would make a portion of college tuition tax-deductible to people earning less than a certain income level.
Reszatar said Democratic legislators were glad to see so many students attend the rally.
"One reason we're here is to try to back these Democrats so they're here for us with financial aid, environmental and other issues important to students," Reszatar said.
Convention activities did not end with the rally. Other highlights included grassroots campaigning workshops, speeches by prominent Democrats such as Democratic National Committee General Chair Roy Romer and a volunteer project with AmeriCorps.
Denewith said the most beneficial part of the convention was meeting students from across the nation.
"It was great to meet a diverse group of people throughout the country with similar viewpoints," Deneweth said.
She praised University CDs for being both active and influential during the past year.
"We did a great job in the close (congressional) race with (Rep.) Lynn Rivers (D-Ann Arbor), we do a lot of community service, and along with (Environmental Action) we brought in (Sen.) Carl Levin (D-Mich.) to speak," Deneweth said. "We also helped register 6,000 University students to vote and sponsored a trip to the presidential inauguration."
LSA sophomore Kelly Boland, secretary of University CDs, said she expects the positive energy generated during the past year to continue.
"We had a really dedicated group of real young and active members last year," Boland said. "Increased fundraising and community service are goals this year, and we'd also like to sponsor a gubernatorial candidate debate in the primary."