November 6, 2009 – News & Views

Ohio Wesleyan’s 1988 Mock Convention: Student delegates for Howard Metzenbaum are fired up!

Photo courtesy of the Ohio Wesleyan University Archives Collection

Honoring Our Heritage
Nov. 12 event celebrates OWU’s tradition of holding mock presidential conventions

Every four years, Ohio Wesleyan University students hold a mock presidential nominating convention to select candidates for president and vice president. It’s a tradition with roots dating back to 1884.

On Nov. 12, the University will commemorate this 125-year legacy during the 3rd annual Heritage Day event, “The Mock Presidential Convention: Celebrating Civic Participation at OWU.”

Campaign songs from the past and reflections from OWU alumni and faculty will highlight the special event, which will be held at 7:30 p.m. in Gray Chapel in University Hall.

Alumni invited to share mock convention memories include Ben Marsh ’50, Jon Peterson ’76, Laura (Staley) Hausman ’84, Nicole Dailey ’00, and Dan Sharpe ’05. Emeritus Mathematics Department professor David Staley will provide his reflections along with current Politics and Government Department professors William Louthan and Joan McLean.

“We hope that the entire campus community joins us in commemorating OWU’s rich history in holding mock conventions and in the civic participation of our students,” says Nancy Bihl Rutkowski, a member of the Heritage Day Planning Committee. Heritage Day is sponsored by the planning committee, the OWU Student Involvement Office, and the Politics and Government Department.

Alumni, OWU friends and the general public are invited to attend this free event. Invitations have been sent throughout campus, to area high schools, and to Delaware City and County political organizations.

Read more about the celebration at news.owu.edu/2009/20091103-heritageDay.html.

– Linda O’Horo