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Student Attends and Helps with 2016 Democratic National Convention (DNC) in Philadelphia

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Posted on Friday, August 5, 2016

Ellen DeWeese, senior political science major, was selected to take part in the four-day Democratic National Convention (DNC) in Philadelphia last week.

DeWeese, who served as student executive director of Westminster College’s 20th Mock Convention, was part of the DNC’s Hall Access Team.

“I had a prime view of the convention floor where I took part in checking credentials, helping with crowd control, and assisting the various on-sight law enforcement agencies,” said DeWeese.

The selective opportunity was provided in part by the Washington Center, an academic internship institution in Washington D.C. providing students with various internships throughout the year.

DeWeese took part in the intensive two-week program that was split up into two sections; the first focused on academics and the second involved working at the convention.

“I talked to Tim Kaine, Eric Holder, Governor Tom Wolf, Elijah Cummings, Wolf Blitzer from CNN, Chris Matthews, Rachel Maddow and Chris Hayes, and was an arm's length away from former President Bill Clinton,” said DeWeese, who worked 12-13 hour shifts during the four-days convention.

“Every single one of the politicians was willing to stop and talk to us and encouraged us to follow our dreams,” said DeWeese. “These people are painted as ‘tough guys’ on the news, but meeting them in person was completely different.”

“All in all, it's the Westminster family and my own family that I have to give credit to for giving me the confidence I need to follow my dreams of getting into politics,” said DeWeese.

“All four of the Westminster College political science professors were rooting for me from the very beginning, and every one of them contacted me in some way during my two weeks in Philadelphia,” said DeWeese. “Thanks to their support and the education and knowledge they have given me over the last three years, I was able to thrive in that environment and make so many connections.”

DeWeese is a daughter of Kathleen Hootman, Linesville, Pa., and a graduate of Conneaut Area High School.

For more information about the political science program at Westminster College, contact Dr. Edward Cohen, professor and program coordinator for political science, at cohenes@westminster.edu.

Additional Thoughts from DeWeese:

"My favorite moment of the DNC happened the last night when Hillary Clinton gave her acceptance speech. As a young woman with a strong passion for politics and public service, I was honored to be able to witness that step in history. I, along with almost every other person around me, broke down in tears when Secretary Clinton took the stage. Even those who don't like her were excited and taking pictures. It was almost as if I could feel the unity around me. That was my favorite moment, and one that I'll remember forever."

*Photo 1: Elijah Cummings and DeWeese; Photo 2: DeWeese