By Michelle Jamrisko Cavalier Daily Associate Editor
With just one day's notice, students flooded the Newcomb Ballroom to catch a glimpse of 27-year-old Vanessa Kerry, daughter of the Democratic presidential candidate, as she fielded hardball questions voiced by University students yesterday morning.
Not all students heard about the event in time to attend. Several students said they were disappointed with the lack of advertising because the event was scheduled on such short notice.
But third-year College student Lauren Malone only blamed herself for not knowing what was going on in the Ballroom across from where she read yesterday afternoon in Newcomb Hall.
"I consider it my fault that I didn't hear she was coming," Malone said. "Students have to take initiative with these things."
Asked if he was surprised by the swelling crowds that arrived to see Kerry, Newcomb Hall staffer Eric Williams said it was what he expected.
"Word tends to get around campus," he said. "We don't get very many nationally known speakers here."
Joshua Scott, Director of Programs at the University's Center for Politics, said he is convinced the attendance was well over 400 students.
Scott said the Center's aim is to attract speakers who will conduct "a thoughtful dialogue about issues and politics" and help students understand why politics is relevant.
He added that the Center is non-partisan and has also invited the daughters of President Bush, Vice President Cheney and Democratic Vice Presidential candidate John Edwards to the University.
"I got a call Tuesday night from the Kerry campaign," Scott said. "They thought they'd be able to swing through Charlottesville ... it's very high on their list of places to go."
Scott explained that because Charlottesville is a "politically savvy town" and a strong Democratic city in Virginia, visits by Democratic candidates are not uncommon. But these visits usually do not involve the daughter of a presidential hopeful, he said.
"We were very happy to get Vanessa Kerry," Scott said. "She's a perfect example of someone who understands politics and is involved in politics."
Scott said the Center is bringing young political speakers like Kerry to the University as part of its National Symposium on Youth Civic Engagement, what the Center's Web site calls a "concerted effort to encourage informed participation in the electoral process among the youngest generation."
The Center will host the president of Rock the Vote, among other youth political experts, for a panel discussion Sept. 14 in Old Cabell Hall.
Read More
At Emmy Squared, Detroit-style pizza is upstaged by star handhelds and sides
By Xander Tilock | 6 hours agoEmmy Squared is a Brooklyn-based restaurant that serves Detroit-style pizza and recently expanded into Charlottesville.
Sustainability in the lecture hall and beyond
By Ingrid Gay | 2 days agoStudents in all three of these programs stress that now, more than ever, it is important to be learning about our environment.
Top 10 pieces of advice from fourth-year students
By Sam Saks | 3 days agoThe following pieces of advice will help you achieve academic success and personal growth during the remainder of your college experience
