Westminster College - Argo Yearbook (New Wilmington, PA)

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As Executive Chairman, Mark was in charge of an Executive Committee that would organize the events, coordinate committees, make final deci- sions, and oversee the progress of the convention. Longietti, along with faculty advisors Dr. W. T. Ni- chols, Dr. Walter H. Slack, and Mr. Frederick Nei- kirk, selected Beth Brooks as Vice Chairman; Tracy Fletcher, Secretaryl Todd Button, Treasurer; Tim Griffin and Anne Petersen, Credentials; Franki Jo Pacilla and Jodi Strand, Resolutions; Steve Finney, Public Relations; Jonathan Bigley, Rules; and John Kruiselbrinkand Rich McKenna, Physical Arrange- ments. After the Executive Committee was formed, the remainder of the spring term was devoted to two concerns. First on the agenda, was finding a key- note speaker for the convention. The search took top priority for the time being, and it was not until October that any definite arrangements were made. When Senator Bidden was contacted, their worries were over. Bidden was interested in speak- ing at the College and could schedule to be at Westminster early in April. An increased flow of intercampus mail began giving the mailroom a small indication of what was to follow. Fliers went out announcing the need for Kim Ferrick is held hostage by Jake Phillips, Jim Joye, Jeff Thomas, and Tom Davis during the convention. Keith Corso addresses the convention delegates. 18 Mock Convention

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This year ' s convention, held on April 2, 3, and 4, was modeled after the Democratic National Con- vention to be held in San Francisco this summer. It was scaled to 1:3.5 the actual delegate size allowing 1,142 students to participate. Over the years, the convention has turned into the most prepared for, anticipated, and attended event to hit the campus. Why? Because it combines education with fun. The convention ' s purpose is to increase student ' s awareness of the political process, but at the same time, it gives then opportunity to dress up in bi- zarre costumes, parade around New Wilmington, create humorous slogans, and be as loud, noisy. Janet Colucci, Marty Geibel, and Anne Adams ride atop a float in the convention parade. and rowdy as they ' d like! But like all good things, the convention had a beginning and an end and a lot of hard work in between. The convention ' s roots go back to April of 1983. The Political Science department announced in the Holcad and Campus Communicator that they were looking for an Executive Chairman for the 12th Mock Convention. When Mark Longietti first saw the announcement, he was not sure what it was all about. After investigation, he decided to apply for the opening. Soon after, he was notified that he had been chosen for the leading position in the convention. 1984 Mock Democratic National Convention Representing Pennsylvania are these Hershey kisses: Amy Klipa, Tracy Elder, Lynn Cutler, Cindy Carle, and Jan Norquist. Executive Committee; Seated, Jodi Strand, Tracy Fletcher, Frankie Jo Pacilla, Anne Petersen, Standing, Mr. Frederick Neikirk, Jonathan Bigley, Steve Finney, Mark Longietti, Richard McKenna, Todd Button, Dr. W. T. Nichols. Mock Convention 17

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a Presiding Chairman and Cannpaign Managers. The Presiding Chairman was the last of the execu- tive positions to be filled. The choice of Gary Clark proved to be a wise one for residing Chairman. Chosen as campus campaign managers were Bruce Bartoo for John Glenn, Robin DeWalt for George McGovern, Jay Laczkowski for Gary Hart, Bob Kea- ton for Jesse Jackson, and Mike Lobaizo for Walter Mondale. While the campaign managers were busy planning speeches and other campaign tactics, the creden- tials committee was reading through stacks of ap- plications in an attempt to select 57 chairman for Convention the state delegations. As the new year began, so did the excitement and electricity of the convention. By the end of January, the convent ion had turned into a campus- wide event with the appearance of posters and fliers advertising candidates ' qualifications and ideas. In the midst of all of the campaigning, lobby talks were held in each of the dorms and fraternity houses. To arouse interest in the convention, the 1980 Evening Magazine clip was shown, questions were answered, and enthusiasm heightened. The Credentials Committee held delegate registration Dennis Hazell stands in for Michael Jackson. Kathryn Hall gets Senator Bidden ' s autograph. Colleen Allen and John Klein represent the Virgin Islands. Mock Convention 19