Mt Aloysius Takes Political Science Outside the Classroom

Cresson, Pa. – A Mount Aloysius College Political Science professor and three students are partnering with The Central Pennsylvania Council of Republican Women to host a debate next Thursday, April 12th at 6:30 p.m. at The Altoona Grand Hotel.  The debate will feature Republican candidates vying for seats in the 79^th State House District, and the 30^th State Senatorial District.    The Altoona Grand Hotel is located at 1 Sheraton Drive, Altoona, Pa.  The public is invited to attend.

Matthew Arsenault, Ph.D., assistant professor of political science at Mount Aloysius, will moderate the debate.   “I appreciate the opportunity to facilitate the debate,” said Dr. Arsenault.   “More importantly, I am excited to have Mount Aloysius students actively contribute to the research and design of debate questions and format.  We expect the experience will give them first-hand insights into the democratic process.”

​Mount Aloysius College students: Cassie Romero, Gardners, Pa.; Nicholas Goldyn, Portage, Pa.; and Chris Maurer, Ashville, Pa. – all political science students – were tasked with researching not only statewide topics, but district specific issues as well.  Debate topics for event include a possible severance tax on Pennsylvania gas production, gun rights and mental health, and the Commonwealth’s continued budget deficits.

Mount Aloysius College student, Nicholas Goldyn expressed the value of the debate prep for him and his fellow political science students.  “This opportunity allowed me to really explore the nuances of policy at the state level,” said Goldyn.  “This project helps reinforce the importance of state and local politics within our political system.”

Seated for the event is limited.  The debate will start promptly at 6:30 p.m.