During a non-election year, the NMU College Republicans have been staying active by participating in Republican events across the U.P. and hosting public gatherings with conservative officials on campus.
The group hosted a town hall meeting that featured Michigan State Sen. Tom Casperson, R-Escanaba, on Saturday, Sept. 7 in the University Center, where he discussed Michigan’s conservation and the natural resources within the community.
Brandon Zanon, junior business major and vice president of the NMU College Republicans, said the group has gained a positive light from these events.
“We’re really making a name for ourselves, even all the way down state, with our gatherings and events,” Zanon said. “Other groups throughout the state look up to us for a lot of things, and we almost get a special treatment because of our dedication to get things done.”
The group also traveled across the U.P. for the Labor Day Bridge Walk, as well as traveling to Mackinac Island for the Mackinac Republican Leadership Conference from Friday, Sept. 20 to Sunday, Sept. 22, where they met government officials like Gov. Rick Snyder and U.S. State Sen. Rand Paul.
Bradley Kitada, junior political science major and president of the NMU College Republicans, said while the travels are intended as business trips representing NMU, it becomes a great bonding experience for the group as well.
“In a year without a major election, we’ve got to get out and have fun in our little activities,” said Kitada. “It doesn’t always have to be about politics when we get together, we’re still college students.”
The College Republicans will be welcoming the Leadership Institute from Washington D.C. to NMU. The event will take place at 10 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 5 in the Marquette Room of the University Center.
The Leadership Institute targets encouraging youth involvement in politics, and will help tutor students on how to get involved and contribute to a successful campaign. The event is free and students are encouraged to register early.
Zanon said the most important accomplishment of the College Republicans for the students on campus is job placement, whether it’s local or across the country. The College Republicans are dedicated to helping each individual find the best fit for them in journalism, politics, campaigns or even business.
“It’s all about meeting the right people,” Zanon said. “We like trying to set up the best possible networks.”
The success the College Republicans has experienced has helped their group grow as a whole with the number of members in the group rising each year.
Kitada said the group has become a good mix of social conservatives, fiscal conservatives and tea partyers, and all others that recognize themselves under the conservative banner.
“We’ve grown from what was just an e-Board to a group that’s now 20 and more members,” Kitada said. “One of the more popular and prestigious college groups in the state.”
As the group grows, Zanon said the College Republicans are getting out into the community more and getting their voices heard each year.
“We definitely make statements,” Zanon added. “Whether it’s through our T-shirts or public statements, we make waves to find answers, fix problems and retain our liberties.
“We’re very proud of where we’re at right now, and hope to inspire the next generation to work hard and make a name of themselves as well.”
The College Republicans hold weekly public meetings at 9 p.m. on Tuesdays in Room 235 A of the Learning Resource Center.
All students are encouraged to attend with questions or comments about the conservative party. NMU College Republicans can be contacted at www.nmurepublicans.com for more information about up coming events.
