When 108 students from around the country arrived to The Blake Hotel on Sunday, August 26th [1], they really had no idea what to expect from their first week in Charlotte. Little did they know, each attendee would be in for a jam-packed week of programming, receptions and meetings with major political figures who helped shape Charlotte into the up and coming city that it is today.
Programming Speakers
Starting from the moment they checked in, students had the opportunity to hear from a variety of individuals who hold key roles in the planning, participation and logistical aspects of the 2012 Democratic National Convention including:
- Dr. Dan Murrey, Executive Director, Charlotte 2012 Host Committee
- Sean Hermann, Washington Center Alumnus, Campaign 2008 Academic Seminar
- Clark Jennings, Director of Operations, 2012 Democratic National Convention Committee
- Kevin Monroe, Deputy Director of Intergovernmental Affairs and Outreach, 2012 Democratic National Convention Committee
- Honorable Patricia Cotham, North Carolina Legislator (D), District 100
- Ricky Kirshner, Executive Producer, DNC 2012
- Tim Funk, Politics Reporter, Charlotte Observer
- Israel Balderas, News Anchor, Fox TV Charlotte
- Honorable Melvin Watt, North Carolina (D) 12th Congressional District
- Phil Smith, National Political Director, Concord Coalition
- Walter Podrazik, Media Historian and Logistics Consultant
- William DeMora, Policy and Elections Consultant, Ohio Delegation
Prestigious Panel and UNC Charlotte Center City Campus Reception
In addition to prominent speakers and programming, DNC academic seminar participants also enjoyed a reception at UNC Charlotte Center City Campus, TWC's academic partner for the DNC, on Wednesday, August 29th [2]. The reception began with a panel, which included:
- Honorable Harvey Gantt, former Mayor of Charlotte, Partner Gantt Huberman Architects
- Bob Morgan, President and CEO, Charlotte Chamber of Commerce
- Honorable Richard Vinroot, former Mayor of Charlotte, Partner Robinson Bradshaw & Hinson
The three panelists delved into why Charlotte was chosen as the DNC host city [3] this election year and what they expected would happen in their great city of Charlotte once President Obama accepts his re-nomination on Thursday, September 6th. After the panel, students had the opportunity to mingle with the North Carolina figureheads over some traditional southern comfort food.
The DNC seminar attendees concluded their week of programming with a special V.I.P. tour of the Time Warner Cable Arena [4], where they had a first look at the convention floor before it was even revealed to delegates, politicians and the general public.
Check out albums from Week One of the DNC Academic Seminar on our Flickr channel:
