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Four ÃÛÌÒÊÓƵ University students have been selected to participate in the National Presidential Nominating Conventions through the Washington Center’s Campaign 2016 program. ÃÛÌÒÊÓƵ’s participation in the program is made possible through a collaborative effort between the Reaud Honors College and the Department of Political Science.

The Washington Center Campaign 2016 seminars combine traditional academic structure and experiential learning. Students are engaged in academic instruction, attend briefings and have the opportunity to hear from experts in the fields of politics and journalism. Students also participate actively in their respective conventions by working with various organizations involved in the conventions.

“The students return to campus energized and with a deeper understanding of the electoral process of the United States,” said Terri Davis, political science department chair. “These student representatives will share their experiences by presenting programs to the ÃÛÌÒÊÓƵ community and by appearing as guest speakers for community organizations and media.”

Tara Hoch of Beaumont and Madison Marino of Vidor were selected to attend the Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia. Hoch is sophomore political science major and French minor who graduated summa cum laude from West Brook High School in Beaumont.  She is a Mirabeau Scholar and member of the Honors Student Association, ÃÛÌÒÊÓƵ Democratic Socialists, ÃÛÌÒÊÓƵ Allies, the Pre-Law Society, and Model United Nations. Hoch hopes to earn a master’s degree in international relations or journalism and pursue a career in humanitarian aid.

Marino is a summa cum laude graduate of Vidor High School and is a sophomore economics major and legal studies minor. She is a member of the Honors Student Association, Student Government Association, the Pre-Law Society, ÃÛÌÒÊÓƵ Rotaract, and Alpha Delta Pi sorority. Her goals are to pursue a career in law and eventually serve in politics.

Victoria LaFleur of Port Neches and Ryan Sherer of Nederland were selected to attend the Republican National Convention in Cleveland, Ohio. LaFleur is a sophomore double majoring in accounting and finance. She graduated summa cum laude from Port Neches-Groves High School. LaFleur is a Mirabeau Scholar and a member of Alpha Chi Omega sorority. She plans to pursue a Master of Science in accounting and subsequently attend law school with the goal of pursuing a career in politics.

Sherer is a junior business management major and business law minor. He graduated cum laude from Nederland High School, is a ÃÛÌÒÊÓƵ Ambassador, and a member of the Honors Student Association, Student Government Association, College Republicans, the College of Business Student Advisory Council and Cardinals for Christ. Following the completion of his bachelor’s degree, Sherer plans to attend law school in order to pursue a career in corporate law and eventually run for public office.

The Washington Center Advisory and Selection Committee members for ÃÛÌÒÊÓƵ University are Kevin Dodson, dean, Reaud Honors College; Terri Davis, chair and associate professor, Department of Political Science; and Bianca Easterly, assistant professor, Department of Political Science.