Not many people have heard of Hofstra University. I know this, because I went there, and when I tell people this, their responses range from, "Where?" to "Huh?" to "Where's that?" to "Wow! Awesome!" (this is when the responding party stops listening after hearing the H, and I assume I said Harvard.)
Wednesday, the nation will actually tune in to event being held at Hofstra, the third and final Presidential Debate. I've got to say, I'm pretty pumped.
Sure, I haven't been enrolled there since 2004, but it's a really big deal for my medium sized school!
I went back to visit last month and I was shocked about how geared up Hofstra is to host this bit of history (it's the first Presidential debate held in New York since 1960.) I also clearly learned some fun-facts and some interesting tid bits about what it takes to hold a debate...
- EVERYTHING is decked out in "Debate '08" accoutrement. Lampposts, dorms, academic buildings, unattended children, everything. Even Guy Pearce in Memento could tell you there was a debate scheduled for October 15, 2008.
- Forget post-debate bumps for the candidates, the schools that host them get an even better one. Some friends of mine that work in administration now tell me that Hofstra's number of freshman applicants is expected to bump up about 20% because of the debate.
- The school clearly plans on capitalizing on Wednesday, because campus is sparkling. The normally beautiful academic side of campus (a nationally registered arboretum) is pristine, they just opened a brand new dorm room, performance arts building and they're breaking ground on Hofstra Medical School as we speak. As I said to one of my friends as we wandered through the renovated student center, "Hey, I'd actually go here."
- Secret Service has been on campus since last semester! Apparently, they've been scoping things out, posing as students and probably raising the curve. Maybe it's good I'm not there anymore.
- As expected, security is insane. No one will be allowed near the Arena where the debate is being held. In fact, everyone that has an athletic office in there had to relocate their office a few weeks ago. Classes are canceled to eliminate commuters, effectively sealing off campus and the Hempstead Turnpike, a MAJOR highway that runs through campus will be shut down.
- One downside, only 300 students will be able to attend the debate. The arena holds 5,000+, but most of those seats will be taken by campaign staffers and media.
- It will be simulcast though at many viewing parties organized around the campus, coinciding with Educate '08 events and concerts and the like.
Well, I think that's all I know for now, let me know if you have any more queries about my school and their first crack at really positive national exposure!
P.S. here's a good article
