A Graduated Republican

As of today, I am no longer a "college" Republican in the most literal sense. I graduated with the class of 2007, a class that has been known this weekend as "the class of change." We ushered in a new era at Seton Hill as the first class to attend the newly christened "University," bringing with us sports teams, guys, and enthusiasm. I loved my time here at Seton Hill, and a big portion of that time was spent with the Seton Hill University College Republicans.

I created the CR's during the summer following my freshman year. At the time, I never dreamed that the club would be as successful, or be as involved, as we have been these past three years. The amount of support we received from students, staff, and some faculty on campus was incredible. I had been worried about how successful a Republican club on campus would be; however, I soon found out that Seton Hill had conservatives all over, they just needed a reason to speak out.

Over the past three years, the club has participated in local political events, dinners, meetings, and campaigns; the club set up debates, invited guest speakers, and promoted alternative ideas on campus; and the club made itself known on the state and national levels by attending conferences in Lancaster and Washington as well as publish one of the most active club blogs in the state. We accomplished a lot these first few years, and I look forward to seeing what the CR's do in the future.

I would like to thank every member of our College Republican club for making this organization possible. Thank you for coming to the meetings, volunteering at our events, and making a difference on campus. I wish you the best of luck, both with the club and after you graduate. I also would like to thank my original board members, Bryan, GIRL, and Karissa, who always gave their all for the club. The CR's have placed the club in the trustworthy hands of Megan Ritter and Shawn Conway, our new chairwoman and vice chairman. I know that you will always "keep up the fight." And finally, I thank Dr. Joshua Sasmor, the club advisor. He agreed to advise the club before he had ever even met me, and he has been a source of wisdom and guidance ever since.

Being a part of this club has given me so many memories and opportunities. I can only hope that it yields the same results for every one of our members in the future.

Thank you, and God bless,
Mike Rubino
Former Chairman of the Seton Hill University College Republicans