FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

(Released April 18, 2008)

From April 11 to April 13, 2008 the PA College Dems held their annual State Convention at Temple University in Philadelphia. During this convention several students from universities located in Southwestern Pennsylvania took part. Lissa Geiger, Jim Sheppard, Ian Lauer, Jana Stec, Matt Spina, and Nikos Giannopoulos represented the University of Pittsburgh and Joe Day represented Carnegie Mellon University.

During this convention, the University of Pittsburgh College Dems won the PA Chapter of the year, besting four other Universities for the top spot. Pitt Dems students credit their strong relationships with state, local, and federal officials as well as some innovative programs, such as the Charity Date Auction, which raised close to $1500 for the Greater Pittsburgh Food Bank for the win.

“We are honored that all the hard work that we have done throughout this past year has been recognized by the rest of the state,” commented former Pitt Dems President Jim Sheppard.

Also during the convention, three of the eight statewide officers for the PA College Dems were elected from Pittsburgh universities. Jim Sheppard was elected Vice-President of Western PA, Joe Day was elected Finance Director, and Jana Stec was elected Political Affairs Director. All three were excited about the chance to contribute to this great organization.

“It is definitely a privilege to be elected by the entire state delegation but I know the hard work ahead of us with both the College Dems National Convention and DNC convention right around the corner,” remarked Finance Director Joe Day.

“I’m excited to represent all of Pennsylvania and help colleges throughout the state meet and work with local politicians. This is critical for our success in the 2008 elections,” commented Political Affairs Director Jana Stec.

In honor of their achievements, on April 24, 2008, Pittsburgh City Council will present the members of the Pitt Dems and Carnegie Mellon University delegation with a Proclamation which proclaims that day as “College Dems Day” in the City of Pittsburgh. The Proclamation was sponsored by Councilman Jim Motznik of District 4 and Councilwoman Tonya Payne of District 6 and was co-sponsored by all members of Council.

“It’s always nice to see young people, regardless of their party affiliation, get involved in the political process. They realize that they are the future leaders of this country and want to work hard to make it better,” remarked Councilman Motznik.

“These organizations do so much to help their communities, their state, and their country and I could not be any prouder of their recent achievements,” said Councilwoman Payne.

I’m happy to announce that this years’ convention was a success! Chapters from schools all across the state traveled to the City of Brotherly Love for a weekend of trainings, speakers, Democratic fun and the occasional run to the top of the Philadelphia Museum of Art’s steps.

Thanks to each and every College Democrat who was involved in this event, especially the convention committee. Without your planning, help, attendance and participation, this year’s event would have never been possible. I hope the excitement that we felt this weekend will continue well into November and beyond! That said, I hope everyone will register for the College Democrats of America’s National Convention in Denver from August 22-24, and some of it continuing into the DNC (see www.collegedems.com for more information)!

At convention, we also elected the 2008-2009 Executive Board. The leadership will change hands on April 23rd, after the Pennsylvania Primary. In the capable hands of the board, I am sure that the Pennsylvania College Democrats will continue to flourish and made a difference in the lives of Pennsylvania voters. I am pleased to announce the new board:

*Deb Hinchey (Temple University), President
*Jim Sheppard (University of Pittsburgh), Western Region Vice President
*Sean Meloy (Penn State University), Central Region Vice President
*Mary Alice Scott (Franklin & Marshall College), Eastern Region Vice President
*Joe Day (Carnegie Mellon University), Director of Finance
*Weston Fillman (Franklin & Marshall College), Director of Communications
*Keith Davis (Temple University), Director of Membership
*Jana Stec (University of Pittsburgh), Director of Political Affairs
*Gregory Kauffman (Lebanon Valley College), State Council Chair

The University of Pittsburgh was recognized as Chapter of the Year

On a personal note, this year has been an amazing ride. I hope to follow Governor Rendell’s advice and “Stay and Invent PA” for quite some time, so please feel free to call on me if I can be of service. Pennsylvania is an amazing place to be a student, a voter and a Democrat and I can’t wait to see what a future here holds. My own special “thank you” goes out to everyone who has made our success possible. This especially includes the Lebanon Valley College Democrats and the PA Democratic Party, past and present whose partnerships have meant so much: Chairman TJ Rooney, Mary Isenhour, Abe Amoros, Fadia Halma, and Dr. Don Morabito. You are all true assets to the commonwealth.