ABERDEEN, S.D. – To Northern State University student Steven Meyer, being active in government is as important for college students as it is for any citizen of the United States.
“In order for a democracy to work well, people need to be well-informed about the issues and be involved,” said Meyer, a political science and criminal justice major who is minoring in legal studies and communication studies.
Meyer, a junior from Presho, has done his part getting students more active: He has restarted Northern’s chapter of the College Republicans. The process included finding a list of 10 student members; filling out an application; getting a faculty advisor, NSU Political Science Professor Dr. Kenneth Blanchard; obtaining approval from the NSU Student Government Association; and getting chartered by the South Dakota Federation of College Republicans.
Northern used to have active student groups from both political parties, but the College Democrats are not currently active on campus, said NSU Student Involvement and Leadership Assistant Director Janie Borkowski. Being an election year, it’s possible someone might reach out to the Student Involvement and Leadership Office closer to fall, she said.
Membership has Grown
Northern’s College Republicans were approved in November, and since then, the group has grown to 30 members. This semester, the club had its first meeting and even held a State of the Union watch party in the Student Center Maroon Room.
Meyer hopes to continue to hold that type of event and possibly bring in speakers, as well as to provide the South Dakota Republican Party with a list of potential volunteers to draw on this fall when the election nears.
Membership also provides a lot of opportunities for students, he said, as the South Dakota Federation of College Republicans often send sends information about internship and scholarship opportunities.
Many Issues Concern Young People
For students who might be waiting until after college to be politically active, Meyer points out there are a lot of topics that concern younger students, including education funding, taxes, free speech and the second amendment.
“These issues are relevant to you now.”
The NSU College Republicans is open to all Northern students. For more information or to get involved, email Steven.Meyer@wolves.northern.edu.
About Northern State University
Northern State University is a regional university that offers outstanding academics and exceptional extracurricular activities at an affordable price on a safe, welcoming campus. Northern State recently announced its Educational Impact Campaign, with a goal of raising $55 million for a new South Dakota School for the Blind and Visually Impaired, new athletic and recreation fields, and an on-campus regional sports complex. Once the campaign is complete, NSU will be the recipient of more than $100 million in privately funded building projects and scholarships within a decade. To learn more, visit NSU Admissions.
Pictured: Meyer