Students had a chance to take a stroll along the campaign trail when Democratic presidential candidate Joe Sestak visited Chestnut Hill College on Monday to speak to the community as he politicks for the highest office in the nation.
“This nation needs someone that the people can trust once again because they believe he will be accountable to them, to people, above party, above self, and above any special interests, no matter the cost,” Sestak said.
The former U.S. Rep. and retired two-star U.S. Navy Admiral spoke in the rotunda of St. Joseph Hall on Sept. 23 in front of more than 200 students, staff, faculty, and community members for the College’s new speaker series, “Campaign 2020: From the Hill to the House.”
Sestak is a familiar face in Pennsylvania politics. In addition to his extensive military service, he served as a two-term congressman in Pennsylvania’s 7th Congressional District, which is split almost equally between Democrats and Republicans. This experience is one that Sestak believes makes him uniquely qualified to unite the nation, a challenge that, he said, has to be surmounted if the country is going to fix today’s most pressing issues, including, among others, health care, climate change, and student loans.
John Solewin, the director of undergraduate admissions at the College, said the event was educational in nature and gave students the chance to interact with a presidential candidate in person, an experience that he described as “invaluable.”
“This was a great opportunity for our students to see what goes into a political campaign and hear from such an accomplished and respected politician,” Solewin said. “This is something that has the possibility of informing both their academic and their professional lives.”
Najeer Francis, a freshman at the College, said he appreciated Sestak’s extensive background.
“He was genuine,” Francis said. “His experience in the military gives him a wider perspective.”
Another freshman, Victoria DeLuca, said she felt it was important that Sestak made Chestnut Hill College a campaign stop.
“His speech was really great, and I think it’s great that he is trying to connect with a younger audience,” Deluca said.
For more information, please visit www.joesestak.com.
