House Minority Leader pays TU students a visit

Oct. 4, 2018

Just after 2 p.m. Thursday, the always-engaging political persuasion class under the guidance of Dr. Richard Vatz was the place to be on the Towson University campus.

About 200 people crammed into the lecture auditorium in Van Bokkelen Hall to hear an address on voter engagement from House Leader Nancy Pelosi, who was introduced to the room by Congressman C.A. “Dutch” Ruppersberger.

Ruppersberger noted that Pelosi, a California representative but Baltimore native, still had an affinity for Berger cookies, crab cakes and Old Bay, despite now calling the San Francisco area home.

Upon taking the floor, the 52nd Speaker of the House of Representatives was impressed with the turnout in the room, part of what she called a “mobilization like we have never seen before” among the younger demographics in the electorate.

Leader Pelosi took questions from students after opening her address by setting a bipartisan tone. “It’s OK to disagree. It’s important to find common ground,” she said. “People want results: The people’s interest, not the special interests.”

Engaged students asked her about what led to the current political climate, her thoughts on gun control and how a nation can attain a common ground with parties taking polarizing stances on issues.

Afterward, Pelosi said the event was "wonderful" and said the students' "full range" of questions were "really informed."

She also spoke highly of the university.

"Whatever you decide to do and however you go forward, you really should go forward with great confidence that you have been so beautifully prepared with it from a university that not only has academic excellence, but has values backing all of it," Pelosi said.

Pelosi recalled visiting what is now Towson University when she was younger for social activities. Her father and brother, Thomas D'Alesandro Jr. and Thomas D'Alesandro III, were mayors of Baltimore, and Pelosi is a graduate of the Institute of Notre Dame in Baltimore.

Towson University President Kim Schatzel was in attendance, joined by faculty, staff and students. And among Ruppersberger’s staff in the lecture hall: four TU alums.

Pelosi gave a shoutout to the Tigers’ football team at the opening of her remarks.

In 2007, Pelosi became the first woman elected Speaker of the House of Representatives. She served in the role until 2011. She has served as House Minority Leader since then.

Dr. Vatz called the students' questions "superb," and said the visit from Pelosi and Ruppersberger was a big get for TU.

"I think it is wonderful for Towson, wonderful for the students," Dr. Vatz said. "I thought it was an extraordinary presentation."

This story is one of several related to President Kim Schatzel’s priorities for Towson University: TU Matters to Maryland.