April 22, 2001
Widener University School of Law Republican Caucus
President’s Report
In The Beginning: On January 24th 2001, The Widener University School
of Law Republican Caucus was formed. Fifteen charter members attended the
first meeting in L126 of the Law Building and approved the new Constitution
(submitted by Zachary Naylor). I, Ron Poliquin, was elected President,
Charles Chin was elected Vice-President, Steven Vaught was elected Secretary,
and Zachary Naylor was elected Treasurer. The Caucus decided to dedicate
the second semester to a few high impact events with a balanced focus on
outreach, compassion, and conviction.
Official Recognition: On February 1st, 2001at 6:15 PM the Student Bar
Association approved the Constitution and officially recognized the Widener
University School of Law Republican Caucus as an organization with all
the rights and privileges thereof. A budget was approved for $600.
Ronald Reagan Birthday Celebration/ Alzheimer’s Association Fundraiser:
On February 6th, the Caucus organized its first annual campus-wide event.
Caucus member Michelle Bimson did an outstanding job of 1) Celebrating
the birth of one of America’s most beloved Presidents: Ronald Wilson Reagan
2) Raising awareness on the campus community members about Alzheimer’s
disease and 3) raising funds for the Alzheimer’s Association of Delaware.
Two tables were set up at Main Street between 12-4PM in the Law Building
as over fifteen members participated in handing out information about President
Ronald Reagan’s legacy and Alzheimer’s disease. And of course, a bowl of
Jelly Beans was on the table for consumption.
Gallucio’s Blowout: The Caucus recognized early on that on occasion it was important for like-minded people to get together every once and a while for an adult beverage. On February 12th, the Republican Caucus held its first social event of the year at Gallucio’s Restaurant in Wilmington. Almost every member attended and a good time was had by all.
Compassionate Conservatism: On St. Patty’s Day, March 17th, The Republican Caucus cooked dinner for the families residing in the Ronald McDonald House Children’s Hospital in Wilmington. The Caucus received raved reviews for the meal. Compassionate Conservatism Chair Marc Samuelson organized another successful event.
Shannon Reeves Event Makes Waves: On March 19th, the Caucus hosted NAACP Oakland Chapter President in the Ruby Vale Courtroom at 3:30 PM. Reeves made a stirring speech about how the Republican Party’s message can fit into the black community to a standing ovation. The speech was covered statewide on local media and opened an intense political dialogue on campus. This was the highlight event for the Caucus. The event was a success because of the entire Caucus’s orchestrated effort.
Caucus Barbecue: On April 12th, the Caucus officially ended its year with a Barbecue. The Barbecue was rained out so members celebrated at the John Harvard’s Brewery.
Other Notes: The Caucus has its own website at www.oocities.org/wuslrc…. The website is maintained by Treasurer Zachary Naylor. The website feature the Caucus’s constitution, meeting minutes, event updates and pictures, Caucus links, a guest book, and a chat room. The site has been featured on the Delaware Republican State Committee’s homepage and the National College Republicans website…. Every issue of the Law Forum featured an article submitted by the Caucus. The Caucus donated a “Republican Fun Pack” to the PILA auction, which helped raise funds for students interested in Public Interest work…. Caucus President Ron Poliquin and member Carl Metzler attended the Young America’s Foundation Freedom and Liberty Conference in Pittsburgh, PA during the weekend of March 29th…April 11th, Caucus member Carl Metzler organizes the first Federalist Society meeting on campus…
President’s Message-Looking Forward: The Republican Caucus is a perfect example of how a few motivated students can make an impact on a law campus in a short period of time. The Republican Caucus’s success is a direct result of its members’ dedication. Many campus organizations have problems with one person carrying the burden or even a few people. I can honestly say, as President of the Republican Caucus, that not one time did I ever feel such a burden.
Perhaps the Caucus’s greatest strength is the organization’s ability to take its mission seriously, but not take itself too seriously. Whether coming up with a flier poking fun at our friends on the left or excessive joking that goes on at every meeting, Caucus members have fun. Throughout the semester, we have had consistently high turnouts for all our events and meetings. Treasurer Zachary Naylor and Secretary Steve Vaught fulfilled their duties at an exceptional level. Other members regularly assumed roles in organizing events or simply were willing to lend a helping hand.
The Caucus sees the 2001-2002 academic year as an opportunity to solidify our standing as a positive, principled, results oriented organization. Tentative plans include: a welcome back party featuring a Bill Clinton impersonator, a Caucus open house for evening students, movie nights featuring freedom themed” cinema, hosting another big name speaker (possibilities include John Stossel, Alan Keyes, and David Horowitz), and continuing our work in philanthropy. The 2001-2002 academic year looks to be the Caucus’s most ambitious yet.
Respectfully Submitted,
Ronald Poliquin
President
Widener University School Of Law Republican Caucus