Tyler Horning/Collegian
Edwin Meese, former U.S. Attorney General under Reagan, spoke to the CCA audience about "Reagan's Cold War Statesmanship" Tuesday.
Hillsdale College has created a unique two-week period on campus for both students and guests alike through the Founders Campaign fundraising event last week, and this week's Center for Constructive Alternatives seminar.
According to Kim Tedders of the External Affairs department, more than 500 guests frequented campus locations to attend these events.
As the second CCA topic of the semester, students and guests heard presentations concerning "Ronald Reagan and the Sesquicentennial of the Republican Party." Of the eight formal presentations, four specifically focused on Reagan.
Nearly 230 students signed up for this CCA, a number that challenges some of the highest turnouts in past CCA events, according to organizer Tim Caspar.
Although the topic was chosen in December of last year, many months before Reagan's death in June, Caspar said he feels the issue now takes on heightened meaning to those attending.
"We sent the invitations and had quick answers from the speakers," Caspar said. "I think there has been an increase in interest [for attendees]."
Several students said the CCA topic feels very timely and relevant in light of the passing of the former president.
"All [speakers] have shown a lot of respect and made mention of Reagan's death, but definitely more focused on his life and contributions to the Republican Party," freshmen Abe Dane said.
"These speakers are impressive for any school, especially a small midwestern school," junior Paul Poenicke said following a speech by former U.S. Attorney General Edwin Meese.
Meese spoke Tuesday night, relating personal stories about Reagan in an authoritative yet light-hearted manner.
Poenicke had a strong and excited response to Tuesday afternoon's speaker Steven Hayward. Poenicke challenged common beliefs of supply-side economists, and sees merit in gaining as much knowledge as possible from distinguished guests on campus.
"It was a left field question and [Hayward] answered it as well as you can. It is a tough question and he answered it without knowing it was coming," Poenicke said. "Would you rather have a good question from left field, or softballs that are right on the topic?"
For guests of both the Gala and the CCA, Hillsdale has supplied an insight into the manner in which distinguished speakers are brought to campus. In addition, the Republican Party history and future felt especially fitting to a crowd consisting of both young and veteran conservatives.
One group of Gala attendees discussed the hope that the students in the crowd would influence a national change in the future. During Hayward's speech, two occasions elicited spontaneous applause toward the support of the Republican Party with a view to the future.
In consideration of a crowd spanning many generations, students do sense a greater purpose to this CCA.
"It motivates me to be involved in politics," Dane said. "I see the older Republicans and want to carry on just like they have, and still do."
Many attendees could be seen nodding in agreement to Hayward's analysis of Reagan and his modern day application.
"There was more of an emphasis on the overall Republican Party than I expected," sophomore Aaron Mead said. But in comparison to last year's free market CCA, Mead admitted the effectiveness of the speakers.
"These speakers really have something to say, stuff I didn't already know," Mead said.
The CCA concludes today with a faculty roundtable at 11 a.m. The panel consists of Dean of Faculty Christopher VanOrman, Director of Forensics James Brandon, Associate Professor of Political Science Mickey Craig, and Professor of History Burt Folsom.
"I know the faculty participating is sharp," Caspar said. "I hope the students will appreciate how the week is summed up."