Wake Forest University welcomed two former Congressional representatives to campus on Tuesday, Oct. 22, as part of a program called Congress to Campus. Donna Edwards (D-MD) and Barbara Comstock (R-VA) met with students throughout the day to talk about their career journeys, finding bipartisanship and the importance of civic engagement.  

“Part of the mission of the former members of Congress is to show how we do work together,” said Comstock. “Donna and I were both on the Transportation and Science Committees. We didn’t always agree with each other. It’s important to be able to communicate effectively and get the job done.”

This is the first year Wake Forest has hosted the program. The initiative brings together former members of Congress and today’s youth to increase civic literacy and participation. It also exposes students to various careers in public service from legislative aides to social media managers to field workers.

Edwards, who graduated from Wake Forest in 1980, shared memories from her time on campus and her first campaign run for office. She lost by a narrow margin but didn’t let that stop her from moving forward.

“Careers can be like a winding road until you get to the place where you want to be,” said Edwards. “Don’t give up. If you don’t win that race, try again. If you don’t get that job or whatever it is that you are going after, try again. I wouldn’t have been elected to Congress or achieved my goals in life if I didn’t do that.”

“I was excited to hear them speak,” said Gray Lowder, a Wake Forest sophomore and member of the student government. “We got an inside scoop on what it actually looks like and what it takes to run a campaign from two former members of Congress. You don’t learn that in a politics class, but we learned that today.”  

Sophomore Adam Pascoe just voted in his first presidential election during early voting. He said he learned a lot from the campus visit.

“It was interesting hearing about how they built their careers and why they got involved in politics in the first place – and just learning about processes, such as when you have contested races, debating bills or how they weigh controversial issues with what constituents may want. I have a passion for helping other people, so it was also great hearing about the various career opportunities around public service.”

During a Conversation with Coffee event at the Women’s Center and a luncheon on campus, students and staff had a chance to learn more about some of the legislation these lawmakers have worked on and ask questions. The speakers spoke candidly about how they juggled their fast-paced careers and motherhood and their hopes to increase the number of women on Capitol Hill. Both Edwards and Comstock were the first women elected in their districts.

“It feels refreshing to hear these lawmakers talk about women’s issues and it’s inspiring,” said Ronny Alvarez, a sophomore engineering major. “I’m not looking for a career in politics, but hearing women talk about their stories and sharing their challenges makes me realize standing for your principles is important, even if others tell you it is not.”

Edwards and Comstock also learned more about Deacs Decide during their visit to Wake Forest. It’s a nonpartisan campus-wide political engagement project that aims to increase student voter registration and voter turnout. More than 90%of Wake Forest’s student body are registered to vote.

“When I was at Wake, I spent one of my early semesters volunteering for President Jimmy Carter’s campaign – the Peanut Brigade,” said Edwards. “I still feel that same excitement when I was 18 and I cast my first vote. I’m so excited about what I’m seeing at the University with nonpartisan engagement, getting students registered and educating them about the democratic process.”

As part of the Congress to Campus visit, Wake Forest students also had an opportunity to engage with Edwards and Comstock in the classroom. They visited four classes: Political Science Research Methods, Environmental Policy and Politics, Environmental Issues, and Mathematics and Voting. Later in the day, they spoke during a public town hall forum in Pugh Auditorium. 

My biggest takeaway was the significance of civic engagement, no matter your party, no matter your political stance, just being an active member in the government, in the community and just being sure that you are getting out voting and encouraging your family and friends to get involved.

Erica Carl, Wake Forest senior

“Wake Forest does a good job making sure students make their own informed decisions,” added Carl, who is majoring in sociology and African American studies.