Congress Comes to the Mount

In early October, the Mount welcomed former members of the United States House of Representatives, Matt McHugh (NY, 1975-1993) and Bill Goodling (PA, 1975-2001), through a program designed to encourage public service by college students and to promote civil discourse on national issues.

The former Congressmen participated in several classes over the course of two days, and participated in a panel discussion on immigration issues.

The program is structured by keeping the former Democrat and Republican together during their appearances, to provide different party approaches to an issue and to reflect a more real time appreciation for the civility with which issues are usually addressed by legislators.

The Congress to Campus program was created by the Association of Former Members of Congress, and coordinated on campus by Dr. Michael Towle, chair of the political science department, and Joe Lebherz, director of institutional and government relations.

Former Congressman McHugh especially enjoyed the visit, having graduated from the Mount in 1960, and having chaired the Mount’s Board of Trustees in the late 1990s.  He noted that his political career began when he ran for President of the Student Government Association of the Mount in 1960.  A picture from his campaign graces the July 2007 Mount calendar.