Alvernia University students from media and politics classes unveiled a new exhibit Wednesday at the Miller Gallery, aimed at educating peers and the local community about the upcoming election. The exhibit, a collaborative effort led by faculty and developed by students, features comprehensive information on key policy issues, voting processes, and the importance of civic engagement. Open to the public, the exhibit offers a hands-on experience with campaign materials, a selfie station, and a display of voting machine information.
Victoria Williams, Professor of Political Science at Alvernia, explained the motivation behind the exhibit. “The Miller Gallery operates as an art gallery, and the professor who manages it suggested doing something election-related. Our honors course on media and politics saw it as a perfect way to engage students, encourage research, and educate our community on key election issues.”
According to Williams, the students were assigned various policy issues and tasked with researching both Republican and Democratic perspectives. “We made sure they approached it as neutrally as possible, fact-checked everything, and brought the information to life in the exhibit.”
Dr. Jodi Radosh, Department Chair of Communication & Digital Media, emphasized the practical learning opportunity this project presented for students. “This was a chance for our students to engage in real-world learning. They took what they learned in class and used it to make a difference on campus and in the community,” she said. “It’s not just about informing; we also wanted to encourage students to vote. College students’ votes are significant, and we hope this exhibit helps elevate the election’s importance on campus.”
The students covered a variety of issues, from immigration to international conflicts. Junior Brianna Pascal, a biology major, shared her experience: “We worked on border and immigration control, comparing each candidate’s stance. As someone not familiar with politics, I found the process challenging but educational. Now, I feel like a more well-rounded voter.” Pascal stressed the importance of informed voting, saying, “It’s crucial to understand the candidates and what they stand for.”
Nicholas Colletti, a sophomore political science major who worked alongside Pascal, also reflected on the learning experience. “It was fascinating to dig deeper into each candidate’s position. Even as a political science student, I learned a lot more specifics,” he said. Colletti encouraged visitors to take a few moments to learn about key issues. “Just spend 2 or 3 minutes looking at where each candidate stands on the topics that matter to you. It makes a big difference.”
Another student, senior Katherine Lapinsky, worked on a display covering the Israel-Palestine conflict. She noted that the project helped shed light on a complex issue that is often misunderstood. “It was super interesting to see how both sides want the same outcome—peace—but have different approaches to achieving it,” she said. Her advice to gallery visitors: “Read everything. There are so many viewpoints, and it’s important to be informed when you vote.”
The exhibit also provides practical election resources, including voter registration forms, absentee ballot applications, and instructions on using voting machines. “We want to make it easier for students to vote,” said Dr. Radosh. “Whether it’s registering, applying for absentee ballots, or understanding the voting process, we’ve got the resources here.”
The Miller Gallery, located in Francis Hall, is open Monday through Saturday from 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Visitors are encouraged to stop by, engage with the exhibit, and participate in the interactive elements, including a selfie station with social media tags promoting voter turnout.
Through this exhibit, Alvernia students and faculty hope to inspire a more informed and engaged voter base, ensuring that every student understands the importance of their voice in the upcoming election.
