Following Belmont’s successful hosting of the 2008 Town Hall Presidential Debate, the University confirmed today that it has submitted an application to the Commission on Presidential Debates to hold one of the series of scheduled 2012 debates featuring the presidential candidates.
Belmont is among 12 possible locations nationwide for the 2012 Presidential Debates. As in 2008, the multi-faceted Curb Event Center is the proposed venue for the debates, with supporting roles played by other campus facilities. Belmont’s leadership, faculty, staff, students and alumni will participate in supporting this unique and internationally significant event.
Civic organizations, state and local government officials have supported Belmont’s bid for the debates following the 2008 Town Hall Presidential Debate and its impact on both the university and the broader community. At the conclusion of that event, then-Tennessee Governor Phil Bredesen, who served as an honorary chair for the debate’s host committee, said, “Belmont served as a perfect venue for the 2008 Town Hall Presidential Debate, and the university’s army of volunteers gave the candidates, campaign guests and visiting media a glimpse into the best of what Tennessee has to offer.”
Belmont President Robert Fisher led the charge to attract the Presidential Debates to Nashville and Belmont. His interest in exposing students to real life experiences and challenging them to think beyond the classroom has positioned Belmont as a university with a unique service mandate that prepares graduates to be contributing members of society after graduation.
“2008 brought Belmont University and the Nashville community together in a powerful way around one of the most historic elections in our nation’s history,” Fisher said. “I am confident that the capability, dedication and spirit of the Belmont community and our Middle Tennessee partners will enable us to achieve an even better event in 2012 if selected.”
The following universities have submitted applications to host a 2012 general election debate:
Belmont University (Nashville, TN)
Centre College (Danville, KY)
Dominican University of California (San Rafael, CA)
Eastern Kentucky University (Richmond, KY)
Hofstra University (Hempstead, NY)
Indiana University (Bloomington, IN)
Lynn University (Boca Raton, FL)
Saint Mary’s College of California (Moraga, CA)
The Richard Stockton College of New Jersey (Pomona, NJ)
University of Denver (Denver, CO)
Wake Forest University (Winston-Salem, NC)
Washington University in St. Louis (St. Louis, MO)
