Volunteers 'Thrilled' To Be Part of Debate at Oakland University

An army of student volunteers assembled Wednesday on the campus of Oakland University to help with the Republican presidential debate and, for a lucky few, possibly attend in person.

More than 180 student volunteers will be on hand to help direct traffic, assist candidates in various capacities and work on the main floor to assist CNBC's national broadcast of the 8 p.m. event, Michigan Republican Party volunteer coordinator Henrietta Tow said.

Tow rallied the volunteers during a gathering Wednesday afternoon in Elliott Hall on the Rochester campus.

Student Katie Hepfinger said she will be volunteering as a "blank slate." With no party allegiance, Hepfinger said that she will be interested to hear about the candidates "as people" rather than politicians.

Hepfinger will assist media members Monday night and may have the opportunity to attend the debate, as well.

"I'm excited to talk to media," said Hepfinger, 21, a senior cinema studies major who works at OU's student-run radio station, WXOU 88.3 FM as programming director. "I'm hoping that it's something I'll be able to put on the resume for when I graduate."

Michigan Republican Party volunteer coordinators said that due to the low number of students on campus caused by numerous classes being canceled, admission for the exclusive event may open up and volunteers would be among those asked to fill the seats.

Hepfinger, who signed up online to volunteer after the political science department sent out e-mail invitations to majors before other departments followed suit, said she is happy for the positive attention the debate brings to the school.

"Even commuters are excited," laughed Hepfinger, who lives on campus.

Amanda Hammou is one such commuter. The 20-year-old Rochester Hills native and junior international relations major said that despite a lack of a party affiliation, she is "thrilled" to get acquainted with the issues in such a personal way as volunteering during the debate.

"Just knowing that this is happening here on campus is huge and it makes me proud to be here," Hammou said. "I just love politics and I know how crucial the debates are to choosing a candidate."