PennWest political science major Derik Fenchak developed a growing interest in politics during the contentious 2020 presidential election. Then a high school sophomore in the height of a global pandemic, Fenchak read the headlines and watched the debates from his home in Knox, Pennsylvania.

Four years later, Fenchak observed the political process from a much closer vantage point as he sat alongside delegates in the convention hall at the 2024 Democratic National Convention in Chicago.

“It was just an overall great experience, and I was happy to be a part of it,” said Fenchak, who staffed convention events and worked alongside the Pennsylvania Democratic Party as part of PennWest faculty member Dr. Kevan Yenerall’s POLI 3990 Special Topics in Politics course. “The convention enhanced my view on politics. It was amazing to see what was going on behind the scenes and how they set it up.”

Yenerall accompanied political science majors Marissa Bard, Tyler Brown and Luc Doolittle to the Republican National Convention July 15-18 in Milwaukee and Fenchak, Aaliyah Dittman and Sydney Speicher to the Democratic National Convention in Chicago August 19-22.

The students will detail their convention experiences on their home campuses and via Zoom at 3:30 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 17, as part of PennWest’s Constitution Day events. Presentations will occur in Becht Hall 332 on the Clarion campus, Duda Hall 117 on the California campus and Compton Hall 107A on the Edinboro campus. Yenerall will serve as moderator.

“Our country is so politically divided right now,” said Fenchak, who hopes to hold a public office in the future. “It’s motivated me to care about politics and to get engaged so that I can help others, regardless of political affiliation. I believe there is always going to be a middle ground somewhere.”

Constitution Day programming continues at 6 p.m. with screenings of the award-winning documentary “One Person, One Vote?” on all three campuses. The film will be streamed in Hart Chapel, Vulcan Theater and Compton Hall 107A, followed by a Q&A.

Described as a must-see for anyone who can vote in the U.S. presidential election, the film is an eye-opening exposé of the origins and contentious history of the Electoral College. Food and drink will be provided.

Voter registration tables will be available during both Sept. 17 events.

Additionally, Dr. Jim Fisher, interim provost and vice president for Academic Affairs, will discuss free speech, basic constitutional rights and student rights with students at the following times:

The presentations are co-sponsored by Academic Affairs, Campus Life/Dean of Students and the Student Government Association.

Constitution Day events are organized by PennWest’s branch of the American Democracy Project. For more information, contact faculty member Laura Tuennerman at tuennerman@pennwest.edu.