Xavier hosts final debate for key House race

Prior to the debate, nearly 70 students took part in a reception with University President Colleen Hanycz, who dialogued with students on matters such as the importance of civic engagement, particularly from college students.

President Hanycz challenged students to think about the value of democracy, their role in the process, and their thoughts about the national political climate. Joined by Philosophy, Politics and the Public, Political Science, and humanities faculty members, Xavier students espoused their thoughts on their responsibilities and insights.

The group gathered in a Cintas Center conference room for about an hour and a half before taking a brief jaunt down to the center's first floor for the congressional debate.

Opening Wednesday's debate, Hanycz — Xavier's 35th president — invoked the United States' 32nd president.

"Students, President Franklin Roosevelt reminded us that "democracy cannot succeed unless those who express their choice are prepared to choose wisely. The real safeguard of democracy, therefore, is education,'" Hanycz said. "This is a busy time of the semester for all of you, and I would like to commend you for recognizing this most important opportunity for civic engagement."

Moderated and sponsored by the Cincinnati Enquirer, Wednesday's debate also featured Xavier senior Katie Sanchez, who represented her classmates and the broader University community while posing questions directly to Landsman and Sonza.

In their closing remarks, both candidates commended and thanked the Xavier community for their engagement in the debate.

"You could have done a lot tonight. You came here, and it says a lot about you ... our democracy desperately needs you, and I hope this was a really good experience," Landsman said.

"Thank you, again, to Xavier and to the Enquirer for hosting tonight's debate. Thank you all for participating right here at (Xavier's Cintas Center)," Sonza said.