The UA College Republicans will welcome Young America’s Foundation President Ron Robinson for a meet-and-greet and lecture tonight at 7 p.m. in the Mortar Board Room in the Ferguson Center, according to a Republican Women of Tuscaloosa County news release.
Tuesday, Robinson hosted a luncheon for the RWTC at the Hotel Capstone, Wednesday he was honored with a reception at the Warner Museum and tonight he will speak at the meet-and-greet and lecture. His visit was made possible by the RWTC.
Teri Hamilton, a member of the RWTC, said events like this not only offer internship opportunities, but also allow students to see both sides of the political spectrum.
“I think it’s important that when young people bound to graduate get into the working, they understand and make choices about what’s important to them and their family,” Hamilton said. “I think it’s important to hear from both sides. Too much of the left side is represented on college campuses. I feel like there’s more publicity about left than right.”
Although Robinson represents the conservative side of politics, Hamilton said he could have more than just a political impact on students.
“The other thing Ron brings to table is he is an attorney that can practice before the Supreme Court,” Hamilton said. “I think law students would definitely benefit from attending and being able to learn from an actual practicing attorney.”
Robinson was an adviser to the U.S. Department of Education during the Reagan administration. A member of both the Virginia and U.S. Supreme Court Bars, he is also the author of “Funding Fathers: The Unsung Heroes of the Conservative Movement.”
Robinson has served as president of the Young America’s Foundation for 30 years. According to their website, the non-profit foundation promotes knowledge of individual rights, traditional values, capitalism and a strong national defense. This spread of ideas is facilitated by campus initiatives and activism, conservative speakers, conferences and seminars, and internships.
Hamilton said conferences like Robinson’s represent the ongoing support between the UA College Republicans and the RWTC.
“We have links with the College Republicans,” Hamilton said. “We attend their events, and they attend ours. We try to have a mutual involvement with the young people so we can help them and gain their support, too.”
These shared events include guest speakers, luncheons and community service, Hamilton said. The College Republicans also frequently pass out dictionaries to local third-grade students.
Hamilton said she hopes Robinson will be received with a warm reception, especially since he paid for this trip himself.
“The one thing I want to say is he is coming at his own expense,” Hamilton said. “He came because I badgered him and was very persistent. To get someone of this caliber to come to Tuscaloosa is a great opportunity for us, so I want to make sure that we have a good audience to welcome him.”
To find out more about the Young America’s Foundation, visit their website at yaf.org. For more information about the College Republicans, visit their website at bamagop.com.
