History of Northwestern Political Union
A Brief History:
The Political Union was founded in the spring of 2008 by a group of students who debated in apartments while hanging out and enjoying a few libations. They decided this would be a good model for a debate forum on campus. They took the idea to former Northwestern President Bienen and he loved it. The club took off from there.
The Union grew to have such traditions as bringing guest speakers, the party divisions, Civics & Snacks, State of the Political Union, and most importantly--going to the Celtic Knot every Monday following that week's debate.
Over time, Political Union became more structured, adding a defined executive board, actual weekly board meetings, and larger panel events. Now, the club hosts its largest weekly debates debates in years and hopes to continue its strong traditions well into the future.
Former Political Union Leaders:
Founders: Sam Kleiner and Jacob Wertz
2011-2012: Ben Armstrong and Nick Ruge
2012-2013: Nick Ruge and Nate Enfield
2013-2014: Michael Kurtz and Steven Monicelli
2014-2015: Ben Koltun and Connor Tatooles
2015-2016: Karna Nangia and Alexi Stocker
2016-2017: Sabrina Williams and David Gernon
2017-2018: Avi Dravid and Max Rowe
2018-2019: Jake Gordon and Joshua Varcie
2019-2020: Jahan Sahni and Molly Jo Molloy
The Political Union was founded in the spring of 2008 by a group of students who debated in apartments while hanging out and enjoying a few libations. They decided this would be a good model for a debate forum on campus. They took the idea to former Northwestern President Bienen and he loved it. The club took off from there.
The Union grew to have such traditions as bringing guest speakers, the party divisions, Civics & Snacks, State of the Political Union, and most importantly--going to the Celtic Knot every Monday following that week's debate.
Over time, Political Union became more structured, adding a defined executive board, actual weekly board meetings, and larger panel events. Now, the club hosts its largest weekly debates debates in years and hopes to continue its strong traditions well into the future.
Former Political Union Leaders:
Founders: Sam Kleiner and Jacob Wertz
2011-2012: Ben Armstrong and Nick Ruge
2012-2013: Nick Ruge and Nate Enfield
2013-2014: Michael Kurtz and Steven Monicelli
2014-2015: Ben Koltun and Connor Tatooles
2015-2016: Karna Nangia and Alexi Stocker
2016-2017: Sabrina Williams and David Gernon
2017-2018: Avi Dravid and Max Rowe
2018-2019: Jake Gordon and Joshua Varcie
2019-2020: Jahan Sahni and Molly Jo Molloy
