College Democrats of Indiana Receive National Recognition Award

SOUTH BEND, IN - The College Democrats of Indiana are pleased to announce they were given the nationally contended “Rising Star” award for excellence for 2008 – 2009. The award, presented by the Democratic National Committee’s official youth caucus, was received by ten, proud College Democrats from universities across the state of Indiana at the 50th annual national College Democrats of America convention, which took place in Washington D.C. from July 23-26.

The award was presented to the entire federation of the College Democrats of Indiana who worked tirelessly during the 2008 elections to elect Democrats. Together, the organization registered 36,450+ voters and was able to turn the state blue for the first time in forty years by electing Barack Obama by approximately 26,000 votes.

Highlights of 2008-2009:

• The College Democrats chapters in South Bend opened the first-ever student-run, independently funded College Democrats campaign headquarters in the nation.
• The students at Ball State University independently took on their campus administration and local government in order to ensure student enfranchisement on Election Day.
• Purdue College Democrats worked cooperatively with their Students for Barack Obama group to rebuild their local Party and ensure fair treatment towards young voters.
• At Anderson University, a conservative Christian college, the College Democrats tackled a tough audience to make sure their support for Democrats was known and spread across the student body.

Additionally, the College Democrats statewide elected a countless number of State Legislators and local officials along the way. The Rising Star Award recognizes their efforts by honoring their potential to go above and beyond in the years to come.

• Sean Dvorak, President – College Democrats of Indiana “We are very thankful and honored to be nationally recognized for our achievements. We will continue to build upon the foundation the former CDIN President,
• Caitlin Worm, has laid for our organization in 2008 and will go above and beyond expectations in the upcoming school year. One thing is clear; the College Democrats of Indiana have established themselves as a reliable and powerful element of the Democratic Party. We are here to stay.”
• Chris Rhodenbaugh, Vice-President – College Democrats of Indiana “The air of enthusiasm among the youth is still extremely high and we will work together to ensure Democrats have the tools they need to be elected in the 2010 mid-term elections and beyond. After attending the Convention in Washington D.C., I am able to see that the College Democrats of Indiana serve as a model for federations nationwide; this award recognizes that.”