From celebrating a first election at Burger King to watching a presidential candidate get pelted with tomatoes, experiences at Ohio University helped foster many political careers that otherwise may have never gotten off the ground.
Three former and current politicians said OU was instrumental in fostering the skills necessary for public service and introducing them to the world of politics.
Paul Leonard, a political-science professor at Wright State University, has served as a member of the Ohio House of Representatives, mayor of Dayton and Lieutenant Governor of Ohio.
A member of the class of 1965, Leonard came to OU seeking a degree in journalism. It wasn’t until he set foot on campus that his interest in politics began.
“When I got there in ’61, we had just gotten into a period of occasional campus unrest,” Leonard said. “I’m convinced that if I wasn’t at OU in the ’60s, I’d be a sports reporter somewhere.”
Ohio State Sen. Joe Schiavoni, D-33rd, graduated from OU in 2001 and he, too, didn’t envision a career in politics when he first arrived on campus. Schiavoni currently runs a law firm with his father in addition to serving in Ohio’s State Senate.
“Doors open that you don’t anticipate, and it worked out for me,” Schiavoni said. “People appreciate the fact that you are fresh into politics, someone on the outside looking in.”
Pat Lang, Athens City Law Director and Democratic candidate for Ohio’s 15th congressional district, began his political career when he was elected to Athens City Council as a sophomore.
“What I learned at OU was work hard, play hard,” Lang said. “You have to take work seriously, but make sure you don’t take yourself too seriously.”
Lang, who graduated from OU in 1999, said he vividly remembers the night he got elected to City Council.
“I was exhausted when I received word of it,” Lang said. “I was only 18 at the time, and we all celebrated at Burger King afterwards. It was pretty crazy.”
One of America’s most infamous days played a huge role in Leonard’s increasing interest in politics.
“Professor Bald, my government professor, came into class crying,” Leonard said. “I had no idea why or what was going on, then he announced that President (John F.) Kennedy was shot and killed, and we were dismissed right away.”
Leonard sat in the lobby, glued to the events on TV that played out during the next few days.
“I started thinking about political things I never had before, and I decided I wanted to get involved,” Leonard said.
The presidential election of 1964 also played a large role in Leonard’s political life, as both candidates, Lyndon B. Johnson and Barry Goldwater, visited Athens. Goldwater was so disliked by students, he had tomatoes thrown at him during his speech, Leonard said.
“I have terrific respect for Goldwater now, as he is the one who really started the modern conservative movement,” Leonard said. “Back then, however, he was viewed as the anti-Kennedy, and students really didn’t like him.”
Lang has advice for those at OU who want to pursue politics.
“Jump in with both feet,” Lang said. “You have to get involved. Don’t hold back and feel like there is some great mystery to it.”
Schiavoni said it is important for students who are interested in politics to get involved with a campaign and not just learn about the legislative side.
“It gives you a perspective on what a campaign is like,” Schiavoni said. “Raising money isn’t very fun at all.”
Students often tell Leonard they might want to run for office, but Leonard is skeptical of pushing someone toward the field.
“I tell them that politics have changed so much, and not for the better,” Leonard said. “Our only hope to get out of the political mess is the younger generation, however, so if they want to do it right, I encourage them.”
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