All of these activities, said Vice President for University Relations Jeff Perez, presented Winthrop to an audience that previously may not have had much knowledge of the institution. “Winthrop was the center of the American political universe and the focus of worldwide media coverage because of a day filled with presidential candidate activity,” Perez said.

In the days before the forum, the Charlotte Observer featured Winthrop on its front page, saying that “the road to the White House goes through Winthrop.”

On Nov. 7, the South Carolina Democratic Women’s Forum held a regional caucus meeting on campus with more than 200 men and women from 13 states attending and featured Bernie Sanders as the keynote speaker. In another first, Winthrop received a mention in a skit on NBC’s “Saturday Night Live.”

The events provided students, faculty and staff with connections to people with whom they would not have otherwise necessarily connected, said Karen Kedrowski, dean of the College of Arts and Sciences. “The November 6 forum provided opportunities for our students to network, land internships and meet leaders from across the region. Our community is still reaping the benefits,” she said.

GOP CANDIDATES: HERE THEY COME The Democrats may have had a major event on campus, but it was the Republicans who sent a steady stream of candidates to Winthrop. The GOP nominee race — with its huge field of aspirants — has been a contentious, raucous affair that contained surprise after surprise, said Scott Huffmon, political science professor and director of the Winthrop Poll.

Many political observers thought former Florida Governor Jeb Bush, who was the first candidate to visit Winthrop and raised millions in donations throughout his campaign, would play a major role on the campaign trail. Bush used his time at Winthrop to talk national security with Americans for Peace, Prosperity and Security, a non-profit organization focused on foreign policy.

Other candidates, notably former Arkansas Governor Mike Huckabee, also talked issues. Huckabee spoke with S.C. Attorney General Alan Wilson

Top to bottom: Jeb Bush, Ted Cruz, Ben Carson and Donald Trump 4