FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Vicki Hudson (616) 234-4206
GRCC INSTRUCTOR BRINGS LEARNING TO LIFE
Political science students get firsthand experience with local government
October 22, 2004, Grand Rapids, MI
– Keith St. Clair, a political science instructor at Grand Rapids Community
College, is providing more than simple lectures and textbook assignments to his
students this semester. He’s given them an up-close look at how to run a serious
campaign.
St. Clair, who has taught at GRCC since 2002, and at Muskegon Community College
for 5 years before that, believes in demonstrating what he teaches by being
active outside of the classroom. This year, that includes running for the Kent
County Commission.
"This has truly been a learning experience, getting to know constituents and
running a campaign. I'm bringing this experience back to the classroom and I
hope, if elected, to bring my teaching experience to the broader community."
In the classroom St. Clair has always pushed his students to be actively
involved in politics, assigning each to cover a local government. In addition,
St. Clair also heads up GRCC's participation in Model United Nations, a
nationwide program that brings students from around the U.S. to simulate actual
United Nations sessions.
"Real-world experience always improves learning,”
he said. “And if this is true for students, it's true for instructors as well."
Campaigning under the banner of "Educated Leadership," St. Clair hopes to put
his years of training and knowledge of government to use on the County
Commission. "I have a passion for government, a passion for teaching people
about government, and a deep concern for my community,” St. Clair said. “Running
for the county commission is a great way to combine those three things.”
St. Clair took an active role in GRCC's Election Year Forums. Serving as
moderator, these debates - open to the public - covered topics same sex
marriage, the war in Iraq and the proposal on gambling.
St. Clair received his Masters in Political Science from Illinois State
University. In addition to his teaching experience at GRCC and MCC, he has
taught at Bradley University, Illinois Central College, the Milwaukee Institute
of Art and Design, and Mount Senario College.
Grand Rapids Community College, established in 1914, offers both liberal arts
and workforce development degrees, classes and workshops. Student enrollment on
the urban campus for both credit and non-credit courses averages 25,000 per
year.
- # # # -
4359 page hits and 4272 unique visits since 10-22-04
Updated on 22-OCT-04
Edit this page
| View text only version