Pancakes and Polls, Donuts and Democracy, Grounds for Democracy and Wing Night (Left Wings, Right Wings) represent a few of the innovative activities designed to attract students to an enjoyable gathering for snacks and refreshments, but in a setting with an important message about an engaged citizenry and participation in government.
Those activities and others were part of Wilmington College’s WCVotes action plan, which earned national recognition as a “Highly Established Action Plan” by the nonpartisan ALL IN Campus Democracy Challenge. In recognizing colleges and universities for their commitment to increasing student voting rates, ALL IN encourages higher education institutions to help students form the habits of active and informed citizenship, make democratic participation a core value on their campus and cultivate generations of engaged citizens, who are essential to a healthy democracy.
Ariana Riccardi, director of WC’s Office of Engagement and Fraternity & Sorority Life, led the initiative, which had active involvement from the areas of Academic Affairs, Student Affairs and the general student population, as well as from community partners and the local election office.
“WC Votes empowers students to become informed voters and engaged citizens,” Riccardi said, noting that the initiative combines hands-on programming, leadership development and data-driven assessment to strengthen voter registration, voter education and democratic participation. “This national recognition reflects Wilmington College's ongoing commitment to preparing students for lives of service, leadership and active citizenship while fostering a campus culture that values civic responsibility and democratic engagement.”
Sigrid Solomon, vice president/chief student affairs officer and dean of students, congratulated Riccardi and the others involved for the national recognition while noting that, through WCVotes, the College empowers students to become informed voters, engage respectfully with diverse perspectives and recognize the meaningful role they can play in strengthening their communities.
“At Wilmington College, civic engagement is more than an initiative; it expresses who we are and what we value,” Solomon said. “Rooted in our Quaker heritage and guided by our values, we are committed to preparing students not only for success, but also for lives of service, leadership and active citizenship. This national recognition affirms our commitment to educating students who will put their values into action and contribute to the common good.”