Providing nonpartisan debate and discussion on campus, the Political Science Club is a growing student organization.

“Our purpose is to educate and spark debate on political issues,” explained one of the group’s leaders, Beth Fortune, a junior.

On Monday, the group hosted its third “Coffee Talk.” These informal gatherings allow professors to discuss important political issues in a relaxed, intimate environment. In the past, Ellen Carnaghan presented a discussion on Central Asia and the U.S. war in Afganistan; Michelle Lorenzini led a talk about international economic policy; and Monday, Jean-Robert Leguey-Feilleux discussed the crisis in the Middle East.

“Students get to meet with their professors on a personal level,” Fortune explained.

The group’s most successful event this year was a panel discussion held in October discussing the U.S. response to the events of Sept. 11. John Kavanaugh S.J., covered the moral aspects; Peggy Bowers discussed the media’s role; and Leguey-Feilleux provided the political response.

The event, held in the Knights Room of the Pius XII Memorial Library, filled the room.

“It affected a lot of people and brought a lot of discussion,” said Diane Schmutzler, president. “We got many of positive responses.”

Another panel discussion, focusing on war and society, will tentatively take place on April 15. Tim Lomperis will be presenting the war aspects with Kathryn Kuhn presenting the societal and gender aspects. Other professors will also be presenting but have yet to be confirmed.

In addition to educational programming, the group has also done several social events, including movie nights, game nights and ice cream socials.

Carnaghan is the faculty adviser to the Political Science Club. She explained that the group had been chartered long ago but became inactive for many years.

In 1998, Carnaghan reinstituted the group.

While no official membership roles exist, the group is primarily led by three students-Schmutzler, John Gamel and Fortune, said Carnaghan. Each Coffee Talk usually has approximately 10-20 people in attendance.

Schmutzler hopes to see the group getting more University support in the future in order to provide high-profile speakers and appeal to more students.

Fortune agrees and expects to apply for Student Activity Fee funds next year.

Anyone interested in getting involved with the group should contact Ellen Carnaghan at 977-3038. Activities are listed in the campus activity mailer.