Although the Augustana Democrat group grew in recent years during times of Democratic gain, the Augustana Republican group ceased to exist, especially to those attending this year's activities fair.

Happen to be a Republican? Don't worry, there's hope: one freshman is on a mission to revive the Augustana Republicans.

Freshman Mallory Schulte from Yankton, S. D., has been interested in politics for some time. She was an active member of Yankton High School's government club and served as the group's president her senior year.

"I just want to get people politically active, it doesn't matter what affiliation they have," Schulte said.

Leadership of the Republican group never carried over as upperclassmen that ran the group graduated. Others believe the group ended for different reasons.

"Democrats were more excited in 2008 than Republicans, which explains its drop off," communications professor Mike Nitz, Augustana Republican advisor said. "Now in 2010, Republicans are more excited, thus the surge of the group."

Schulte is currently brainstorming plans and ideas for the future Republican group. One of her big ideas is to have a speaker from Washington, D.C., come teach a leadership workshop for both the Democrat and Republican groups.

"There are lots of people in D.C. that are focused on Republican ideology and will host these workshops all over the U.S.," Schulte said.

Other efforts include panel discussions, mock debates with the Democrat group and involvment with local political elections.

In the past, both groups have focused on all levels of politics, from grass-roots efforts to federal issues. However, the level of politics isn't important, it's the involvement.

"When employers look at students, they look at involvement, not GPA," Nitz said.

Augustana provides many ways for students to become involved on campus – another option for students is the Augustana Democrats group. Leading the Augie Dems is sophomore Scott Hofer, with communications professor John Bart advising.

"On the most basic level, the group gets like-minded people together to have conversation," Bart said.

The idea is to become involved as much as possible to create political awareness on campus. Knowledge and awareness of political issues are crucial because "students need to share political policy in the future," Bart said.

With a few e-mails from Republicans already and the first meeting scheduled for the near future, Schulte is on her way to jump starting the new group. However, Schulte looks to upperclassmen to help her reach her goals and encourages all interested students to become involved.

"I encourage all students, regardless of stripes, to get involved in a campaign," Nitz said.

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