Radford University to host 'A Conversation with Virginia Public Servants' on Sept. 17

Three Virginia General Assembly members - Del. Sam Rasoul (Roanoke), Del. Chris Obenshain (Blacksburg) and Sen. Aaron Rouse (Virginia Beach) - will participate in "A Conversation with Virginia Public Servants" on Tuesday, Sept. 17, from 6-8 p.m. inside the Davis Performance Hall at the Douglas and Beatrice Covington Center for Visual and Performing Arts on Radford University's main campus.

Professor of Political Science Chapman Rackaway will moderate an onstage discussion with the representatives, who will also take questions from the audience. Admission is free, and the event is open to the university community and the public.

"We think it's important for our students to see and interact with the leaders making important decisions for the commonwealth," Rackaway said. "These forums are part of that commitment, and I hope our students will take full advantage of this great opportunity to hear from and connect with important decision-makers from both major political parties."

Rasoul and Obenshain are members of Radford University's local delegation; Rasoul (District 38) has served in the House of Delegates since 2014, while Obenshain (District 41) is in his first term. Rouse (District 22) is in his first Senate term after serving on the Virginia Beach city council. He is best known locally as a standout member of the Virginia Tech football team from 2002-06, playing in 56 games for the Hokies.

The conversation is sponsored by Radford University's Department of Political Science, the Student Government Association and the Black Student Alliance. This event is a highlight of the university's Constitution Week activities coordinated by Radford's Citizen Leader program, which are intended to promote non-partisan political and civic engagement for all students and faculty.

"I'm exceptionally proud of our students who are taking the lead on creating questions and using their voices to help shape those decisions," Rackaway added. "What started last year is becoming an annual tradition, and I think it's a wonderful thing to be a part of."