Ohio Governor Mike DeWine headlined Bowling Green State University’s (BGSU) annual Democracy and Public Policy Network (DePo) Leadership Luncheon on Tuesday, April 14.
Taking place in the Bowen-Thompson Student Union, the event focused on government, civic engagement and leadership. The main part of the event was styled as a conversation, where former Ohio Attorney General Betty Montgomery and Jan Allen, a former Democratic adviser, asked DeWine questions.
According to BGSU, around 600 people were in attendance for the event. Many of them were BGSU students who found it important to take advantage of the opportunity to hear a current governor speak.
“I think it’s a great opportunity,” said Carter Lyden. “You don’t get to listen to your governor speak that often.”
On top of attending an event with DeWine, other students also found being able to hear the perspectives of current and former politicians important.
“Mostly, it’s important to hear what everyone thinks about what’s going on politically, especially with the state of our politics right now,” said Quinn Percival. “It’s quite ‘iffy’ and up in the air as to what’s going to happen, so hearing as many perspectives as possible, I find important.”
This was the second annual Leadership Luncheon event, designed to bring political figures to BGSU to highlight that leadership and civility can be shaped by bipartisan conversations.
During the discussion, DeWine spoke about his political career, key moments during his two terms as Ohio governor, his leadership style and advice for students.
DeWine was also awarded the university’s President’s Award for Public Good by BGSU President Rodney K. Rogers. The award was presented to DeWine for his impact on Ohio and dedication to public service.
The event featured other speakers before DeWine took the stage. Political Science Professor Robert Alexander and former Ohio politician Randy Gardner had short, introductory speeches.
The DePo Advisory Board was also celebrated during the event’s introductory portion.
BGSU’s DePo Advisory Network was founded in 2024. The network conducts nonpartisan research and briefs to inform the BGSU community, policymakers and the overall Ohio public.
The network also allows for BGSU students to gain access to hands-on learning experiences, which include research projects, speaking engagements and podcast production.
