HCC to submit application to host 2016 Presidential or Vice Presidential Debate
Feb 20, 2015
The Board of Trustees at Houston Community College has authorized the Chancellor, Dr. Cesar Maldonado, to submit an application to the Commission on Presidential Debates in support of hosting a 2016 presidential or vice presidential debate.
“This is a great opportunity for us to showcase the history of Houston,” said Board Chair Zeph Capo. “Central College would be the site of the debate, in the auditorium of the 100-year-old San Jacinto High School building that currently houses many of our academic programs.”
The HCC Foundation and administration would work together to secure private and public financial support, infrastructure and related resources to bring a debate to Houston.
“There has never been a presidential or vice presidential debate at a community college,” said Dr. Maldonado. “Showcasing the restoration of this historical landmark that graduated the likes of former Houston Mayor Kathy Whitmire, world-renowned surgeon Dr. Denton Cooley, the late news anchor Walter Cronkite, and educational policy scholar Diane Ravitch would be a point of pride for the entire Houston community.”
A team from the Presidential Debate office has been on site at HCC to examine the facilities. Knowing that HCC has the capacity to work with other Houston area businesses and organizations, the team has determined that HCC is definitely a contender to host such an event.
“The site team liked the look of Central College, the location, and the history of the institution,” said Chase Untermeyer who is working closely with the Presidential Debate team. “HCC has an auditorium that is just the right size for the intended audience, space for media, parking, and large air conditioned facilities. We anticipate the opportunity to be further considered for this honor following the formal application process.”
The application must be submitted by March 31. Upon notification of approval, the HCC Foundation and administration are prepared to move ahead quickly with plans to bring one of the 2016 debates to Houston.