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Nearly two years after candidate Barrack Obama made a campaign stop at the University of Wisconsin Oshkosh, the University will host a forum to examine the president’s first year in office.

Co-sponsored by the UW Oshkosh American Democracy Project, Political Science Student Association and Provost’s Office, “Obama After One Year” will be held from 7 to 8:30 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 20, in Reeve Union Theatre (Room 307), 748 Algoma Blvd.

All are invited to attend the free event.

A panel of UW Oshkosh faculty and students will discuss the Obama administration’s policies, including such topics as the economy, international relations, the environment and healthcare. Assistant economics professor Chad Cotti, assistant political science professor Michael Jasinski, Alan Kania of the College Democrats, sustainability director Michael Lizotte, John Nerat of the College Republicans and associate political science professor David Siemers comprise the panel.

“The event will asses the current state of political affairs in the United States and the presidency from a variety of angles,” said Siemers, whose scholarly expertise includes the U.S. presidency and American political thought. “We hope to inspire interest in politics and policy among our students so that they can make informed decisions and contribute to the benefit of their communities.

“But these are things that all of us need to be doing as citizens in a democracy,” he added.

Kania, a communication major from Jackson, Wis., who serves as membership director of the UW Oshkosh Democrats, is eager to address human rights issues.

“Under previous presidents, human and civil rights have seen a notable decline. Under President Obama’s lead, we have seen movement toward increased rights, not only for U.S. citizens, but for citizens of other countries,” he said.

Siemers welcomes everyone — Democrat, Republican or otherwise — to attend the event.

“We encourage people to bring their questions and comments so that we will have an interesting exchange of ideas,” he said.

For more information, contact Siemers at (920) 424-0435 or siemers@uwosh.edu.