“Democracy is not a Spectator Sport” — Alumnus David Blair Speaks at SIC
Southeastern Illinois College was abuzz with political fervor as SIC Alumnus David Blair returned to his alma mater March 28 to share his remarkable journey from Eldorado to Washington D.C. The event, hosted by the SIC Student Government, took place in the George T. Dennis Visual & Performing Arts Center Lobby and attracted a young audience eager to gain insights into the current political landscape.
Matt Lees, political science and sociology instructor at SIC, Model Illinois Government Coach, and Student Government Co-Sponsor introduced Blair to a crowd comprised of high school students from Eldorado and Thompsonville, SIC students, and SIC faculty and staff.
“We are honored to welcome back David Blair to SIC. His journey from our local community to the national political arena is inspiring,” said Lees. “David’s message to students is exactly the one they needed to hear; ‘democracy is not a spectator sport.’”
Blair’s speech was marked by candid reflections and engaging anecdotes, offering attendees a glimpse into his experiences working on the Trump Campaign during the 2016 Election Cycle. From directing the Youth for Trump organization to his role as a presidential appointee in the office of the U.S. Secretary of Agriculture, Blair’s journey underscored the power of determination and perseverance. Today he is president of his own political consulting firm, the Blair Group.
Addressing the crowd, Blair emphasized the importance of grassroots activism and political engagement, urging attendees to embrace opportunities for civic involvement. Drawing from his own experiences, he highlighted the significance of hard work and dedication in navigating the complexities of the political arena.
“It was truly inspiring to hear David Blair speak today,” remarked Tobias Hamblin, an SIC student from Norris City. “His journey made it clear that it is possible for someone from Southern Illinois to make a difference.”
Throughout his talk, Blair encouraged attendees to challenge misconceptions about political involvement and emphasized the importance of understanding the nuances of political technology. His insights resonated with the audience, sparking thoughtful discussions and reflections on the future of American politics.
“I appreciated David’s emphasis on the importance of understanding political technology,” said Student Government President Brylee Bayer of Equality. “His message serves as a reminder that meaningful change requires not only passion but also strategic thinking and effective execution.”
As the event drew to a close, attendees expressed gratitude for Blair’s willingness to share his experiences and insights, encouraging them to play a more active role in shaping the future of their communities and the nation at large.
Southeastern Illinois College was founded in 1960 and offers more than 50 degree and certificate programs. At $110 per credit hour, SIC boasts one of the lowest tuition rates in the region. More than 70% of students receive some form of financial aid or scholarships. SIC serves 3,900 full and part-time students per year, includes locations in Harrisburg and Carmi, and employs approximately 150 full and part-time employees. Registration for summer and fall are underway. For more information, visit sic.edu.
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