Page 6 - Newsletter

When we asked her to share her thoughts on being part of history in the
making in the naming of Hillary Clinton as the Democratic Presidential
nominee, Kathy said: "When our delegation voted for Secretary Clinton, and
after all the votes were tallied, I felt a sense of

extreme pride that I was a part of history helping to nominate Secretary
Clinton as the first woman to be nominated by a major political party for
President. As a mom of an almost 2-year-old daughter, that moment meant
so much to me. I will treasure the experience and share it with my children
and grandchildren."

We are very proud of our many alumnae who volunteered during the DNC. A
national political convention is a huge historic event and a dramatic show biz
production as well. The big stars of the show are constantly seen in print,
and on TV screens and computer screens. However, we should always
remember that behind every major player, there is a host of workers who do
everyday jobs that are vital for the success of major productions.

Margaret (Peggy) Beecham (June 1966)
served as a volunteer at the DNC. She sent
us this account, which gives a vivid picture of
the work of a volunteer. Peggy wrote, "I
registered to be a volunteer for the 2016 DNC
in February, after reading that the Host
Committee was seeking 10,000 individuals to
serve in various capacities leading up to and
during the July convention. We received web-
based general training in June, assignment

selections early in July, and instructions for Margaret "Peggy " Beecham's bird's eye view of the DNC
picking up blue volunteer T-shirts and tags. at the Wells Fargo Center.

We were invited to a festive Volunteer Kick-

Off Party with food, speakers, music, and lots of fun at the Great Plaza at

Penn’s Landing. Days before the July 25 start of the DNC, I learned that I

had been assigned to be a Hall Access Control Volunteer at the Wells Fargo

Center! Training for that role was done in person at the PA Convention

Center the weekend before the DNC. We first were instructed about a critical

responsibility, that of calmly directing attendees to safety should an

emergency requiring evacuation arise.

The primary duties of Hall Access Control Volunteers were to check
credentials for delegates, the media, and anyone seeking entry into the
arena for seating; direct them to their seats or locations; and answer any
questions they might have. Credentials were color-coded using 7 colors, and
displayed the day, date, and access location permitted for the holder. For
security reasons, credentials were issued anew each day of the Convention.