Former Presidential Candidate Speaks to Middlesex CC Students

Middlesex Community College welcomed Fred Karger – an activist, author, political consultant and the first openly gay U.S. presidential candidate – for a visit on the college’s Lowell campus on Tuesday, February 22. During his visit, he emphasized the importance of talking about LGBTQ+ history, particularly with students.

“I very much enjoyed my meeting here and talking to students at Middlesex,” Karger said. “It’s the future of our country – colleges, universities – so it’s important to reach out to the students here and encourage them. I’m trying to travel around the country and get students active in politics and civil rights because this is how change happens.”

With over 30 years in politics – including work on nine presidential campaigns – Karger made a run for president for the 2012 election as a moderate Republican candidate. Although he did not go on to become the party’s nominee, he was considered a serious candidate and was included in the polls and qualified to participate in a debate.

Karger’s visit with Middlesex was organized by Deb Fowler, Co-founder and Executive Director of History UnErased. He spent time talking with Phil Sisson, MCC’s President, and Arlene Rodríguez, MCC’s Interim Provost and Vice President of Academic and Student Affairs, and answered questions from an audience of students and employees of the college.

“We are fortunate to work at an institution where representation and inclusion matters,” President Sisson said. “As one of the first in the state to include an opportunity to self-report on the application, we’ve also had a preferred name policy for a long time and have been very progressive. Karger’s history and commitment to this work is remarkable. We’re delighted he could come speak with students and thank him for his candor in making progress and advocating for change.”

As part of the conversation, Karger mentioned that one of his inspirations for running for president was Robert F. Gentry, the first openly gay mayor of Laguna Beach. During his campaign – and in his work thereafter – Karger worked to take action against those who fought against equality. In speaking at high schools and institutions across the country, Karger wanted people to know “you can do anything you want in life if you’re LGBTQ+, even run for president.”

“Today was really insightful,” said MCC student Erick Maldonado. “I didn’t know the history behind what Fred was doing and it was really eye-opening to see that there is a history of individuals who really care about the LGBTQ+ community and are open to really making changes in this world.”

To young people, Karger said, “get involved and stay involved; do well in school and work hard.”

Register now for MCC’s Spring Mini-mester II, starting on Monday, March 28. For more information, visit www.middlesex.mass.edu/registration/ or call 1-800-818-3434.

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