Ohio University student politicians embraced their differences through camaraderie, friendly banter and pie Thursday as student groups gathered in front of the Athens County Courthouse for a fundraising effort.
Proceeds from Pie a Republican, Pie a Democrat went toward College Republicans and College Democrats as a crowd of about 20 smashed pastries during the early-morning hours.
The premise is as simple as it sounds: People walking by could pay $1 to put a pie in the face of someone in the party of their choosing. The groups decided to stage the event in order to put aside their differences and acknowledge their similarities.
“It’s a good bipartisan effort,” said Ryan Dilworth, president of the College Republicans. “It comes just after a pretty personal election, and it’s a good way to show that it’s not always about politics. It is a good way to come together and just be college students for once.”
College Democrats President Nick Tuell shares those sentiments.
“This is a good way to put politics aside and show why we’re all really here,” Tuell said. “This is a symbol of us coming together and shows how we want to be bridging Bobcats.”
Given natural party tension between the two student organizations, Marika Bresler, one of the college politicians eligible to receive a pie in the face, appreciates what this event is doing for the parties’ relationship on a college level.
“We have a lot more in common than not,” Bresler said. “We’re two groups that are involved young in something we believe in, and we’re spending tonight embracing that.”
When asked how she felt about getting pies thrown in her face all night, Bresler was pleasantly positive.
“I think it’s hilarious,” Bresler said. “It’s very cold because it’s a pretty cold night, but it brings us together. And I think that’s the point.”
As much as the groups are doing this for the sake of throwing differences to the wind, some attendees were just looking for the chance to hit someone with a pie.
“I got to hit my girlfriend with a pie,” OU senior Thom Schottelkotte said. “I also want to help them raise money, but I’m glad I got to put a pie in her face without getting in trouble.”
io312410@ohiou.edu
