Iowa is home to the first-in-the-nation presidential caucuses, a distinction our state has held since 1972. And throughout the years, DMACC has been recognized as an important stop for candidates because of the leadership role we serve in educating Iowa’s workforce, supporting our community and improving lives.
Conversations with Presidential Candidates
In 2019, DMACC played an important role in the caucus process by hosting and engaging most of the presidential candidates. DMACC partnered with Iowa PBS on a new forum series – “Conversations With The Presidential Candidates” – hosted on the DMACC Ankeny Campus. The series provided a unique opportunity for students and community members to hear directly from the candidates. Participants included Sen. Cory Booker, former Vice President Joe Biden, former Rep. Beto O’Rourke, Sen. Kamala Harris, Sen. Amy Klobuchar and former Mayor Pete Buttigieg.
DMACC College Visits
In addition, many candidates made informal visits to the College. A few examples include:
Former Colorado Gov. John Hickenlooper arriving on campus in his new Winnebago and getting a driving lesson from DMACC President Denson, who proudly maintains his commercial trucking license
Dr. Jill Biden, wife of candidate and former Vice President Joe Biden, listening intently to DMACC students during a walking tour of our in-demand career and technical programs
Washington Gov. Jay Inslee marveling at the DMACC wind turbine on our Ankeny Campus while speaking with local media members about wind energy.
The DMACC Newton Campus hosted Senator’s Cory Booker, Elizabeth Warren, and Bernie Sanders; Tom Steyer; Mayor Pete Buttegeig and Vice President Joe Biden
The DMACC Carroll Campus hosted Senator Kirsten Gillibrand and Andrew Yang
