CNN and The New York Times Hosted the Fourth 2019 Democratic Presidential Debate at Otterbein on October 15.

Otterbein University (Westerville, OH) — The Democratic National Committee, in partnership with CNN and The New York Times co-hosted a Democratic Presidential Debate at Otterbein University on Tuesday, October 15. “This is a historic opportunity for our students to join in the democratic process,” said Otterbein President John Comerford. “This university has a proud history of growing an informed, engaged citizenry. Our students will have a front row seat to the power of democracy.”

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Debate Day Videos

Rike Center Debate Transformation

Watch the #Otterbein Rike Center transform for tonight's Democratic Presidential Debate in this timelapse video! #OnlyOtterbein #OtterbeinPresDebate #DemDebate

Posted by Otterbein University on Tuesday, 15 October 2019

Rike Center Debate Transformation

Live from inside the debate hall

We're inside the debate hall where the national anthem and other pre-show activities are taking place, including remarks from DNC Chairman Tom Perez. The CNN/New York Times Democratic Presidential Debate begins at 8pm ET. Watch the debate live on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/cnn/videos/432851704032717

Posted by CNN on Tuesday, 15 October 2019

President Comerford Addresses the Debate Audience

Broadway star Jordan Donica performs the national anthem

Broadway star Jordan Donica performs the national anthem ahead of the #DemDebate in Westerville, Ohio :notes:https://cnn.it/2BqVrYV

Posted by Erin Burnett OutFront on Tuesday, 15 October 2019

Broadway and TV Star Alumnus Jordan Donica '16 Performs National Anthem

Debate Day On Campus

Otterbein football players practiced in Memorial Stadium as preparations for the Democratic Debate are ongoing.
CNN anchor Wolf Blitzer and other media representatives were on campus and spent time with Otterbein students.
Reporters from the New York Times hosted a panel discussion before the debate watch party in Cowan Hall.
Cowan Hall was dressed up to host the New York Times pre-debate discussion and watch party.
The Rike Center underwent an impressive transformation in order to host the Democratic Presidential Debate.

The Clements Center hosted the CNN "Spin Room" and provided workspace for hundreds of members of the media.

Democratic Presidential Candidates at Otterbein

Amy Klobuchar At Otterbein 1 E1571344298414 1
Sen. Amy Klobuchar
Andrew Yang At Otterbein
Andrew Yang
Beto Orourke At Otterbein
Beto O'Rourke
Cory Booker Statements At Otterbein
Sen. Cory Booker
Elizabeth Warren Commentary At Otterbein
Sen. Elizabeth Warren
Julian Castro At Otterbein
Julián Castro
Kamala Harris At Otterbein
Sen. Kamala Harris
Tom Steyer At Otterbein
Tom Steyer

Note: some candidates were not available after the debate. All photos on this page were taken by Otterbein photographers.

For inquiries related to Otterbein University, please contact:

Roberto Ponce
Executive Director of Marketing & Communications
ponce1@otterbein.edu
(614) 823-1285
(614) 704-7057 (cell)

Jenny Hill ’05
Director of Communications
jhill@otterbein.edu 
(614) 823-1284
(614) 370-3221 (cell)

For more information about Otterbein University, see the summary below or download our welcome guide (PDF).

I believe that higher education has a large role to play in the preservation of democracy, so it is an honor for Otterbein to be part of this event. We are excited to share Otterbein’s remarkable campus and community with a global audience.

President John L. Comerford, Ph.D., Otterbein University >

About Otterbein University

Otterbein University proudly stands as one of the most innovative and inclusive universities in the country.

Since its founding in 1847, Otterbein has been recognized for its pace-setting ideals, for its ground-breaking integrative studies curriculum, its standing among the country’s first co-education institutions, and its commitment to serve the public good.

Otterbein continues to boldly anticipate its responsibilities to advancing a greater good. The Point, the new home to an accelerated incubator of innovation, is designed to bring industry, education and community together in one space. With industry tenants ranging from small start-ups to corporations like Nestle and JPMorgan Chase, The Point is growing an entrepreneurial ecosystem that takes product and process from ideation to the marketplace.

Nothing is more important to Otterbein than educating the whole student. Combining the smartest way to learn with hands-on experience and our long-standing values, Otterbein prepares scholars, professionals and leaders who advance their professions and their communities.

As a regionally-accredited university, Otterbein offers more than 70 undergraduate academic programs, graduate programs in allied health, education, educational mathematics, MBA, nursing and a doctor of nursing practice, as well as professional development programs. We are regarded nationally for our educational experience with additional recognition of our signature programs in theatre and dance, zoo and conservation science, engineering (systems and mechanical), equine science and nursing.

Otterbein’s perfect location in picturesque Westerville, Ohio — just minutes away from downtown Columbus — makes internships and networking worldwide a reality for undergraduate and graduate students.

Learn more about Otterbein >

Otterbein Fast Facts:

Location: Westerville, Ohio
Founded: 1847
Control: Private not-for-profit
Carnegie Classification: Master’s Colleges & Universities
Size & Setting: Four-year, small, highly residential
Enrollment: 3,000
President: John Comerford, Ph.D.
Colors: Tan and Cardinal
Mascot: Cardinal