Hoyer honored with leadership award

When House Minority Whip Steny Hoyer (D) came to the campus last night to receive an award for his political leadership, he used his breadth of experience as the highest-ranking member of Congress in the state's history to field a wide variety of questions.

At the more than 90-minute event, the university's Center for American Politics and Citizenship awarded Hoyer — a university alumnus who represents this university in the state's 5th Congressional District — with the Millard E. Tydings Award for Courage and Leadership in American Politics in recognition of his leadership in promoting international political prisoner rights, gay rights in the military and the right to vote.

"Congressman Hoyer … has been a paramount of principle, courageous leadership in an era of polarized politics," said University System of Maryland Chancellor Brit Kirwan. "He has also been an eloquent voice of reason and rationality."

During a question-and-answer session, Hoyer discussed topics ranging from retirement plans to next year's election and Social Security to Pell Grants.

"I want you to believe that America is going to make it," he said.

Though Hoyer discussed many contemporary political topics, his message to young people was clear: "You ought to be very angry," he said. "You have a much bigger stake in what's going on … [this] will impact your lives over the long term."

Several students said Hoyer's message encouraged college students to be politically active — especially in an unstable economic climate.

"I think we should be looking out for ways to help our economy because … it's our world now," said freshman government and politics major Tiffany Cox. "It's on us."

marcot@umdbk.com