OLMA Grad To Be Up Close at Presidential Debate

An Our Lady of Mercy Academy graduate will get an opportunity Tuesday night to be apart of American political history when President Obama and Mitt Romney square off in the second presidential debate on the Nassau County campus.

Ashley Negilia, of Seaford, will be among the Hofstra students volunteering to help put on the big debate being held inside the David S. Mack Sports and Exhibition Complex starting at 9 p.m. Tuesday. Hofstra also received an opportunity to host the final presidential debate in 2008 between then Senator Obama and Sen. John McCain, R-Ariz.

Neglia will be acting as an usher during the debate, which will be in a town hall style format moderated by CNN's Candy Crowley. There will be plenty on the line at Hofstra after Obama dropped behind Romney in the polls following his performance in the first debate at the University of Denver on Oct. 3.

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"When I heard about the chance to volunteer in the presidential debate, I knew I had to take advantage of this once in a lifetime opportunity," said Neglia, a junior at Hofstra double majoring in English and History with a minor in Sociology. "I recognized Hofstra's hosting of the Presidential Debate may be my only chance to be a part of American history. Volunteering seemed like the best way to participate in one of the greatest experiences ever presented to me and to represent Hofstra the best way I can."

Neglia, who is a member of Radio Hofstra University (WRHU) where she hosts an indie music show on Monday nights, said she would ultimately like to become a college professor. She also serves as a tour guide in the Hofstra Office of Admissions and works at the F. Scott Fitzgerald Society.

On Tuesday night, Neglia may see in person a moment that helps decides the 2012 race for the White House.