Roanoke Magazine talks politics

On May 23, the Roanoke College Institute for Policy and Opinion Research released the results of its latest electoral poll, showing that likely presidential nominees Donald Trump and Hillary Clinton were tied in Virginia among likely voters, but that neither were viewed favorably by the electorate.

Within 24 hours, the poll findings were among the headlines in The Washington Post, Washington Times, Huffington Post, The Hill, and in newspapers and TV news broadcasts across Virginia.

Virginia is a battleground state, and the nation takes note of poll results of voters who live there. That has meant greater attention to the work of the College's Institute for Policy and Opinion Research-IPOR for short.

The story of IPOR-its history, its evolution and the people responsible for its rise to national prominence-is featured in the upcoming issue of Roanoke College magazine.

"IPOR and its work makes a contribution to the citizens of Virginia and their understanding of civic affairs," says Roanoke College President Michael C. Maxey. "With the 2016 presidential election and Virginia's role as a swing state, IPOR's work will be worth watching more than ever."

While we're talking politics, the magazine also includes a story about the Lutheran College Washington Semester program and the vast experiential opportunities it offers Roanoke students. Two of this year's students interned at the White House. One interned at the State Department, another at the Department of Homeland Security.

"I was at the heart of it all," says Nolan Webb '17, who interned in the office of U.S. Rep. Bob Goodlatte. "There is nothing in the classroom that can prepare you for working at the crucible of American democracy."

Look for the new Roanoke College magazine soon-in mailboxes and online.