Former Congress Members Visit Trinity University

Joe Heck and Andy Levin shared their experiences with San Antonio students during a campus Q&A session.

Updated on Oct. 15, 2026 in Civic Engagement

Former Congress Members Visit Trinity University

Live Poll

Do you feel more motivated to participate in the upcoming election after hearing from political leaders?

Former U.S. representatives Joe Heck and Andy Levin visited Trinity University to discuss their professional backgrounds and the value of education. The event included a moderated Q&A session with students at Dicke Hall 104.

Why it matters

The visit aimed to bridge the gap between former legislators and the student body to emphasize the importance of civic engagement and educational attainment. By sharing their experiences, the speakers provided firsthand insight into the function of congressional service.

The Trinity University Voter Engagement Task Force successfully collected 250 voter pledges from students. This figure meets the task force's specific goal for the campus event.

The players

Joe Heck

He is a former member of the U.S. House of Representatives who served Nevada's 3rd congressional district.

Andy Levin

He is a former member of the U.S. House of Representatives who represented Michigan's 9th congressional district.

Kyle Gillette

He served as the moderator for the Q&A session held at Trinity University.

Trinity University Voter Engagement Task Force

This campus organization is dedicated to promoting student participation in the democratic process.

The details

Kyle Gillette moderated a discussion between Heck and Levin, covering their time in office and the intersection of public policy and higher education. The session served as a platform for the Trinity University Voter Engagement Task Force to drive active political participation among the student population.

Joe Heck served in Nevada's 3rd congressional district from 2011 to 2017.
Andy Levin served in Michigan's 9th congressional district from 2019 to 2023.
The event took place at Trinity University on Oct. 6, 2026.

Political Context

This event follows the pattern of voter outreach and civic education initiatives fostered by federal standards like the Help America Vote Act. Critics often argue that such task forces may prioritize specific engagement styles that reflect institutional biases rather than diverse political viewpoints.

Students and community members can utilize campus task forces to access resources for voter registration and election preparation. These engagement efforts directly impact the ease with which individuals can participate in local and national voting cycles.

The takeaway

Engaging directly with former public officials can provide students with a deeper understanding of the legislative process and government careers. Participants should maintain this momentum by verifying their registration status ahead of upcoming election deadlines.