Students from across the state of Tennessee convened in Washington, DC last weekend for the College Democrat National Convention, which coincided with the DNC winter meeting in the nation's capital. Delegates from across the state were able to hear presidential hopefuls speak and were able to learn how to organize campus events to raise support for Democratic candidates in their home town.

"It was really an experience to be able to hear all the candidates speak. It really made me feel as if I could make a difference," said delegate Tyler Junion from University of Tennessee-Knoxville.

While in Washington the delegates from Tennessee also held their state convention in an overcrowded room of students from schools all across the state with the goal to elect new officers for the upcoming year.

Three of these new officers attend UTM, which now is home to more officers on the TFCD executive board than at any other university.

Wil Hammond, a junior at UTM, was unanimously elected by the delegates to be this year's President of the Tennessee Federation of College Democrats. Hammond brings many years of experience to the table and has big plans the up coming the year.

"I'm looking forward to serving the Tennessee Federation of College Democrats. I believe that we can make a difference and truly have an effect on the political system here in the great state of Tennessee," Hammond stated. " As president of the Tennessee Federation College Democrats, I challenge every college student to go out and become involved in our organization and help shape the government of our state."

Judith Hill, also a student at UTM was elected to be the Vice President of Membership for the Tennessee Federation of College Democrats.

"Hill has the know-how and experience to handle this position," Hammond said. "The position of Membership Director takes a lot of time and dedication, but I feel without a doubt that Judith with definitely make gains in increasing membership statewide."

Matt Maxey, a student at UTM was elected to be the TFCD's new secretary treasure. Maxey, who is an active student on campus, has plenty of experience and has set high goals for the Tennessee Federation of College Democrats.

"I am determined to set up a realistic plan that allows us to increase our resource goals and maximize their potential for as many projects as possible," said Maxey. "For with high resource goals we can set high hopes for future projects to help spread our message to college campuses across the state."

Other officers elected include James Bart Pickett for Executive Vice President, Sewanee, Joseph Rayzor for Communications Director, University of Tennessee-Knoxville, David Darwin for Vice President Legislative Affairs at Vanderbilt, and Caroline Howe for Vice President Diversity Action, Sewanee.

For more information about College Democrats visit tfcd.org, or visit your local chapter.