By Celena Glaghassi, Assistant News Editor
On Wednesday, April 22, the Gettysburg College Republicans invited Pennsylvania state Rep. Catherine Wallen to their annual Lincoln Legacy Dinner to speak about leadership, patriotism and public service. The event ran from 6-8 p.m. and was held in Pennsylvania Hall Lyceum. Ella Hansen ’28 began the event by introducing the speaker, Catherine Wallen.
Wallen represents the 193rd Legislative District in the Pennsylvania House of Representatives, serving parts of Adams and Cumberland counties. Before being elected to office in March 2026, Wallen spent eight years serving as the district director for the 193rd Legislative District, where she was also born and raised. In her role as district director, she established long-term relationships with residents and local leaders to help make the communities across the district better places to live, study and work. Wallen also owns and operates Orchard Views LLC, a small family farm in York Springs, where she resides with her husband, Dave. In her role as representative, she advocates strongly for the agriculture community in her district.
In her opening remarks, Wallen reflected on the significance of Gettysburg as a location directly tied to the legacy of President Abraham Lincoln. She noted that the setting provided a meaningful backdrop for discussions about national identity— particularly as the United States approaches its 250th anniversary.
Representative Catherine Wallen answering a question. (Photo Celena Glaghassi/The Gettysburgian)
Wallen structured her speech around three central themes: patriotism, public service and civic responsibility. She described patriotism as “not about politics… not about slogans, and it is not about perfection. Patriotism is about commitment.”
She continued, explaining that it is “about believing that our country is worth preserving, worth improving, worth serving.”
Expanding this idea, she emphasized that civic engagement plays a key role in sustaining democratic institutions. “Patriotism is not just demonstrated on battlefields… it is demonstrated in communities… when citizens choose to participate in the life of their country.”
She then transformed to her second theme, public service— stating that “public service is not just something elected officials do. Public service is something citizens do.” She encouraged students to recognize their own leadership capacity, adding that “leadership does not begin when you hold a title. Leadership begins when you accept responsibility.”
Throughout her remarks, Wallen returned to the influence of Lincoln’s legacy, noting that the responsibility to preserve democratic values extends across generations. Referencing the historical significance of Gettysburg, she explained that “preserving liberty is not a one-time achievement; it is an ongoing responsibility.
Following her prepared speech, Wallen opened the floor to questions from the audience. When asked about her early experience in the office, she described both the excitement and challenges of her new role. “The most exciting moment for me was the very first time I pushed the button to let them know I was in the room,” she said.
Wallen also acknowledged the learning curve associated with her position, noting the importance of adjusting to the legislative process and “learning to not voice my opinion too soon… kind of listen before I speak.”
In response to a question about elections and political engagement, Wallen emphasized the importance of informed voting. “When you’re voting for someone, know who you’re voting for… do your research,” she said, encouraging attendees to take an active role in understanding candidates and issues.
To conclude the event, Wallen left the audience with some parting words: “serving your community and serving the people in your community— it’s not a cliche— it’s the best feeling.”
Members of the Gettysburg College Republicans with Wallen. (Photo Celena Glaghassi/The Gettysburgian)
