The Virginia Legislature meets the CVPA

Face-to-face Radford University College of Visual and Performing Arts students told members of the Virginia Legislature about the positive impact the university has made in their lives.

Five students from the college visited Richmond Feb. 9 and 10 for the 2016 Radford University Advocacy Day. Undergraduates from the Department of Music included Rachel Colby, Jasmine McCormick and Lauren Milburn. Music graduate student Andrew Weed and dance/psychology double major Rachel Gattoni also attended.

To prepare student participants for this two-day trip, the Radford University Student Government Association hosted three mandatory training sessions. These meetings covered etiquette with political figures and what to expect. In addition, students researched the different politicians and their policies.

Also attending Advocacy Day were President Penelope Kyle, Board of Visitors members Mary Ann Hovis and Callie Dalton, and Student Affairs administrators.

Richmond events included a tour of the Executive Mansion and dinner with Board of Visitors member Mary Ann Hovis. Then there was a group photo opportunity with Governor McAuliffe and advocacy group meetings with Legislators and staff.

According to Colby, a senior music education major, her team spoke to Delegate O’Quinn, Senator Edwards, Senator Chafin, Delegate Yost and Senator Carrico. They discussed the university’s new renovations and buildings, as well as the recent accomplishments of their departments.

“My favorite moment was talking to Senator Chafin, who represents the City of Radford and surrounding areas,” Colby said, “We were able to discuss a new way of music learning and gain his interest. He was very intrigued with the research we presented and was very interested in coming down to Radford to sit in on some of our classes to learn more. He even mentioned us when addressing the Senate floor! That was pretty awesome!”