Delegate Ballard presents House commendation honoring 25 years of Radford University Advocacy Day

For a quarter-century, Radford University students have walked the halls of Virginia’s Capitol to tell their story. This week, lawmakers returned the favor, honoring Advocacy Day with an official House resolution for its lasting impact on student leadership and civic engagement. 

Virginia Del. Jason Ballard recognized Radford University’s long-running Advocacy Day program during Monday’s Student Government Association (SGA) meeting, presenting an official House of Delegates resolution commending the initiative on its 25th anniversary. President Bret Danilowicz joined SGA leaders and students for the presentation. 

Agreed to by the House of Delegates on Feb. 3, 2025, the resolution celebrates a quarter-century of Advocacy Day and its impact on student learning, leadership and civic engagement. Launched in 2000, the program grew from three students to about 50 each year; more than 600 Highlanders have participated to date. The resolution also notes Radford’s strong in-state student presence and alumni network in Virginia and commends the university for providing a “life-changing experience” through Advocacy Day.

Advocacy Day immerses students in Virginia’s legislative process each January through small-group meetings with delegates and senators, tours of the Capitol complex, and networking with state leaders. Students speak with lawmakers about their Radford experience and university priorities, gaining first-hand exposure to public service and professional networking.

During the meeting, Ballard reflected on student engagement at the Capitol and the value of hearing directly from Highlanders who represent every college and major.

“Radford University’s Advocacy Day is an amazing event where students get to learn about Virginia’s legislative process, meet legislators and other government officials, and actually get to advocate for policies that are important to you,” Ballard said. “When I talk to my colleagues in the General Assembly, they are continually impressed by Radford’s strong showing during each year’s legislative session due to not only the time commitment involved in getting to Richmond, but also with how prepared students are to advocate for policies in a professional manner. This is a true testament to Radford University as an institution that prepares students with the skills necessary to succeed after they graduate.”

As Ballard pointed to Radford’s strong showing at the Capitol, SGA President Owen Starr offered the student vantage point: the doors it opens, the mentors it reveals and the issues students bring forward.

“I’ve been on Advocacy Day for 2 years now, this will be my third year,” Starr said. “I’ve loved it because it’s a great experience for meeting the legislators that are representing you, advocating for student, advocating for Radford, great networking opportunities, learning about how these politicians and people who work in government got to the positions they are in, and also the fact they are willing to hear from students like us and the issues we are facing.”  

Building on Starr’s remarks, President Danilowicz underscored the program’s lasting impact.

“I am grateful to Delegate Ballard for honoring this milestone for Advocacy Day, a hallmark of the student experience at Radford University,” Danilowicz said. “Each of the more than 600 students who have participated over the 25 years has returned to our campus with a stronger voice, deeper confidence, and a renewed commitment to service.”

Recruitment for Advocacy Day 2026 is underway. The event will take place February 3-4, 2026. Any student from any major may apply; costs for transportation, lodging and planned activities are covered by SGA and Student Affairs. Selected students will complete training sessions covering Virginia governance, advocacy topics, etiquette, and logistics. Learn more and watch for application details on the Dean of Students website.

Radford’s 25th Advocacy Day earlier this year included student meetings with legislators, recognition on the House and Senate floors, and conversations with state leaders, experiences students described as confidence-building, career-shaping and uniquely Radford.