Radford University students spent Feb. 3-4 at the Capitol in Richmond, Virginia, for the university’s annual Advocacy Day, an overnight experience that connects students directly with the public officials who shape higher education policy and funding.
Sponsored by the Student Government Association (SGA), Advocacy Day gives students the opportunity to advocate to members of the Virginia General Assembly on behalf of the university. This year’s trip followed a fast-paced, two-day schedule that began with an early morning departure from campus and concluded with student meetings at the General Assembly Building and time at the Capitol galleries.
For the students who participated, the purpose of Advocacy Day was clear: Show up, speak up and represent classmates who may never have the chance to have those conversations in person.
“It's great that Radford University is able to send students like us out to Richmond to be able to meet with senators and delegates, to advocate for our fellow students, and also make sure our voices are being heard,” said Owen Starr of Toano, Virginia, a senior studying cybersecurity and president of the SGA.
As the General Assembly convened, students watched from the gallery and were recognized on both floors, in the House by Del. Jason Ballard and in the Senate by Sen. Travis Hackworth. Students then observed part of the session, seeing firsthand how debate, procedure and votes unfold in real time before heading into their own meetings with legislators.
On Tuesday, Feb. 3, students met with Lt. Gov. Ghazala Hashmi that afternoon and had the opportunity to hear directly about state priorities and the role higher education plays across the commonwealth. On Wednesday morning, Feb. 4, the group visited Gov. Abigail Spanberger at the Governor’s Mansion, where students had the chance to chat with the governor and share perspectives on the student experience and higher education in Virginia.
For Veronica Vann, a senior nursing student from Richmond, the experience was personal and rooted in gratitude.
“Radford has offered me so many amazing and unique experiences, and Advocacy Day is an opportunity for me to give back to the school that has provided me so much opportunity,” she said after meeting with Hashmi. “It was an amazing and unique opportunity of being able to talk to such a powerful leader in state government. Hearing how she plans to support higher education and to support our university and hearing how her experience as a university educator has really shaped and guided some of her views on policy within Virginia.”
Across those meetings with senators, delegates and statewide leaders, students emphasized both the realities of the student experience and the issues that matter most to Radford University and Virginia higher education. In one-on-one conversations and small groups, they practiced professional advocacy, sharing stories, answering questions and learning how state decisions translate into campus impact.
Students described Advocacy Day as a way to make sure decision-makers hear directly from the people most affected by higher education policy and to stand in for classmates who aren’t in the room.
“Advocacy Day means to me the ability to voice other students' voices who aren't able to have opportunities or may not be as blessed to have opportunities like this, where we get to meet with state senators and delegates. And I honestly think it's a great way to give them (state senators and delegates) options of what we would want for our future students,” said Noah Mendiola, a freshman from Manassas, Virginia.
In addition to student participants, the Advocacy Day delegation included Radford University President Bret Danilowicz, university leadership and Board of Visitors members, continuing a tradition of bringing campus and state partners together during the legislative session. In recent years, Radford’s Advocacy Day has been recognized as a long-running program among Virginia public universities, combining experiential learning, professional networking and civic engagement.
For many students, the most lasting impact was simply seeing government up close and recognizing that the people making decisions are accessible, real and willing to listen.
“Being able to go in and talk to my representative, my senator, even to the governor about these things is quite a unique opportunity and meeting lawmakers is putting a face to it,” said junior Jakob Genest from Herndon, Virginia. “Just being able to see the faces of the people making those laws is a very unique opportunity.”
The schedule also included being recognized during a General Assembly session.
“Radford provides students a transformational experience filled with hands-on learning that ensures readiness for their chosen career,” said Susan Trageser, vice president of student affairs. “Advocacy Day is an example that gives students an opportunity to visit Richmond while practicing communication and networking skills. There is nothing more powerful or moving than hearing the excitement, passion and determination our students exude when talking about how they 'found their place' at Radford University.”
