Hundreds of students and financial aid supporters from Gustavus Adolphus College and other Minnesota private colleges and universities will gather at the state Capitol this spring to advocate for need-based student financial aid. Gustavus’ Day at the Capitol will be shared with Hamline University and St. Mary’s University and is scheduled for Thursday, March 5.
Day at the Capitol is produced by the Minnesota Private College Council (MPCC) and allows students to learn how to become effective advocates while urging state legislators to support Minnesota students. Currently more than 80,000 Minnesota undergraduate students receive need-based aid through the State Grant Program. The average State Grant award for Gustavus students for 2007 was $3,751.
“Minnesota families borrowed more than $1.2 billion in 2007 to pay for higher education,” Gustavus senior Julia Kruchoski said. “With more than 80,000 students receiving need-based aid through the State Grant Program, it’s important that we ask our legislators to relieve the burden of increasing tuition costs on Minnesota families.”
At 7:30 a.m. participants will meet at the three flags where they will board a bus for St. Paul. At the Capitol, participants will speak with key lawmakers about the importance of this issue, hear from Gustavus alumni who work in the legislature, and tour the Capitol before returning to campus at approximately 7:30 p.m.
For Gustavus students, the day is free of charge including lunch, dinner, and transportation. Faculty, staff, alumni, parents, and others impacted by the State Grant Program are also encouraged to attend. Sign up is available online at ga6.org/mnprivatecolleges/capitol.html.
If you have questions about Gustavus’ Day at the Capitol you may contact Vice President of Marketing and Communication Gwen Freed at 507-933-6355 or gfreed@gustavus.edu. You may also contact Kruchoski at jkruchos@gustavus.edu.
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Media Contact: Director of Media Relations and Internal Communication Luc Hatlestad
luch@gustavus.edu
507-933-7510