Amid a historic state budget crisis, 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’s Day at the Capitol will be shared with Macalester College and Bethel University and is scheduled for Thursday, March 4.
“Our advocacy is crucial this year,” said Day at the Capitol co-chair Matt Olson ’10. “More than 84,000 Minnesota college students receive this grant, and the program is facing a $42 million deficit for the biennium.”
This academic year, 727 Gustavus students received state grants with an average award amount of $3,742.
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.
“We’ve got a great day planned,” said Day at the Capitol coordinator Brittany Richardson ’11. “People will learn a lot, have fun, and make a difference on an issue that really matters.”
At 7:15 a.m. participants will meet at the three flags, where they will board buses for St. Paul. At the Capitol, they will speak with key lawmakers about the importance of the Minnesota State Grant Program, hear from Gustavus alumni who work in the legislature, tour the Capitol, and enjoy dinner out together before arriving back to campus at approximately 7:30 p.m. An alternate bus will depart the Capitol at 1 p.m. for any participants who need to get back to campus earlier.
For Gustavus students, the day is free of charge including lunch, dinner, and transportation. “We appreciate the financial support that makes this event possible,” said Day at the Capitol co-chair Derek Holm ’10, acknowledging significant contributions from Student Senate and the Campus Activities Board, as well as several campus offices and departments.
Faculty, staff, alumni, parents, and others impacted by the State Grant Program are also encouraged to attend. Sign up is available online at http://www.mnprivatecolleges.org/events/day.php.
If you have questions about Gustavus’s Day at the Capitol you may contact Vice President for Marketing and Communication Gwen Freed at 507-933-6355 or gfreed@gustavus.edu. You may also contact Brittany Richardson at brichard@gustavus.edu.
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