The Gustavus group on the steps of the State Office Building (Photo by Matt Thomas).
A group of approximately 25 Gustavus Adolphus College students and staff, including President Jack R. Ohle, traveled north to St. Paul on Wednesday, March 14 to advocate for need-based student financial aid through the Minnesota State Grant Program.
This academic year, 742 Gustavus students received state grants with an average award amount of $3,611. In total, more than $2.6 million in state grant awards are being made to Gustavus students this year.
Those who participated in the Day at the Capitol event had a chance to speak with key lawmakers about the importance of the Minnesota State Grant Program, visit with Gustavus alumni who work in the legislature, and tour the Capitol building.
President Jack R. Ohle meets with Rep. Morrow and Rep. Thissen (Photo by Matt Thomas).
Several Gustavus students had a chance to participate in a 30-minute meeting with State Representative and Gustavus professor Terry Morrow about various issues surrounding higher education. President Ohle was able to meet with several key lawmakers as well, including Representative Morrow, House Minority Leader Paul Thissen and State Senator and Gustavus alumnus Ted Lillie ’79.
The day concluded with an hour long panel of Gustavus alumni addressing Gustavus students about the political process and answering questions the students had. The panel included Representative Morrow, Representative Mindy Greiling ’70, Communications Director for the Minnesota Department of Commerce Matt Swenson ’06, Legislative Analyst Rebecca Pirius ’98, Committee Administrator for the Minnesota Senate Amy Berger ’01, Director of Government Affairs for the Metropolitan Council Judd Schetnan ’94, Legislative Assistant Carmen Carter ’03, House Chaplain Grady St. Dennis ’92, and Director of Marketing and Development for the Minnesota women’s campaign fund womenwinning Meagan Bachmayer ’08.
Gustavus students and Rep. Terry Morrow (Photo by Matt Thomas).
If you are a Gustavus student and are interested in getting involved in the 2013 Day at the Capitol event, contact Interim Vice President for Marketing and Communication Tim Kennedy at 507-933-6395 or tkennedy@gustavus.edu.
Day at the Capitol is produced by the Minnesota Private College Council and allows students to learn how to become effective advocates while urging state legislators to support Minnesota students.
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Media Contact: Director of Media Relations and Internal Communication Luc Hatlestad
luch@gustavus.edu
507-933-7510