Brandywine student leaders share Penn State’s impact with legislators

MEDIA, Pa. – Six Penn State Brandywine student leaders shared their Penn State stories with elected officials in Harrisburg during Advocate Penn State Capital Day on April 9. They were among more than 200 students from across Penn State’s campuses who met in the state Capitol to advocate for the University’s annual state appropriation, which supports lower tuition for Pennsylvania resident students and Penn State programs that have an important impact across the commonwealth.

Student leaders representing Brandywine were:

• Ava Elliott, president of the Brandywine Math Club
• Madison Ollis, vice president of Brandywine’s Student Government Association and internal chair of Brandywine Benefitting THON
• Philippe Latour, vice president of the Brandywine Entrepreneurship Club and Brandywine Benefitting THON dancer
• Timothy McClure, member of Student Government Association, the Student Initiated Fee Committee, and MarComm Club
• Natalie Suda, vice president of Lion Ambassadors and resident assistant
• Esha Thawani, resident assistant and member of Brandywine Benefitting THON

The Brandywine students appreciated the opportunity to have their voices heard by their elected officials. Between scheduled meetings and impromptu conversations, the students spoke with Reps. Lisa Borowski, Gina Curry, Leanne Krueger, Chris Pielli and Craig Williams. They also met with staff for Sens. Jay Costa, John Kane and Tim Kearney and Rep. Jennifer O’Mara.

“Capital Day was such a meaningful experience. Having the opportunity to meet with legislators and advocate for the issues that matter to Penn State students reminded me of the power our voices hold,” Ollis said. “It was inspiring to see so many passionate individuals come together to create change.”

“Capital Day was a remarkable opportunity: harvesting connections with fellow Penn State students across all campuses and advocating for fair funding to Pennsylvania representatives and senators,” Elliott added.

“Brandywine students were granted a personal tour of the Senate, where we had the opportunity to speak with Capitol staff regarding the maintenance and history behind the chamber itself,” Elliott continued. “As for meetings, my personal favorites were with Rep. Craig Williams and Rep. Gina Curry. Everyone provided promising insights regarding the future of funding for our institution.”

Capital Day made students even more proud to be Penn Staters.

“Going to the Pennsylvania State Capitol for the first time was amazing. The building was huge and beautiful, and I felt proud to be there for Penn State,” Suda said. “When I talked with legislators and their staff, I told them how more funding could really help students like me. It made me see how important it is to speak up and be part of the conversation. It was a great feeling to be making an impact and help future Penn State students.”

Brandywine Director of Strategic Communications Bill Tyson, who escorted the students to Harrisburg, said he was inspired by the students who shared their stories with legislators.

“Advocate Penn State Capital Day was a great opportunity for Brandywine students to meet directly with legislators and key staff to share their experiences and to advocate for fair state funding for Penn State students,” Tyson said. “It was inspiring to hear them share their Penn State stories and how our campus has impacted them. The day was a great learning experience for our students, most of whom had not previously been to the state Capitol.”

Brandywine students, faculty, staff and alumni also participated in the virtual advocacy component of Capital Day, sending emails to their elected officials.

Sponsored by Advocate Penn State and Penn State’s Office of Government and Community Relations, Advocate Penn State Capital Day serves as the University’s largest single-day advocacy event. It offers an opportunity to demonstrate the impact of Penn State on the commonwealth while advocating for an accessible and affordable world-class education.