2019 Government Relations Network Alternative Spring Break Advocacy and Leadership Conference
Over spring break, 65 Miami University students and Miami University’s President will participate in the Government Relations Network Alternative Spring Break Advocacy and Leadership Conference. During the Conference, students will meet with members of the Ohio Congressional Delegation and members of the Ohio General Assembly. In these meetings, students will advocate for higher education and Miami University by sharing their own Miami experiences with members and staff. Students will present to members and staff undergraduate research and experiential learning opportunities that they have engaged in at two poster sessions, one on Capitol Hill and the other at the Ohio Statehouse. Students will also hear from state and federal policymakers on leadership, citizenship, and advocacy.
Here’s a look at a few of our participants.
Mekel Chapman
Sophomore, chapmam5@miamioh.edu
Major: Chemical Engineering Minors: Process Control and Paper Science
Hometown: Cleveland, OH 44128
Campus Involvement:
- Member of Miami University Student Technical Association of the Pulp and Paper Industry (TAPPI)
- Member of Government Relations Network
Why Miami: I chose to attend Miami University because of its beautiful campus, home-like atmosphere and generous scholarship offering. It was very important that I was comfortable at school and not placing a financial burden on my family. I also was very impressed by Miami’s Paper Science Program. I chose Miami because they could help me find opportunities that other colleges may not have been able to help me with.
U.S. Congressional Member: Marcia L. Fudge
Ohio Senator: Kenny Yuko
Ohio House Member: Juanita O. Bren
Lauren Poythress
Junior, poythrl@miamioh.edu
Majors: Psychology and Black World Studies
Hometown: Carmel, IN 46033
Campus Involvement:
- Chief of Staff, Miami University Office of Institutional Relations
- President of Bridges Scholars
- Vice President of National Black Law Association
- Student Court Justice
- Government Relations Network Member
Why Miami: I chose Miami for the school’s reputation and the opportunities it could give me for the future. Miami has already helped me to make major steps toward reaching my goal of civil rights lawyer through the support, encouragement, and personal connections I have made with professors within and outside of my majors. My experiences during my first semester alone helped me feel confident and prepared enough to pursue this opportunity on my own.
U.S. Congressional Member: Susan W. Brooks
Matthew Vito
Sophomore, vitomj@miamioh.edu
Major: Mechanical Engineering
Hometown: Kirtland, OH 44094
Campus Involvement:
- Vice-chair of the Dean of Libraries Student Advisory Board
- Member of the 8th cohort of the Lockheed Martin Leadership Institute (STEM)
- Member of Engineers without Borders (STEM)
- Member of the Archery Club
Why Miami: The first time I stepped on Miami’s campus I knew that this was the place I would go to college. I knew that this was the place I would become more mature and build intangible qualities that no other school could. Having a connection to this school has made innumerable connections for me in the engineering world and I can not wait to see where the next two and a half years will take me.
U.S. Congressional Member: Joyce, David
Ohio Senator: Sean J.O.
Ohio House Member: Jamie Callender
