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.
Brandon Rice
Senior, ricebd@miamioh.edu
Major: Political Science Minors: Statistical Methods
Hometown: Avon, OH 44011
Campus Involvement:
- Member of Miami University Marching Band
- Member of Miami University College Democrats
- Member of Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia Fraternity (Alpha Theta Chapter)
- Member of Miami University Athletic Bands
- Member of Miami University Steel Band
Why Miami: I loved the programs inside of Miami, including our political science department here. From this instance, I decided to choose Miami because of my opportunity to rejoin the
camaraderie I found in high school that was my school’s marching band.
U.S. Congressional Member: Bob Gibbs
Ohio Senator: Nathan Manning
Ohio House Member: Dick Stein
Kristin Mallory
Junior, mallorka@miamioh.edu
Major: Civic & Regional Development
Hometown: Cincinnati, Ohio 45231
Campus Involvement:
- Member of TRiO Support Services
- Member of Miami Regional Empowerment for Determined (RED) Women
- Member of Miami University Hamilton International Club
Why Miami: I chose Miami for its reputation, affordability, and proximity to home but I stayed because of the relationships that I have fostered. Being at Miami Regionals has
not only afforded me the opportunity to pursue my passion but has given me access to many opportunities related to my interests. I have also made some lasting friendships with peers, professors, and staff members.
U.S. Congressional Member: Brad R. Wenstrup
Ohio Senator: Cecil Thomas
Ohio House Member: Sedrick Denson
Aaron Kofsky
Senior, kofskyaj@miamioh.edu
Majors: Political Science and American Studies
Hometown: Akron, OH 44333
Campus Involvement:
- Recruitment Chairman and Member of Pi Kappa Alpha Fraternity
- Steering Committee Member of the JANUS Forum
- Undergraduate Research and Teaching Associate, Department of American Studies, Dr. Helen Sheumaker
Why Miami: Miami’s Political Science department and their focus on practical and regional governmental skills is what initially attracted me to Miami, but I soon found a home in Miami. I joined my fraternity, Pi Kappa Alpha, and rose to be on our executive board. Beyond that, Miami has afforded me amazing opportunities including interning in Columbus and D.C., conducting Civil War veteran research on campus, and incredible networking across Miami’s alumni base.
U.S. Congressional Member: Marcia L. Fudge
Ohio Senator: Kristina Roegner
Ohio House Member: Bill Roemer