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.
Jacob Selent
First-Year, selentjt@miamioh.edu
Majors: History and Political Science Minor: German
Hometown: Amherst, Ohio 44001
Campus involvement: 
- Member of Miami University History Association
- Member of Model United Nations
- Member of Government Relations Network
Why Miami: I chose Miami because it was the best fit, both academically and financially, for myself. I was offered numerous academic scholarships from Miami that no other university I applied came close to comparing. I started my first year of Miami University with 43 college credits courtesy of College Credit Plus program. This will enable me to graduate with a double major and one minor in 4 years. The faculty members of Miami’s history department are ultimately what finalized the decision for me. The interactions and conversations I had with them told me they were serious and passionate about teaching the undergraduate population.
U.S. Congressional Member: Marcy Kaptur
Ohio Senator: Nathan Manning
Ohio House Member: Joe Miller
Tyre Israel
First-year, israeltm@miamioh.edu
Major: Strategic Communication
Hometown: Cincinnati, Ohio 45224
Campus Involvement:
- Member of Government Relations Network
Why Miami: When looking into schools, being able to afford college was important to me and my family. Miami met this requirement by giving me a very good scholarship package. In coming to Miami, I also got other opportunities like going on trips and the chance to grow as an individual.
U.S. Congressional Member: Steve Chabot
Ohio Senator: Cecil Thomas
Ohio House Representative: Catherine Ingram
Jack Shawler
Sophomore, shawlejc@miamioh.edu
Major: Finance and Chinese
Hometown: Centerville, Ohio 45429
Campus Involvement:
- Member of Government Relations Network
- Member of Miami Finance Association
- Dean’s Student Library Advisory Council
- Scholar Leader Living Learning Community
- Vice President of Chinese American Business Organization
- Howe Center for Business Writing Consultant
- Circulation Desk Employee at King Library
- Panelist for President Crawford’s Boldly Creative Initiative
Why Miami: Originally, I applied to Miami University as a Safe school. I had my heart set on going to my mother’s alma mater, however, Miami University sold me as soon as I stepped on campus. Not only was I able to major in Finance, But, I was also able to major in East Asian Languages and Cultures with a Chinese Concentration. In addition, I was able to attend school for a fraction of the cost of full tuition which was helpful because I am attempting to pay my way through school myself.
U.S. Congressional Member: Michael Turner
Ohio Senator: Peggy Lehner
Ohio House Member: Niraj Antani
