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July Statehouse News

News:

On July 18th, Governor Mike DeWine signed Am. Sub. House Bill 166 FY ’20-’21, the state’s operating budget into law.

Am. Sub. House Bill 166 received bi-partisan support by the Ohio House of Representatives and Ohio Senate. This operating budget makes investments that will have a positive impact on Ohio’s future by allocating resources to children and families, Ohio’s education system, workforce, local communities, environment, and mental health and addiction recovery efforts. Read more here.

Meetings:

Ohio Senator Bill Coley (OH-4), led a tour of 3rd and Dayton with Randi Malcolm Thomas Esq, and Moira Casey from Miami University along with members of the Hamilton Community Foundation.

On July 11th, Vice Chancellor Gary Cates attended a Coley Ohio Work+ meeting with Randi Malcolm Thomas, Esq., Regionals Dean Cathy Bishop-Clark, and other Miami representatives alongside Crown Equipment staff.

Randi Malcolm Thomas, Esq. and a GRN intern met with Christie White, the Americanism, Children, and Youth Coordinator for Ohio American Legion in Delaware, Ohio. In addition to the work with Buckeye Boys State, they talked about how to promote citizenship and democracy by working together.

Randi Malcolm Thomas, Esq., Dean Jerome Conley, and GRN students met with many wonderful alumni such as Representative Marcia Fudge’s Legislative Assistant, Patrick Byrne on Capitol Hill.

While in Washington DC, the GRN hosted a dinner for the Inside Washington Summer Program students and fellow Miami alumni.

Legislation:

SB40 “Enact Forming Open and Robust University Minds Act”

HB16 “Grant State College Residency Status to Military and Dependents”

HB88 “Enact Forming Open and Robust University Minds Act”

HB194 “Legalize and regulate sports gaming/tax sports gaming businesses”

June Meeting Highlights 2019

The Office of Institutional Relations conducted several successful meetings and events in June. 

President Crawford attended the IUC conference with other Ohio public university presidents which was hosted by Governor Mike DeWine and First Lady Fran DeWine.

Buckeye Boys State boys experiencing what it’s like to vote.

Miami University hosted Buckeye Boys State for the third year. President Crawford, Ambassador Crawford, Provost Callahan, Randi Malcolm Thomas Esq., and Dean Conley met with Ohio American Legion Buckeye Boys State staff members for an ice cream social.

President Crawford visits Deceuninck’s facility to see the extrusion process, which students in the Coley Ohio Work+ program have the opportunity to participate in this first-hand.

GRN students along with Dr. Ron Scott and Randi Malcolm Thomas Esq. at the memorial for the three young men who were murdered during Freedom Summer.

Miami University presented the Freedom Summer of ’64 award to Mt. Zion United Methodist Church for keeping the memory of Andrew Goodman, Michael Schwerner, and James Chaney alive in Philadelphia, Mississippi. The three young men were last seen alive at the church before they were murdered by the KKK. They had previously been in Oxford, Ohio at the Western College for Women campus to receive training on how to register black voters. They went to Philadelphia to investigate Mt. Zion being burned down. They disappeared and were murdered on June 21, 1964. Miami wanted to commemorate Mt. Zion for its historical role and significance. After presenting the award, the Miami delegation attended the National Civil Rights Conference in Montgomery, Alabama and visited places like 16th Street Baptist Church and the National Memorial for Peace and Justice.

Current GRN members had dinner with GRN alumni, Randi Malcolm Thomas Esq. and Dean Jerome Conley on June 4, 2019.
Senator Sherrod Brown’s staff with Randi Malcolm Thomas Esq., GRN member Megan Cremeans, and Dean Dantley from the College of Education, Health, and Society.

Dean Dantley of Education, Health, and Society and Miami University GRN students met with many Congresspeople in Capitol Hill to share Miami’s education initiatives and spread the news about Miami University and higher education. The group also met and networked with alumni.

President Crawford, Ambassador Crawford, and several GRN students visit the Ohio Statehouse to discuss STEM, fitness and health, and underrepresented groups of students.

Hannah Specogna and Brianna Porter

Statehouse News March 2019

Statehouse News: March 2019

News:

Executive Budget Released

Governor DeWine released his proposed executive budget for FY 2020-2021. This budget, which would spend approximately $150.4 billion, includes new funding allocated for children’s services, water quality, and drug addiction treatment. The state legislature has until June 30, 2019 to research this proposal and make amendments.

Read more here

Meetings:

Our annual Alternative Spring Break Advocacy and Leadership Conference was held from March 22nd to March 28th. 66 Miami students traveled to Washington, D.C. and Columbus to advocate for the university and higher education in Ohio.

In Washington, D.C., students were able to:

  • Hear from a panel of Miami alumni who have built their careers in the nation’s capital
  • Meet with 50 legislative offices in the U.S. Senate and House of Representatives to share their experiences at Miami
  • Host a poster session on Capitol Hill to present student research, campus resources, and student organizations

Students in D.C. at Sidley Austin LLP for an Alumni Networking Brunch.

Students with Congresswoman Susan Brooks (IN) in her D.C. office.

Senior Carmen Stone (top) and Graduate student Max Leveridge (above) present their research on The Hill.

In Columbus, students and administrators were able to:

  • Meet with 126 members of the Ohio General Assembly, also to share their experiences at Miami
  • Visit Ohio Governor and Miami alumnus Mike DeWine, and received a personal tour of his Statehouse office.
  • Host a poster session at the Statehouse, where students again presented about research, campus resources, and student organizations
  • Listen as Miami University President Greg Crawford presented an update on his Boldly Creative initiative to legislators and staff
  • Listen as Graduate School Dean James Oris presented on how the Graduate School is leveraging academics and business to create companies
  • Participate in a tour of the Ohio Supreme Court given by Justice and Miami alumnus Pat DeWine

Freshman Victoria Villanueva presents her poster on her student organization, the First Miami Student and Alumni Federal Credit Union at the Ohio Statehouse.

Students meet with Governor DeWine in his office at the Statehouse.

Hana Hall & Natalie Assaf                                                                                                                          Advocacy Team for the Office of Institutional Relations
hallhe@miamioh.edu

 

ASB Participants 17

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.

 

Taylor Armstrong
First-year, armstrt5@miamioh.edu
Major: Political Science      Minor: Sports Management
Hometown: Urbana, Ohio 43078
Campus Involvement

  • Intramural Official for the Miami Recreation Department
  • Talk Show Host – The Armstrong Angle – WMSR Redhawk Radio
  • Member of Miami University College Republicans
  • Member of Government Relations Network

Why Miami: Several of my relatives attended Miami University including my Father (Class of 1996). When I first visited Miami, I was stunned by the beauty and tradition the campus and Oxford held. I felt Miami University had everything I was looking for to pursue my higher education. The campus is not too big or small, it is part of a small town, and Miami boasts a quality education. Miami University embodies everything that makes Ohio and the Midwest a great place to live, learn, and succeed.

U.S. Congressional Member: Jim Jordan
Ohio State Senator: Matt Huffman
Ohio House Member: Nino Vitale

 

Madison Fisher
Senior, fishermc@miamioh.edu
Major: Political Science
Hometown: Bay Village, Ohio 44140
Campus Involvement:

  • Government Relations Network
  • College Democrats
  • Economics Club
  • Programmer for RAYKA (a start-up company)

Why Miami: When I was a senior in high school, I was a D1 recruit for crew. I had received a few full scholarship offers from schools on the East coast of America, but something didn’t feel right. I decided to visit Miami in February of my senior year and was very impressed with the campus, the dedication to undergraduate education, and the quality of education its students receive. Many of my family members attended Miami University and have only fond memories of their time in University, which was definitely a key factor in my decision. After a thorough review and analysis of my options, I decided that I wanted to invest in my education as well as my personal and professional development while in university instead of sports.

U.S. Congressional Member: Marcy Kaptur
Ohio Senator: Matt Dolan
Ohio House Member: Dave Greenspan

 

Michael Markoff II
Junior, markofms@miamioh.edu
Majors: Diplomacy &Global Politics and Psychology
Hometown: Jackson Township, Ohio 44718
Campus Involvement:

  • Associate Justice for the Office of Community Standards Court
  • Phi Sigma Pi Honor Fraternity Member
  • Legal Committee Chairman for the First Miami Student Credit Union
  • Society for Psychological Inquiry Member

Why Miami: I spent four years of my childhood living in Luxembourg. During those four years, I learned the importance of global competency and understanding the world around us. After living in Europe I decided to continue my global education in high school and eventually Miami. I was an International Baccalaureate Diploma Student at my high school, which meant that I had taken a wide variety of complex college-level courses focused on furthering my education about the world. I choose to come to Miami because of their well-known study abroad opportunities and the Diplomacy and Global Politics major that is offered exclusively at Miami.

U.S. Congressional Member: Anthony Gonzalez
Ohio Senator: Sherrod Brown
Ohio House Member: Scott Oelslager

 

ASB Participants 16

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.

 

Bradley Dick
Senior, dickb@miamioh.edu
Major: Public Administration
Hometown: Mason, OH 45036
Campus Involvement:

  • Secretary of Miami University Library Advisory Council
  • President of Miami University’s Chapter of Challah for Hunger
  • VP for External Affairs of the JANUS Forum and Intercollegiate Studies Institute
  • Graduating Phi Beta Kappa and Cum Laude

Why Miami: Many family members were graduates of Miami University, so I grew up taking frequent trips up to Oxford. When it came to choosing a college, Miami University was the only college for me. I had made my decision to attend Miami long before senior year of high school and applied early decision.

U.S. Congressional Member: Steve Chabot
Ohio Senator: Steve Wilson
Ohio House Member: Paul Zeltwanger

 

Elijah Williams
First-year, will1092@miamioh.edu
Major: Interactive Media Studies
Hometown: Cincinnati, Ohio 45231
Campus Involvement:

  • Miami Motorsport Club
  • Miami University Steel Band
  • Member of Government Relations Network

Why Miami: The reason I chose Miami is that they partnered with Cincinnati Public Schools to give five African American males scholarships and I was chosen to be one of those scholars. This opportunity made it possible for me to pursue a quality education while giving me the flexibility to study what I want.

U.S. Congressional Member: Brad Wenstrup
Ohio Senator: Cecil Thomas
Ohio House Member: Catherine Ingram

 

Matthew DeWine
Junior, dewinema@miamioh.edu
Major: Political Science
Hometown: Cincinnati, OH 45208
Campus Involvement:

  • Intern in the Office of Institutional Relations
  • Member of College Republicans
  • Member of Government Relations Network

Why Miami: At first, I thought I would go and visit Miami because both of my parents went
here but I did not think I necessarily would end up attending Miami. Then on my first
visit I fell in love with the school and I realized all the resources that Miami provides to
their students and with that I realized I could do very much at Miami. I came to Miami
for all those opportunities that can help me pursue a career in the field, I would like to
and I knew there was no better place to do that than Miami University.

U.S. Congressional Member: Steve Chabot
Ohio Senator: Steve Wilson
Ohio House Member: Tom Brinkman

 

ASB Participants 15

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 brief look at a few of our participants.

 

Matthew Houk
Junior, houkmb@miamioh.edu
Major: Political Science      Minor: History
Hometown: Upper Arlington, OH 43220
Campus Involvement:

  • President of the Dean of Libraries Student Advisory Council
  • Member of the Janus Forum Steering Committee
  • College Ambassador for the College of Arts and Sciences
  • Member of the Government Relations Network

Why Miami: When I began to look at different universities I had wanted to study aerospace
engineering–however, I soon learned that I’m bad at math. I visited Miami University in the spring of 2015 and I was very impressed with the campus and the opportunities it would
be able to offer me. As someone who was still searching for what to study in college, I am incredibly grateful that I chose a school that offers a liberal arts education.

U.S. Congressional Member: Steve Stivers
Ohio Senator: Stephanie Kunze
Ohio House Member: Allison Russo

 

Jannie Kamara
Sophomore, kamaraja@miamioh.edu
Major: Black World Studies     Minor: Political Science
Hometown: Columbus, Ohio 43229
Campus Involvement:

  • Student Senator on the Associated Government
  • Member of the Miami University Treblemakers
  • Member of Government Relations Network

Why Miami: I chose Miami because of the financial support they have given me. As a twin, my family has to support two daughters who attend different institutions so I was very concerned about the ability to pay for Miami. When I received my financial aid package, my family and I were over the moon to see that I had received multiple academic scholarships that have aided me to attend Miami.

U.S. Congressional Member: Joyce Beatty
Ohio Senator: Andrew O. Brenner
Ohio House Member: David Leland

 

Jacob Bruggeman
Senior, bruggej2@miamioh.edu
Majors: History and Political Science
Hometown: Brunswick, OH 44212
Campus Involvement:

  • Joanna Jackson Goldman Scholar
  • Member of the President’s Transformational Student Experience Subcommittee
  • Chair of the College of Arts and Science Dean’s Student Advisory Council
  • Graduate Assistant in the Department of Political Science and Center for Public Management and Regional Affairs

Why Miami: I chose Miami because of the vast array of opportunities available to students on this campus, the passion with which teachers lead in its classrooms, and the overall investment the university makes in its community.

U.S. Congressional Member: Anthony Gonzales
Ohio Senator: Larry Obhof
Ohio House Member: Steve Hambley

 

ASB Participants 14

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

 

ASB Participants 13

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.

 

Natalie Assaf
Second-year, assafna@miamioh.edu
Major: Public Administration
Hometown: Dublin, OH 43017
Campus Involvement:

  • Government Relations Network
  • Advocacy for Institutional Relations Office
  • Chief of Compliance for First Miami Student and Alumni Credit Union
  • Big Brothers Big Sisters of Butler County

Why Miami: I decided to come to Miami because I felt that it would give me the best education and college experience. When visiting schools, I felt most at home at Miami University. The campus felt like home and it helped that they gave me a healthy scholarship package. I was also allowed to transfer a lot of high school credits so I will be graduating a year early.

US Congressional Member: Troy Balderson
Ohio House Member: Beth Liston
Ohio Senator: Stephanie Kunze

 

Justin Spencer
First-year, spencejp@miamioh.edu
Major: Biology and Environmental Science
Hometown: Dayton, OH 45458
Campus Involvement:

  • Member of Louis Stokes Alliance for Minority Alliance (LSAMP)
  • Member of National Association for Environmental Professionals (NAEP)

Why Miami: When I started applying for college, I knew I wanted to go to a school that would offer exceptional academic opportunities and put me in a position to achieve all the goals I want post-graduation. Miami helps me achieve these objectives by offering a top tier education and allowing me to work with excellent faculty and network with extraordinary people.

U.S. Congressional Member: Michael Turner
Ohio Senator: Peggy Lehner
Ohio House Member: Jim Butler

 

Christyna Thompson
Junior, thomp186@miamioh.edu
Major: Political Science      Minor: Criminology
Hometown: Cincinnati, 45011
Campus Involvement:

  • President and Public Relations Chair of National Black Law Students Association Pre-Law Chapter
  • Member of Government Relations Network

Why Miami: During the college application process, Miami was not my first choice in schools I desired to attend. My older brother enrolled at the university two years ahead of
me. After hearing how much he enjoyed his classes, his student organization, and seeing
the outstanding financial aid package he was awarded, I figured I would give Miami a shot.
I’m grateful I did because so many doors have been opened for me here and I have been allowed me to develop as an individual within a changing social climate, equipping me with the knowledge and experiences necessary to compete at a high level.

U.S. Congressional Member: Representative Warren Davidson
Ohio Senator: Senator William P. Coley II
Ohio House Member: Representative George F. Lang

 

ASB Participants 12

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.

 

Sydney Jefferson
First-year, jeffers6@miamioh.edu
Major: Marketing      Minors: Law and Society and Spanish
Hometown: West Chester, OH 45069
Campus involvement:

  • Social Chair of Hahne Hall Community Leadership Team
  • Director of Campus Involvement
  • Finance and Executive Assistant for Office of Government Relations Network
  • Bridges Scholars Diversity and Inclusion Program
  • Honors College Student
  • Varsity Track and Field Athlete
  • Government Relations Network member
  • Member of Athletes in Action

Why Miami: I chose Miami because I walked on campus and knew this was the place for me. I enjoy the campus, the people, and the academic excellence that comes with a Miami education. The financial aid that I received, a combination of academic and athletic rewards, was the final push I needed to come to the Original Public Ivy.

U.S. Congressional Member: George Lang
Ohio Senator: Bill Coley Ohio
Ohio House Member: Warren Davidson

 

Moustafa Djuma
First-year, djumam@miamioh.edu
Major: Computer Science
Hometown: Cincinnati, OH 45205
Campus Involvement:

  • Member of Louis Stokes Alliance for Minority Participation (LSAMP)
  • Member of the National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE)
  • Member of the Government Relations Network

Why Miami: I chose Miami because I instantly knew that I was going to receive quality education upon touring the campus. Also, I received a scholarship that made the decision very clear. I’m incredibly grateful for the opportunity I got and I plan on using it wisely.

U.S. Congressional Member: Steve Chabot
Ohio Senator: Louis Terhar
Ohio House Member: Louis Blessing

 

Jennifer Brown
Junior, brownjs5@miamioh.edu
Majors: Psychology and Political Science
Hometown: Marion, OH 43302
Campus Involvement:

  • Student Senator for Miami University’s Associated Student Government (ASG)
  • Member of Miami Initiatives Team for the Coalition for Healthy Community (MITs)
  • Member of the John Adams Society (ISI)
  • Member of Miami University Young Americans for Freedom (YAF)
  • Member of the Miami University College Republicans

Why Miami: I knew that I wanted to stay in Ohio. I am passionate about the great things
happening for the state of Ohio and luckily, we have some amazing schools in our state.
While visiting with my mother we entered the library and it was very loud inside. She
looked at me and said, “this is what a library is supposed to sound on a college campus.”
This resonated with me. The many voices meant that there was collaboration, active
learning, and teamwork. I knew then that I wanted to be a part of that.

U.S. Congressional Member: Jim Jordan
Ohio Senator: Dave Burke
Ohio House Member: Tracy Richardson

 

ASB Participants 11

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.

 

Elizabeth Brueggemann
First-year, brueggej@miamioh.edu
Majors: Professional Writing and Creative Writing
Hometown: Saint Louis, MO
Campus Involvement:

  • First Year Research Experience Member
  • LEAN Fair Presenter
  • Clothesline Project Volunteer
  • Published in Inklings
  • President’s List

Why Miami: I chose to attend Miami University because of the quality research opportunities offered to undergraduates. As a student who loves both the humanities and the sciences, I knew that I would need guidance and experience in a variety of disciplines before settling on a major. The professors and advisors I’ve encountered here went above and beyond to connect me with these opportunities.

Missouri Senator: Josh Hawley
Missouri House Member: Ann Wagner

 

Jaylen Perkins
Junior, perkinj5@miamioh.edu
Major: Public Health | Pre-Medical Studies
Hometown: South Euclid, OH, 44121
Campus Involvement:

  • Resident Assistant, Hillcrest Hall
  • President, Black Student Action Association
  • Financial and Corresponding Secretary, Delta Upsilon Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.
  • Coordinator, Miss Black and Gold 2019 Scholarship Pageant, Delta Upsilon Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.
  • Minority Association of Pre-Medical Students, member
  • Government Relations Network, member
  • Associated Student Government, Student Body Presidential Candidate

Why Miami: I chose Miami because of its proximity from my hometown, the medium-sized campus, financial assistance and the professor-student mentorship. Miami presented itself to me as an opportunity to not only achieve my academic goals, but to give me an opportunity to grow as an individual, transfer academic experiences to other experiences in my life, and to serve my community as an advocate for effective change.

U.S. Congressional Member: Marcia L. Fudge
Ohio Senator: Kenny Yuko
Ohio House Representative: Kent Smith

 

London Hollinger
Junior, hollinlm@miamioh.edu
Major: Software Engineering      Minor: Spanish
Hometown: Akron, OH 44306
Campus Involvement:

  • President and Director of the Miami University Gospel Singers
  • Member of Miami University’s Active Minds chapter
  • Member of Association for Computing Machinery – Women (ACM-W)
  • Member of Louis Stokes Alliance for Minority Participation (LSAMP)
  • Member of Miami Ambassadors Creating Change
  • Member of Students Together Empowering Minorities (STEM)
  • Member of the National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE)

Why Miami: Originally, I wanted to follow the footsteps of nearly everyone in my family and go out of state. I applied to Miami, before visiting, as security, a “just in case” school. Due to generous merit scholarships, Miami made the most sense for me financially.

U.S. Congressional Member: Marcia L. Fudge
Ohio Senator: Vernon Sykes
Ohio House Member: Emilia Strong Sykes