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

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.

Makayla Archer
First-year, archermg@miamioh.edu
Majors: Human Capital Management and Leadership and Environmental Sciences
Hometown: Hudson, OH 44236
Campus Involvement:

• Member of the Multicultural Business Association
• Member of the Bridges Scholars Diversity and Inclusion Program
• Member of My Miami, My Place
• Pledge for Delta Sigma Pi Business Fraternity

Why Miami: Interested in a business major, I was conflicted between two schools. After
attending the Bridges program that Miami offers for students of diverse backgrounds, I was set on attending. That along with a generous amount of academic scholarship, Miami was my place to be. Continuing to prove it was the right decision with limitless networking opportunities, personal and interpersonal development, and rigorous coursework.

U.S. Congressional Member: David P. Joyce
Ohio Senator: Kristina D. Roegner
Ohio House Member: Casey Weinstein

Vada Stephens
First-year, stepheva@miamioh.edu
Majors: English Professional Writing and Voice Performance
Hometown: Fairfield, Ohio 45014
Campus Involvement:

• Member of Miami University Associated Student Government
• Member of Miami University Chamber Singers
• Member of Miami University Gospel Singers
• Member of Multicultural Business Association
• Member of Miami University Bridges Scholars and Student Ambassador

Why Miami: Miami University immediately felt like home and that was something I realized I couldn’t compromise. The opportunities and existing connections with successful alumni were notable attractions for me. And it was through Miami that I received internships and experiential learning opportunities this spring and summer. A sense of unity and community outreach were also striking elements to me do to a high degree of importance placed upon service. I also would be remiss if I didn’t mention that the whole audition process for music majors can be intimidating, but Miami was very inviting, accepting, and provided me with scholarships.

U.S. Congressional Member: Steve Chabot
Ohio Senator: William P. Coley II
Ohio House Member: George F Lang

Carmen Stone
Senior, stoneca4@miamioh.edu
Major: Biology, Premedical Studies      Minor: Women’s, Gender, and Sexuality Studies
Hometown: Westerville, OH 43081
Campus Involvement:

• Resident Assistant at Hamilton Hall
• Member of Miami University Gospel Singers
• Member of Phi Delta Epsilon Premedical Fraternity

Why Miami: My parents suggested I look into Miami University because they knew it had an excellent reputation for producing well-educated, well-prepared college graduates. After
visiting several times and participating in the Bridges Program, I was impressed by the more than 600 student-run clubs and organizations, the opportunities for undergraduate research, and the interest the professors I met with seemed to show in their students’ learning. Miami also offered me the strongest financial incentives of any of the schools I was accepted to, and when it came time to decide where I would enroll, the scholarships I was offered from Miami were what sealed the deal for me.

U.S. Congressional Member: Troy Balderson
Ohio Senator: Tina Maharath
Ohio House Member: Mary Lightbody

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.

Hannah B. Specogna
Junior, specoghb@miamioh.edu
Major: Diplomacy & Global Politics      Minor: Italian
Hometown: Massillon, OH 44646
Campus Involvement:

•  Co-Chair of Inter-Chapter Relations and Member of Phi Sigma Pi
• Member of College Democrats
• Member of Model Arab League
• Member of Model United Nations

Why Miami: Miami University opens doors I did not know where even possible, the experiences that I have had while studying at Miami will live lasting impacts. At Miami, there are programs and organizations that provide many opportunities for networking, community involvement, and overall professional and academic growth. Miami University effectively prepares students to enter the job market in addition to providing memories that last a lifetime.

U.S. Congressional Member: Anthony Gonzalez
Ohio Senator: Kirk Schuring
Ohio House Member: Scott Oelslager

Rukmini (Ruku) Pal
First-year, palr3@miamioh.edu
Major: Business Economics, Entrepreneurship     Minors: Political Science, Global Health
Hometown: West Chester, OH 45069
Campus Involvement:

• Member of Business Student Advisory Council
• Member of Honors Student Advisory Board
• Member of Multicultural Business Association
• Member of Miami University’s Chapter of Active Minds
• Member of Women in Social Entrepreneurship
• Member of Government Relations Network
• Goalie on Intramural Broomball Team

Why Miami: Miami provided the flexibility to combine different interests across areas and still graduate in four years. As a student with incredibly diverse interests, the opportunity to pursue numerous passions at once, combined with the home-like atmosphere, made Miami University the obvious choice.

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

Matthew Stanonis
Sophomore, stanonmj@miamioh.edu
Major: Political Science, International Studies, Russian, East European, and Eurasian Studies
Hometown: Chagrin Falls, Ohio 44023
Campus Involvement:

• President, Lithuania Club
• Director of Communications, Miami University College Republicans
• Dawisha Fellow, Havighurst Center for Russian and Post-Soviet Studies
• Member, Miami Students for Life
• Member, Thursday Night Bible Study, St. Mary Catholic Church
• Member, Racquetball Club

Why Miami: I have always been fascinated by the study of politics and Russia. Miami University provides a top-notch political science department, an accomplished faculty, a unique and strong Russian program, and the scholarship necessary to attend college here. Miami University has also carefully cultivated an excellent, academic on-campus culture that both interests and challenges me and has enabled me to network with accomplished individuals from across the world and engage in amazing opportunities.

U.S. Congressional Member: Dave Joyce
Ohio Senator: John Eklund
Ohio House Member: Sarah LaTourette

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.

Alexia Wing
First-year, wingan@miamioh.edu
Major: Early Childhood Education
Hometown: Lancaster, Ohio 43130
Campus Involvement:

• Government Relations Network
• Miami University College Republicans
• Faith and Fitness
• Miami University Pep Band

Why Miami: I chose Miami because of its academic reputation and the way I felt when visiting the campus. Advisors, Professors, and Staff all treat me like an individual, despite the large number of students on campus.

U.S. Congressional Member: Steve Stivers
Ohio Senator: Brian Hill
Ohio House Member: Tim Schaffer

Jasmine Spencer
Senior, spencej9@miamioh.edu
Major: Marking and Interactive Media Studies      Minor: Writing
Hometown: Dayton, OH 45458
Campus Involvement:

• National Association of Black Accountants
• Alpha Phi Omega
• Dreamkeepers Mentor with Cincinnati Public Schools

Why Miami: I chose Miami University because of the outstanding reputation of the Farmer School of Business and because it offers unique opportunities for undergraduate students to study abroad and conduct research. When I visited campus, I immediately felt comfortable
and knew that I could grow personally and professionally with the support of dedicated faculty.

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

Caitlyn Picard
Sophomore, picardct@miamioh.edu
Major: Kinesiology      Minors: Human Capital Management and Leadership
Hometown: New Baden, IL 62265 (St. Louis area)
Campus Involvement:

• Secretary of Delta Epsilon Mu Pre-health fraternity, Phi Chapter
• Liaison for Delta Epsilon Mu on the Professional Fraternity Council
• President of the Theta Class of Delta Epsilon Mu, Phi Chapter
• Student Brand Ambassador for Kaplan Test Prep at Miami University
• Circulation Desk employee at King Library

Why Miami: I originally came to Miami when I was 13 years old for the girl’s Miami School of
Hockey. At the time, I wasn’t really thinking about college, but a few years later I came back to coach the overnight summer camp, and haven’t left the campus since. I have had so many incredible opportunities since joining the Miami family, and I could not be happier with my decision to make this my home for four years.

U.S. Congressional Member: John Shimkus

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

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.

Olivia Herron
Junior, herronol@miamioh.edu
Majors: B.A. Strategic Communication & Sustainability     Masters: Environmental Science
Hometown: Greenville, Ohio 45331
Campus Involvement:

● Miami University Institute for Food Farm
● Institute for Environmental Science Sustainability Capstone
● Miami University Catering Services, Student Manager

Experiential Learning: As a research assistant for the Geography department, I wrote and
administered surveys via mail and pick-up drop-off methods to residents of Butler
County living on exurban properties. We aimed to measure their thoughts on
different pollinator-friendly plant species and lawn management practices. Using
GIS data collection, we also measure the area of land homeowners were willing
to convert to pollinator habitat should free seed be provided. This research is
soon to be published and will be presented at the US-IALE conference in Fort
Collins, Colorado this April.

U.S. Congressional Member: Warren Davidson
Ohio Senator: Stephen A. Huffman
Ohio House Member: Jenna Powell

Herbert Kwofie
First-year, kwofieha@miamioh.edu
Major: Public Health and Entrepreneurship      Minor: Black World Studies
Hometown: Cleveland, OH 44135
Campus Involvement:

• Member of The African Student Union
• Member of Miami University’s Bridges Scholars
• Member of Miami University’s Credit Union
• Member of The Multicultural Business Association
• Member of Miami University Government Relations Network

Why Miami: Due to financial reasons, and the generous amounts of scholarship money I earned from Miami University, it became the best choice for me to attend college. I can whole-heartily say that Miami University has become a place a have grown to love.

U.S. Congressional Member: Marcy Kaptur
Ohio Senator: Nickie Antonio
Ohio House Member: Michael Skindell

Shannan Lunar
First-year, lunarsi@miamioh.edu
Major: Political Science, Pre-Law      Minor: Spanish
Hometown: Willoughby, OH 44094
Campus Involvement:

•  Thomson/Clawson Community Leadership Team President
• Member of the Residence Hall Association (RHA) General Assembly
• Member of Miami University’s Bridges Scholars Organization
• Lifeguard and Learn-to-Swim/Water Fitness/Lifeguard Instructor at Miami Recreation
  Center
• Member of the Miami, My Place Program

Why Miami: I instantly fell in love with the campus and everything that the code of Love and Honor stands for. This campus is filled with such great people and allows for so many networking, internship, and study abroad experiences.

U.S. Congressional Member: David Joyce
Ohio Senator: Kenny Yuko
Ohio House Member: John Rogers

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.

Adriana Joson
Senior, josonae@miamioh.edu
Major: Biological Physics
Hometown: Dayton, OH 45419
Campus Involvement:

● Member of Louis Stokes Alliance for Minority Participation (LSAMP)

Why Miami: I was lucky enough to be part of a program for underrepresented minorities in STEM, LSAMP, that provided me with many opportunities. There was a peer mentor program for LSAMP where I was paired with an upperclassman who happened to attend Miami, she helped me understand Miami and the idiosyncrasies of the university. I applied to Miami as a backup school because I still preferred to stay close to home. I finally decided to choose Miami because of the focus on undergraduates, I didn’t want to feel like a number at a state university but I didn’t have the means for a smaller private college.

U.S. Congressional Member: Michael Turner
Ohio Senator: Peggy Lehner
Ohio House Representative: Fred Strahorn

Max Leveridge
Second Year Masters, leverimc@miamioh.edu
Master’s: Master of Environmental Science: concentration in Conservation Biology
Certificate: Geographic Information Systems
Hometown: Dublin, Ohio 43017
Campus Involvement:

• CAS Dean’s Student Advisory Committee
• Undergraduate Research Committee
• University Sustainability Committee
• National Association for Environmental Professionals
• Associated Student Government Infrastructure & Sustainability Committee
• Transfer Peer Connectors student advisor

Why Miami: I saw that Miami students were some of the kindest people I would ever meet. There was a sense of community you felt by being on campus that nothing online or in the recruitment mail could begin to show. Everything about the tours just gave me a sense of home. I knew Miami was the perfect place to spend my next four years.

U.S. Congressional Member: Troy Balderson
Ohio Senator: Stephanie Kunze
Ohio House Member: Beth Liston

Lauren Elliott
Senior, elliotl3@miamioh.edu
Major: Public Administration & Classical Languages
Hometown: Columbus, OH 43209
Campus Involvement:

• President of the Miami University National Black Law Student Association: Pre-Law Chapter (NBLSA)
• Moderator/Organizer for Miami University’s Women in Law and Leadership Symposium (WILL)
• University Academic Scholars Program – Law and Public Policy Scholars
• Ambassador for the College of Arts and Science – College Ambassador Program

Why Miami: I was thoroughly impressed by the hospitality and the genuine interest in student learning shown by the professors. After my official visit, I applied and was accepted into the Bridges Program for Diversity which is a 2-day, 1-night trip that solidified my decision to attend Miami University. Miami’s generous financial aid package was also a factor in my final decision.

U.S. Congressional Member: Joyce Beatty
Ohio Senator: Hearcel F. Craig
Ohio House Member: Erica C. Crawley

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 are just a few of those students.

Bobbie Hall
Sophomore, hallba4@miamioh.edu
Major: Psychology     Minor: Disability Studies
Hometown: Republic, OH 44867
Campus Involvement:

• Student Manager at a Café on Campus
• President of Odyssey
• Member of University Honors Program
• Member of Society for Psychological Inquiry
• Mentor for First- Year Diverse Students
• Member of Stage Left
• Member of Choraliers

Why Miami: I came to Miami because I saw all the opportunities it would give me throughout my college years. I was thoroughly excited for the musical opportunities Miami provided and most importantly the research opportunities. Since coming to Miami, I have been able to become highly involved in both as well as so many other opportunities.

U.S. Congressional Member: Jim Jordan
Ohio Senator: Dave Burke
Ohio House Member: Bill Reineke

Sachi Bhati
First-year, bhatis2@miamioh.edu
Major: Psychology      Co-Majors: Neuroscience and Pre-Medical Studies
Hometown: Cincinnati, OH 45243
Campus Involvement:

• Research Assistant for Dr. Anna Radke’s Behavioral Neuroscience Lab
• Member of the Government Relations Network
• Member of Opening Minds Through Art

Why Miami: Growing up I have always followed the footsteps of my older sister. When it came time to decide where to go to college, I looked at many schools and wanted my sister’s experience to influence my decision to a certain extent. During the spring of my senior year, I spent a day at Miami, visiting the professors, hearing from the students, and envisioning myself at Miami.

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

Wilson Maier
First-year, maierwa@miamioh.edu
Major: Political Science and Strategic Communications      Minor: Spanish
Hometown: Cincinnati, OH 45243
Campus Involvement:

• The Dean’s Student Library Advisory Council
• Social Chair for Amicus Curiae Pre-law society
• Miami University College of Democrats
• Assistant to the head of University Libraries/Dean of Libraries

Why Miami: While checking out the school, I was able to visualize myself being here and I loved it. Some things that drew me to Miami were the number of ways I could be involved on campus. Whether that was student government, clubs, organizations, or geek life. I knew that no matter what I decided to participate in here that I was going to enjoy it. Miami University also ranks top five among Political Science departments for Ohio universities. So, as a political science major, this was appealing as I was deciding where to attend.

U.S. Congressional Member: Brad Wenstrup
Ohio Senator: Louis Terhar
Ohio House Member: Jessica Miranda

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 are just a few of those students.

Collin Finn
First-year, finncm@miamioh.edu
Major: Political Science and Journalism
Hometown: Portsmouth, Ohio 45662
Campus Involvement:

● Secretary of College Republicans
● Writer for the Miami Student
● Government Relations Network
● University Academic Scholars Program

Why Miami: Miami was my first choice of school. I was introduced to Miami through the Summer Scholars Program, which I attended for two summers during high school. Attending the Bridges Program helped reinforce my decision. I fell in love with the beautiful campus, the excellent professors, and the warm, midwest college feel.

U.S. Congressional Member: Brad Wenstrup
Ohio Senator: Joe Uecker
Ohio House Member: Brian Baldridge

Grace Barton
Sophomore, bartonga@miamioh.edu
Major: Interactive Media Studies     Minor: General Business
Hometown: Beavercreek, OH 45434
Campus Involvement:

• Member of Students for the Promotion of Writing (SPW)
• Member of Asian American Association (AAA)
• Member of Korean American Student Association (KASA)

Why Miami: Miami University made me feel welcomed by offering an opportunity to tour the campus, meet students and instructors, as well as sit in on a class. I chose a liberal education since it would offer me a broad knowledge of how the world works but also allow me to learn specific technical skills to prep for a career in a dynamic and competitive economy.

U.S. Congressional Member: Mike Turner
Ohio Senator: Rob Portman
Ohio House Member: Rick Perales

Justice M. Hubbard
Junior, hubbarj5@miamioh.edu
Major: Political Science and Economics
Hometown: Solon, OH 44139
Campus Involvement:

• Resident Assistant for Miami University Office of Residence Life
• President of the Miami University Archery Club
• Associate Justice on the Miami University Student Court
• Treasurer of the Miami University Bridges Scholars Organization

Why Miami: As one of the first in my family to go on to collegiate studies, I wanted a university that would provide me with the opportunities to challenge and advance myself to reach my aspirations as a federal court judge. While many universities offer prodigious opportunities, Miami University was the school that offered that same level of quality at a cost that makes the most sense for me financially.

U.S. Congressional Member: David P. Joyce
Ohio Senator: Matt Dolan
Ohio House Member: Phillip M. Robinson, Jr.

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 is a look at a few of those participants.

Joseph Trivette

Sophomore, trivetjg@miamioh.edu
Major: Political Science    Minors: History, English Literature, and Creative Writing
Hometown: Mentor, OH 44060
Campus Involvement:

● Director of Scheduling and Events, Miami University Office of Institutional Relations
● Deputy Director of the Supervisory Board, First Miami Student and Alumni Federal Credit Union
● Secretary-General of MUMUNC XII, Miami University Model UN
● Government Relations Network

Why Miami: When touring schools, I made the “mistake” of visiting Miami first.
Every visit thereafter was a comparison to Miami – none could even
come close. When my acceptance letter arrived in mid-December
from Miami, my decision was final and I have never regretted it
since.
U.S. Congressional Member: David Joyce
Ohio Senator: Kenny Yuko
Ohio House Member: John Rogers

Brianna Porter

Sophomore, porterb@miamioh.edu
Major: Creative Writing, Professional Writing
Hometown: Mason, OH, 45040
Campus Involvement:

• Copyeditor, The Miami Student
• Legislative Correspondent, Office of Institutional Relations
• Mosaic Magazine Staff Member
• Government Relations Network Member

Why Miami: Miami gave me the best scholarship package. The journalism department also put out the effort to get to know me, reaching out to me personally.
State Representative: Paul Zeltwanger
State Senator: Steve Wilson
U.S.Congressional Member: Steve Chabot

Michael Wing

Senior, wingmr@miamioh.edu
Majors: Economics, Political Science
Hometown: Lancaster, Ohio 43130
Campus Involvement:

• Chief of Staff, Miami University Office of Institutional Relations
• Government Relations Network
• Chairman, Miami University College Republicans

Why Miami: I originally chose Miami because of its superior academic reputation. This has proven to be the case, and Miami has also given me many unique experiential learning opportunities that I would not have received anywhere else.
State Representative: Tim Schaffer
State Senator: Brian Hill
U.S. Congressional Member: Steve Stivers