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

Pictured here are the students who went to Propel Ohio. From left to right are Charlie Powers, Jonathan Krebs, Kelsey Demel, and Harper Jones

This past October, Miami University students Charlie Powers, Jonathan Krebs, Harper Jones, and Kelsey Demel traveled to Cleveland State University to attend a Propel Ohio conference. Propel Ohio is an initiative launched by Senator Sherrod Brown’s office in conjunction with various universities throughout the state with a goal of encouraging undergraduates to become civic leaders. Throughout 2018 the dedicated forces behind Propel Ohio have engaged with students on issues related to childhood poverty—specifically food availability, education, and homelessness. Miami University was an eager participant in this event and was able to experience the Propel Ohio initiative first-hand thanks to its student ambassadors.

Charlie Powers, a junior at Miami, helped with the planning of Miami’s involvement with an attendance of Propel Ohio for months in advance. Powers stated that, as expected, “[the] months of planning were well worth it. We were able to have a moving dialogue regarding ways that we can combat childhood poverty in America.” Food deserts were one of the primary topics of conversation at the event. Many impoverished American families live in areas that do not have immediate access to food, thus creating “food deserts”. Kelsey Demel found issues such as this, along with other matters including home eviction and inequities in education, to be key takeaways from the conference. Demel explained that Propel Ohio offered insights into these issues not just from Senator Brown’s office or higher education professionals, but also from specialists in the field of childhood poverty.

While issues facing American children living in poverty were thoroughly addressed, solutions were also a cornerstone to the Propel Ohio conference. One such solution is the introduction of a new grocery store to serve the southwestern side of the state. “The market will be located inside a massive food desert in the Dayton area,” Powers explained. After hearing the action that can be taken to combat issues in childhood poverty, Miami’s students at the event were certainly inspired to engage in civic leadership. Demel articulately reflected the group’s sentiments, saying that she found a desire to “be more aware of how policy changes can affect impoverished people and actively try to seek out ways to help those living in poverty.” Miami was fortunate to have such civic-minded representatives at Propel Ohio and looks forward to the results of the hard work put forth by the Propel Ohio initiative.

This year’s new crop of Government Relations Network (GRN) students started out the year with the annual GRN Ice Cream Social Networking Event. The social was August 24th, the Friday before classes began at President Crawford’s house. This was the first event exposing the 2022 to the GRN and networking as well as helping the students acclimate to Miami. Mallory Brandenburg, a first-year Business major, said “I got to meet people and see firsthand what the GRN does and who is apart of it. It made me feel even more comfortable being at Miami [in my first week]”.

Some first-year students may not have known exactly what they were getting into by joining the GRN living learning community (LLC). Many only saw the government portion and found that it aligned with their goals for the future, but the GRN is much more than that. The GRN is a networking organization with the goal of helping students get connected with others in their prospective careers and setting them up to be successful in the future. Those that attended the social learned about these goals, like Maddie Esposito, a first-year Public Administration major. She found the social to be a good introduction to Miami and the GRN. “Before the ice cream social I didn’t really know what the GRN was. It was great being able to learn about networking right from the start and be introduced to a community within Miami.”

A lot of first-year students don’t know exactly what to expect when they go to college. They think that they’ll have to find their own way. That may be the case with some students, but not those who have joined the GRN. “[The ice cream social] was a welcoming experience,” Caroline Baxley, a Public Administration major, said. “It was a fun first glimpse into the GRN and really showed that the GRN has our best interest in mind.”