The Miami University Government Relations Network continued its operations during the Fall 2020 semester despite significant setbacks due to the pandemic. The semester included prospective student visits, advocacy events, professional development events, and the continuation of the EDL110 course.

With the creation of the Office of ASPIRE, the Government Relations Network continues to engage students under this new organizational branch of the university. ASPIRE, an office for advancing strategy, partnerships, institutional relations, and economy, was created to streamline connections with partners in business, government and the community. You can read more about this new office here.

The EDL110 course continued in hybrid format during the fall. Students learned about professional and career development, diversity and inclusion, and how to navigate the university’s extensive resources and opportunities. Students participating in the course lived in the Government Relations Network Living Learning Community (LLC) located in the newly renovated Stanton Hall.

The Government Relations Network and ASPIRE welcomed a number of new interns to the team during the fall semester. Interns helped schedule the Virtual Statehouse Day, assisted with prospective student visits, and performed a number of other integral tasks for the office.

On September 3, President Greg Crawford joined Governor Mike DeWine (Miami ‘69) to share about Miami’s testing efforts and to thank the Governor for his leadership during the pandemic. You can view President Crawford’s appearance here.

President Greg Crawford participates in Governor Mike DeWine’s virtual press briefing

The Government Relations Network hosted three prospective students during the fall semester. Addy and Sam Sommers, the daughter and son of Mike Sommers (Miami ‘97) visited in October, meeting with Vice President Randi Malcolm Thomas, Esq. and getting a full tour of campus. Francesca Lanese, daughter of Rep. Laura Lanese (Miami ‘83) visited later in the semester, touring campus and meeting with President Crawford and current students in her areas of interest.

Left to right – Collin Finn, Randi Malcolm Thomas, Esq., Mike Sommers, Jill Sommers, Addy Sommers, and Sam Sommers visit in a socially distanced manner at Shriver Center

Left to right – VP Randi Malcolm Thomas, Esq., Collin Finn, Francesca Lanese, and Rep. Laura Lanese visit in Roudebush Hall

In late October, 55 Miami students met with 65 state legislators for the Government Relations Network’s Virtual Statehouse Day. Students and faculty discussed the effects of COVID-19 on higher education, how they have adapted to the pandemic, different partnerships between the university and community entities, and a number of other important initiatives. Students and faculty thanked the legislators for their continued support of higher education in the State of Ohio.

Miami students Collin Finn (top right), Kit Wolke (middle left), and Nico Hollander-Tineo (middle right) meet with Rep. Brian Baldridge (bottom) and aide Sam Creech (top left) during the Fall Virtual Statehouse Day

Also in late October, a number of Government Relations Network students met with Miami alumni in Washington, DC as part of the Fall Virtual GRIP (Government Relations Immersion Program) Conference. Students discussed career paths, professional development, life in the nation’s capitol, and Miami experiences that prepared the alumni for their work.

Students and alumni participate in the Fall 2020 GRIP conference

Miami University Government Relations Network

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On the afternoon of March 3, Director of Institutional Relations Randi Malcolm Thomas, Esq., and Chief of Staff Joe Trivette travelled to Washington DC. The two met with Shelley Landry, Advocate with the firm Majority Group, to plan the Alternative Spring Break Advocacy and Leadership conference for the Government Relations Network and the representatives students were going to meet. That evening, they attended the Congressional Ohio Birthday party at the James Madison Building at the Library of Congress. 

On March 5-6, they also attended the Association of Public and Land-Grant Universities (APLU) winter meeting and met with Ohio Congressman Warren Davidson, Kevin Fitzpatrick from the US House Small Business committee and Ian Mercer from Ohio Congressman Steve Chabot’s office. Among other topics, advocacy for Miami’s College@ELM TECH innovation corridor was discussed. Finally, there were events with Alumni relations and connected with Miami alumni in Washington.

Randi Thomas and Joseph Trivette meeting with Alumni. 

On March 9th, Governor Mike DeWine contacted universities including Miami to confirm the first COVID-19 case in Ohio. On March 10, President Greg Crawford announced Miami University would start remote learning following the state of emergency declared by Governor Mike DeWine due to cases of COVID-19. The Office of Institutional Relations also moved to remote work. Additionally, the Alternative Spring Break Advocacy and Leadership conference for the government relations network was cancelled.  

On March 11, Director Thomas, Hannah Specogna, Nicolas Hollander, Joe Trivette and Olivia Kelly attended the presentation for the 2020 Freedom Summer of ‘64 Award to Dr. Carolyn Jefferson-Jenkins. Jefferson-Jenkins was presented the award in honor of Women’s History Month.

GRN students with Dr. Carolyn Jefferson-Jenkins in Kumler Chapel. 

In response to the remote work, the office has focused on a social media campaign to continue advocacy for university plans and highlight actions the university is taking in response to the crisis. This includes a social media campaign to contact state and federal government officials, highlighting the work of Miami students serving the community and preparing for the GRN LLC for the 2020-21 school year. 

The Miami University 2020 Distinguished Service Award was announced and presented to seniors, including GRN members Annika Fowler,  Lauren Poythress, Megan Cremeans, Cecelia Comerford and Joseph Trivette. The award was given to these students for their “spirit of being a citizen leader of uncommon quality.” GRN senior Hannah Specogna was awarded the Senior Service Leadership Award. 

Legislation Tracking

Bill	Summary/Title	Last Action	Sponsors
HB310	Greek Life Anti-Bullying and Hazing Act	1/23/20House Primary & Secondary Education Committee Hearing	Greenspan (R)
HB194/SB111	Legalize/Regulate sports gaming/taxing sports gaming business (college sports betting)	11/7/19Referred to House Finance Committee Hearing	Greenspan (R) and Kelly (D)
SB181	Work +, Template for workforce education partnership program	11/12/19Passed Senate, Introduced in House	Coley (R)

Miami University Government Relations Network

On December 3, President Crawford, Director of Institutional Relations Randi Malcolm Thomas, Esq., and students Collin Finn and Taylor Armstrong traveled to Portsmouth to visit Shawnee State University to tour the Kricker Innovation Hub and connect with local business owners. 

Collin Finn, Taylor Armstrong, and Director Randi Malcolm Thomas, Esq. stand in front of one of Portsmouth’s famous floodwall murals.

Miami University students, along with Director Randi Thomas and Dean of Libraries Jerome Conley visited the nation’s capitol on December 19 to update legislators and staff on Miami’s commitment to quality education. Topics of discussion included Miami’s Work+ program, and the John W. Altman Institute for Entrepreneurship’s impressive ranking in the Princeton Review. Also discussed was Miami’s impressive ranking for return on investment by the Georgetown University Center on Education and the Workforce, in which Miami’s Oxford, Hamilton, and Middletown campuses occupied the top three rankings in the State of Ohio. 

Miami University Students meet with Congressman Brad Wenstrup during the December fly-in.

On January 8, President Greg Crawford and Director Thomas participated in a conference call with Jobs Ohio regarding the Elm Street project, which will be a TECH Innovation Hub. The two then traveled to the Ohio Governor’s Mansion on January 10 to visit with Governor Mike DeWine ‘69 to discuss collaboration to advance Ohio and its economy with talent and creative ideas.

President Greg Crawford, Laurel Dawson, Gov. Mike DeWine, and Director Randi Malcolm Thomas, Esq. meet at the Ohio Governor’s Mansion.

President Crawford and Director Thomas visited the nation’s capitol on January 15, talking with legislators, staff, and the House Small Business Committee about Miami’s plans to build a new TECH Innovation Hub. They discussed the university’s role in innovation and strategies with businesses for economic development with urban and rural revitalization. They also visited with CBS News Chief Justice and Homeland Security Correspondent Jeff Pegues ‘92.

CBS Chief Justice and Homeland Security Correspondent Jeff Pegues ‘92 meets with Director Randi Malcolm Thomas, Esq.

Legislation Tracking

Bill	Summary/Title	Last Action	Sponsors
HB310	Greek Life Anti-Bullying and Hazing Act	9/24/19Referred to House Primary & Secondary Education Committee	Greenspan (R)
HB194/SB111	Legalize/Regulate sports gaming/taxing sports gaming business (college sports betting)	4/10/19Referred to House Finance Committee	Greenspan (R) and Kelly (D)
SB181	Work +, Template for workforce education partnership program	11/12/19Passed Senate, Introduced in House	Coley (R)

GOVERNMENT RELATIONS NETWORK NEWS

September 2019

Students and faculty share cybersecurity research and experience with legislators in D.C. and Columbus

Miami GRN students advocated for higher education, computer science, and cybersecurity. Miami University computer science chair and students visited the capital to prepare for sharing their ideas of the future. 

Randi Malcolm Thomas Esq. in D.C. to support Miami University’s research into advances in computer sciences. 

Students, alumni and friends gather to celebrate the 10-year anniversary of the Government Relations Network LLC

Current GRN students, Miami GRN Alumni, and Ohio Elected Officials met at Lewis Place to celebrate the 10th year anniversary of the GRN. Grateful for Randi Malcolm Thomas Esq. and his incredible leadership.

Miami GRN students and Alum at Lewis Place for the 10th anniversary of the GRN.

Miami University students and GRN students at MOVE bootcamp

Miami students joined President Crawford and Ambassador Renate Crawford for MOVE at Lewis Place #HealthyMiamiOH. Randi Thomas and GRN members staying healthy! 

Randi Malcolm Thomas Esq. with Miami GRN students at MOVE.

Meeting with Oxford Police Chief 

Randi Malcolm Thomas Esq. and GRN member Zach Moore sit down to talk with Oxford Police Chief, discussing safety matters and how to build a stronger community for our college and town. 

Randi Malcolm Thomas Esq. and Zach Moore sitting with Oxford Police Officers.

Meeting with Ohio Representative Adam Miller

GRN members and President Crawford meeting with Representative Adam Miller to discuss the Work+ program and our undergraduate research here at Miami University. Sharing our ideas and discussing our experience at Miami.

President Crawford and Miami GRN students meeting with Adam Miller.

C2E2, Miami Students, with GRN leadership visit Cincinnati to discuss leadership

GRN students along with Law and Government cluster students visit Cincinnati to meet with Miami Alum Jeff Berding. Jeff is the president of fccincinnati. He talked to the GRN about the quality of leadership. 

GRN students also went to the freedom center where Chris Miller gave us a tour of the Underground Railroad Museum. 

Randi Malcolm Thomas Esq. and GRN students with Miami Alum Jeff Berding. 

GRN members getting a tour from Chris Miller.

Voter registration sign-up on Constitution Day.

Miami GRN students assisting Miami University Associated Student Government with getting people to register themselves to vote on Constitution day. 

Miami GRN students working a voting registration table to assist Miami ASG.

Miami GRN students at the Dayton Area Broadcasters HOF gala

Miami GRN students supporting Dennis Lieberman for her Community Service aware. Thanks for all you do Dennis!! 

GRN students and Randi Malcolm Thomas Esq. meeting with Dennis Lieberman. 

Miami GRN students meeting with Representatives Carruthers 

Representatives Carruthers met with Miami Students to talk about women’s issues and women misrepresentation in business. 

Randi Malcolm Thomas Esq. and GRN members meeting with Representative Carruthers.

GOVERNMENT RELATIONS NETWORK NEWS

August 2019

Class of 2023 arrives at Miami University

During the final full week of August, 4,300 students arrived at Miami University, the largest class ever admitted to Miami.

37 of these students were placed in the Government Relations Network (GRN) Living Learning Community, where they will have the opportunity to explore government related careers and professions through a wide ranging network of alumni, university friends, public officials and other professionals serving in government related fields.

Returning students, alumni, and university friends welcome new students

On August 23, new and returning GRN members gathered at Lewis Place to celebrate the beginning of the semester with an ice cream social. In attendance were President Greg Crawford, Dr. Renate Crawford, Rep. George Lang, and numerous other alumni and friends.

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”

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.

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.

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.

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

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

 

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

 

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