Students shine at Advocacy Day

Clarion University students had the opportunity to meet with state Rep. Donna Oberlander (R-63) to discuss issues pertaining to the state system as well as learn more about state government.

Students from the 14 schools in the State System of Higher Education participated in Advocacy Day in April and Clarion University once again sent a contingent of students who raised their voices for state system causes.

"The purpose of Advocacy Day is an opportunity every year for students and alumni with the different university presidents to come to Harrisburg and engage our elected officials about the state system, the universities in the state system, what our needs are and how the state can be helpful to the universities, to the students and the communities," said Clarion University President Karen Whitney.

Students spent time meeting with representatives such as state Rep. Donna Oberlander (R63) and state Sen. Scott Hutchinson (R-21) to explain why they chose to attend a state system school and how the state can best support state system schools.

Clarion University students had the opportunity to meet with state Sen. Scott Hutchinson (R-21) during Advocacy Day.

"This is our annual chance to take advocacy to a higher level of attention and importance," said State System Chancellor Frank T. Brogan.

Student Devon Vallies relished the chance to tell his own story as to why he chose Clarion.

"The student story becomes the story," Whitney said.

Vallies said in turn he learned more about government and how it works from Oberlander.

"This experience is really incredible," Vallies said. "If anyone gets the opportunity to come to Advocacy Day, they should really take that opportunity."

The State System also released this message on Advocacy Day.