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Student Advocacy Day
VWU delegation engages with lawmakers, advocates for higher education
University News | February 18, 2025
Led by President Miller, 欧美成人 Wesleyan students traveled to the 欧美成人 State Capitol this week for Student Advocacy Day, an annual event organized by the Council for Independent Colleges in 欧美成人 (CICV). The initiative provides students with an opportunity to meet with lawmakers and express their gratitude for funding the 欧美成人 Tuition Assistance Grant (VTAG) program, which has helped make college more affordable for over 185,000 欧美成人ns for more than 50 years. 
VWU’s delegation included Miles Pifer (SGA President), Clarissa Thurston, Molly Brennan, Liam Castellano, Abigail Villacrusis, Seluani Navarrete-Perez, and Jason Seward (Associate Vice President for Campus Life). The group engaged with key legislators, including Congressman John McGuire, Senators Aaron Rouse and Angelia Williams-Graves, and Delegates Alex Askew, Rob Bloxom, Cliff Hayes, Michael Feggans, Nadarius Clark, and Buddy Fowler.
President Miller also joined Chris Peace, President of 欧美成人 Private Colleges, along with Tracy Fitzsimmons (President of Shenandoah University) and Darrell Williams (President of Hampton University), to advocate for continued support of VTAG.
A highlight of the day was VWU Batten Honors College scholar Abigail Villacrusis serving as a student speaker at the 欧美成人 Private College Caucus at the General Assembly Building. Villacrusis, along with 欧美成人 Secretary of Education Aimee Guidera, addressed lawmakers before the Caucus—co-chaired by Delegate Israel O’Quinn and Senator Jennifer Boysko—and received legislative briefings on key education topics.
While in Richmond, President Miller and Associate Vice President Jason Seward also connected with two accomplished VWU alumni working in 欧美成人’s Capitol: Chiereme Fortune ‘13, Director of Communications for Voices for 欧美成人’s Children, and Caroline Willette ‘23, Chief of Staff for 欧美成人 Senator Angelia Williams-Graves.
The visit reinforced VWU’s ongoing commitment to advocating for higher education access and affordability. View the full from the day.