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LHU students, staff participate in ‘Advocacy Day’ at state Capitol

PHOTO PROVIDED From left, are Erin Engel, Brooke Houseal, President Robert Pignatello, Sen. Joseph Scarnati, Richard Reinberg, Corey Woomer, Malik Potter and Joe Fiochetta.

LOCK HAVEN — On April 10, nearly 150 students, faculty, staff and alumni from all of the 14 universities in the Pennsylvania’s State System of Higher Education visited the state Capitol for “Advocacy Day” events.

Each university’s group met with legislators and their staff to share their personal stories and to seek support for the State System. This year’s campaign focused mainly on how the system’s schools contribute to and support the future of Pennsylvania.

Those representing Lock Haven University during the events were students Malik Potter, Brooke Houseal, Richard Reinberg, Corey Woomer and Erin Engle; President Robert Pignatello; Joe Fiochetta, vice president for university advancement; Elizabeth Arnold, executive director of communications and community relations; and Emily Yoder, admissions counselor.

Members of LHU’s group met with Sen. Wayne Langerholc Jr., Rep. Stephanie Borowicz, Sen. Joseph Scarnati and Rep. Matt Gabler. They shared their stories and why they feel it is important for legislators to invest in and support the universities within the State System and the quality of education the students are receiving.

Potter, a senior business administration major from Harrisburg, said he felt being able to attend Advocacy Day provided him with the opportunity to network with other students who have common interests across the State System. He plans to pursue a career in advocacy work with education, urban equity, after school programming and social-emotional learning for nonprofit organizations.

“It’s important to advocate for our state education system because it allows the opportunity to provide equal opportunities of education to our residence in Pennsylvania, also while enabling the state to have a hand in tailor-making the next generation’s workforce,” Potter said.

According to PASSHE, the State System is seeking a 2019-20 state appropriation of $505.8 million, an increase of $37.7 million over the current year’s funding level to ensure continued access to and affordability of a high-quality education for the citizens of the Commonwealth. Governor Wolf has proposed an appropriation of $475.1 million, an increase of approximately $7 million. The new budget is required to be approved by June 30, to take effect July 1.

For more information on Lock Haven University, visit www.lockhaven.edu, email admissions@lockhaven.edu, or call 570-484-2011.

Lock Haven University’s main campus is located on the West Branch of the Susquehanna River in the scenic mountains of Pennsylvania. The university offers 49 undergraduate majors and certifications with 47 minors and five graduate programs.

LHU is a member of Pennsylvania’s State System, the largest provider of higher education in the Commonwealth. Its 14 universities offer more than 2,300 degree and certificate programs in more than 530 academic areas of study. Nearly 520,000 system alumni live and work in Pennsylvania.

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