UMD’s Student Association members and campus leaders are boarding a bus that’s headed to the State Capitol on Thursday, February 16 at 7:45 a.m. in the Kirby Bus Hub, 1208 Kirby Drive.
Nearly 50 students, staff, and faculty are planning on making the trip.
Lynne Williams, director of University Marketing and Public Relations, says Bulldog Lobby Day is an opportunity to fill the Capital with proud Bulldogs who are ready to advocate for UMD. “We’re looking forward to letting legislators know what makes UMD a critical part of Minnesota.”
Williams adds there are more students advocating this year than in the past three years, and they’re looking forward to having important conversations with state officials.
“These students are taking a day out of their busy lives to advocate for their peers,” says Michael Purtell, vice president of External Affairs for the Student Association. “We're going to meet with nearly 50 of our 200 state representatives to discuss the impact that tuition increases have on students.”
The students are also advocating for state funding for a new Chemistry and Advanced Materials Science Building, which is slated as a top priority for the U of M System at the state bonding session. “Our current building is one of the most ill equipped buildings in the entire U system,” Purtell says.
The first Bulldog Lobby Day was held in 2012.