“Radford University cares about its students.”
“Radford University is setting us up for success.”
“Students have opportunities here that they might not have elsewhere.”
Those were the messages that Radford students brought to Virginia’s General Assembly, Gov. Glenn Youngkin and other state officials during the university’s annual Advocacy Day, Wednesday, Jan. 29, and Thursday, Jan. 30, in Richmond.
Students were joined by President Bret Danilowicz and First Lady Kay Danilowicz, Board of Visitors members and university administrators for a trip where experiential learning, professional networking and participation in the legislative process intersect.
Advocacy Day, in its 25th year, is one of the longest-running experiences of its kind among Virginia public universities.
“You’re really able to grow your skills with this experience,” said Jada Freeman, Class of 2025 and president of Radford’s Student Government Association (SGA). “From the way we dressed, to the way we shook hands with people, this was a gateway to your career.”
“These leaders are the voices of our communities and want to do the best they can for us,” said Sasha Klucefski ’24, who is working towards her MBA degree this spring.
The Advocacy Day experience is centered on small group meetings with General Assembly members, packed into a fast-paced three hours.
Beginning at 8:30 a.m. on Thursday, groups of threefour to sevenfive students, accompanied by a university staff member, moved swiftly from office to office, and up and down the elevators of the 14-story General Assembly Building. At each stop, they spoke about Radford University’s distinctive experience and legislative priorities for the university.
“The overall message we shared was that because Radford is smaller, we’re able to have more valuable interactions between students and professors,” said Ethan Buhyoff, a Class of 2026 member participating in Advocacy Day for the second time.
“They needed to know that students have opportunity here, especially with programs like the Radford Tuition Promise,” Freeman said.
For many students, this was their first time interacting with elected officials.
“In my mind, I thought of politicians as strict and eager to get their own policies done,” Freeman said. “I was surprised by how comfortable they made us feel and how open and willing they were to listen to us.”
“You’re not reading from a script,” Buhyoff, a Christiansburg, Virginia, native, said. “You’re having a conversation. I felt at ease once we sat in the room.”
Following the meetings, each house of the General Assembly recognized Radford University, as Del. Jed Arnold ’03 (Smyth) and Sen. Travis Hackworth (Tazewell) welcomed and acknowledged the students and the 25th year of Advocacy Day,
HR548, which passed on Feb. 3, commended Radford University for offering students “a life-changing experience by giving them the opportunity to participate in state government.”
“To be recognized made us feel like we were making an impact,” Buhyoff said. “We left a positive impression on our lawmakers.”
On Wednesday, Radford students and representatives met and had a photo opportunity with Youngkin. He was joined by Secretary of Education Aimee Guidera and Secretary of the Commonwealth Kelly Gee.
“He was charismatic and respectful,” Klucefski said. “He looked everyone in the eye and made us feel important.”
“The governor showed care for people in this state,” Buhyoff said. “He asked good questions about our Radford experience and told us how we can get involved in making Virginia a better place to live.”
Upon their arrival in Richmond on Wednesday, the Radford contingent was led on an hourlong tour of the Virginia Capitol.
“I didn’t realize the history and impact our state has,” Freeman, a Danville, Virginia, native, said. “From presidents who served as Virginia governors, to early African American delegates, to Nancy Astor, who was a Virginian and the first woman to serve in the UK parliament. There’s so much that Virginians have done.”
At the completion of the tour, Clerk of the House G. Paul Nardo spoke to students in the House chamber about the history of the Capitol and General Assembly, the importance of finding common ground in politics, and finer details of both the legislative process and his role as clerk.
Wednesday’s activities also included an evening networking reception where students could have conversations with board members, university administrators and alumni, elected officials, staff members of elected officials and others associated with state governance.
“It was nice to come [to Richmond] and meet the Board of Visitors and staff that we’ve never met,” Klucefski said. “Their experiences are like ours – they love Radford and are here for a reason.”
The students who attended Advocacy Day would encourage anyone to participate.
“Be prepared to take in a lot of information, but know you will grow from this experience,” Freeman said.
“It opens your eyes and gives you ideas about your future,” Klucefski said. “No matter your major, there is something for you at Advocacy Day.”