Communication Associate: Public Relations | Lori Melton | lmelton@d.umn.edu | (218) 726-8830
January 31, 2013 Cheryl Reitan | Associate Director of External Affairs | 218 726-8996 | creitan@d.umn.edu
Kathleen McQuillan-Hofmann | UMD Communication Associate | 218 726-7111 | kmcquillan@d.umn.edu
Support the U Day on Feb. 7
DULUTH, MN — UMD students are encouraged to join the Legislative Certificate Program and UMD
Student Association on Thurs., Feb. 7, at the Minnesota State Capitol for a University
of Minnesota statewide event, Support the U Day.
Organizers hope that students will communicate the importance of the University
of Minnesota to leaders at the state level. Students from all five U of M system
campuses will be represented at this event. No prior lobbying experience is
required. All students will receive a folder with talking points and will be led by a
lobby leader who is familiar with the process.
"This day is critical for every student who attends the U to show the legislature
that students care about their tuition dollars. Participants will have the unique
opportunity to advocate for a tuition freeze and increased state support to maintain
the quality of our University," said UMD student Kelly Kemper, legislative certificate
program director. Support the U Day is planned by Kemper and nine other
representatives of the Minnesota Student Legislative Coalition.
Transportation is provided to and from the Capitol. Everyone who attends this event
will receive free breakfast and lunch along with a free t-shirt.
Confirmed speakers include: Governor Mark Dayton; Senator Terri Bonoff, Senate
Higher Education Chair; Representative Gene Pelowski, House Higher Education
Chair; and University of Minnesota President Eric Kaler.
Schedule of Events – Thurs., Feb. 7:
8-8:30 am: Free breakfast and rally in Kirby Bus Hub
8:45 am: Depart Kirby Bus Hub to the Capitol
Noon: Rally in the State Capitol Rotunda
12:30 pm: Free lunch in the State Capitol Great Hall
1-3 pm: Meetings with elected officials
6 pm: Return to Kirby Bus Hub
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