February 21, 2018
Student aid advocates rally for program funding.
Students from St. John’s University joined a delegation of more than 1,000 students from across New York State to advocate before the New York State Legislature during the annual Student Aid Alliance Advocacy Day held on February 13 in Albany, NY. While visiting the New York State Capitol, students met with local legislators, including several University alumni serving in both the New York State Senate and Assembly.
The New York Student Aid Alliance is a coalition of colleges and universities and other stakeholder organizations that support funding vital student aid programs in New York. Students from approximately 65 public and private, not-for-profit campuses attended the rally to show their support for student aid programs and urge lawmakers to restore student aid funding. A virtual Advocacy Day was held simultaneously on Twitter, with students and supporters from across the state using the hashtag #StandUp4StudentAid to share stories about the personal impact of student aid and opportunity programs. This is the 10th year the organization has hosted an Advocacy Day in Albany.
“The annual student trip to Albany is an important, visible demonstration to our local legislators of how critical student aid is to help support students at St. John’s,” stated Brian Browne, Executive Director for University Relations and Assistant Vice President for Government Relations, who regularly coordinates the trip to the NYS Capitol for Advocacy Day. Mr. Browne continued, “When a legislator hears firsthand from a student, that personal anecdote is a powerful and memorable form of advocacy.”
When the New York State Assembly began their legislative proceedings for the day, New York State Assemblyman David I. Weprin (24th A.D.), who represents the Queens campus, formally introduced the student group to the entire legislature as they gathered in the historic and ornate Assembly Chamber.
Johnny Wiley, a sophomore majoring in Government and Politics, participated in Advocacy Day for the second consecutive year. “It is important for students to make their voices heard by decision makers before budget decisions are made. I am glad to be a voice for my fellow students.”
Freshman Joshua Santis, a Government and Politics major, observed, “Advocacy Day showed me that we, as students, can make a difference in government.”
After meeting with legislators throughout the day, the St. John’s delegation had an extended sit-down with New York State Senator Diane J. Savino (23rd S.D.) ’86C, who attended the Queens campus of St. John’s and now represents the Staten Island campus. Senator Savino told the students, “St. John’s will absolutely prepare you for whatever it is that you choose to do in life—but be prepared to work hard and always look out for others. You are already demonstrating those ideals today.”
Students at St. John’s University and across New York rely on student aid programs to enable them to achieve their college dreams. For example, Bundy Aid is a 50-year-old state aid program that provides funds for student aid and other student assistance at private, not-for-profit colleges and universities. Bundy Aid benefits nearly 500,000 students on those campuses across the state. The Tuition Assistance Program serves more than 300,000 New Yorkers attending college, providing them with more than $900 million in student aid.