Mount St. Mary's students meet with Sen. Craig Zucker during Independent Higher Education Pictured with Ed Egan, Elizabeth Monahan, President Jerry Joyce and Sen. Zucker are Danny Cortes, Nolan Williams, Austin Simons, Karis Barrett, Nyema Gillespie, Geritza Cenelus and Aya Bond.
Seven students from Mount St. Mary’s University traveled to Annapolis, Maryland, on February 18, for Independent Higher Education Day, organized by the Maryland Independent College and University Association. Joining the students at the state capitol were President Jerry Joyce, Director of the Pre-Law Program and First Year Symposium Ed Egan, and Vice President for University Affairs Elizabeth Monahan.
Governor Wes Moore issued a proclamation recognizing February 18 as “Independent Higher Education Day in the State of Maryland!” The proclamation was announced on the floors of the Senate and House by Senator Shelly Hettleman of District 11 in Baltimore County and Delegate Stephanie Smith of District 45 in Baltimore City.
For more than 240 years, Maryland’s independent colleges and universities have partnered with the state to increase educational opportunities, improve college access and support local businesses. This partnership includes the Sellinger Program, which provides financial aid funding, to independent, nonprofit colleges and universities in Maryland, including the Mount.
According to MICUA, “This day acknowledged the State’s independent institutions for their contributions to workforce development, scientific discoveries, global competitiveness, civic participation, and service to the community.”
Over 100 students and campus leaders from MICUA member colleges and universities participated in more than 50 meetings with elected officials and a luncheon, where students enjoyed an opportunity to connect with peers at other colleges.
The group from the Mount visited with elected officials from the university’s and students’ home districts, with each student having the opportunity to lead a presentation to a legislator. The Mount participants met with Senators Paul Corderman (District 2), Clarence Lam (District 12) and Craig Zucker (District 14) as well as Representatives Aletheia McCaskill (District 44B), Julian Ivey (District 47A), William Valentine (District 2A) and William Wivell (District 2A).
Mount St. Mary’s students included Karis Barrett, Aya Bond, Geritza Cenelus, Danny Cortes, Nyema Gillespie, Austin Simons and Nolan Williams.