Students, Grads to Lobby for State Support of U. of I., Higher Education

On Wednesday, April 18, more than 200 University of Illinois alumni and students from the university’s three campuses will be in Springfield to meet with legislators as part of the fourth annual “University of Illinois Day at the Capitol” lobby effort.

Coordinated by Illinois Connection, the legislative advocacy network of the University of Illinois Alumni Association, these concerned stakeholders will canvas the statehouse and speak one-on-one with their representatives to encourage funding support for the University of Illinois and higher education in general. UI President-designate Robert Easter, UIC Chancellor Paula Allen-Meares and UIS Chancellor Susan Koch will participate as well.

“A strong University of Illinois helps make for a strong Illinois economy,” says Amy Eichhorst, who directs the Alumni Association’s advocacy program. “Our state Legislature needs to invest its limited resources where it will bring maximum benefit.

“The strength of the U of I is in the faculty, students, staff and alumni who come together to improve people’s lives and make the world a better place through education, innovation and economic development,” Eichhorst said. “It’s important for people who believe in the University of Illinois to make sure their state representatives know how they feel.”

After an 11:30 a.m. lunch briefing and 1:15 p.m. group photo outside the Capitol, the UI alumni and students will visit legislative offices for scheduled appointments throughout the afternoon. The group will reconvene at 4 p.m. to debrief at the Inn at 835 (located at 835 S. 2nd St.).

Illinois Connection is sponsoring the effort in partnership with Undergraduate Student Government and Student Alumni Ambassadors at UIC, the Student Government Association at UIS, the Illinois Student Senate and Student Alumni Ambassadors at UIUC, and the UI Student Trustees.

More information about the UI Alumni Association’s Illinois Connection advocacy program.