Advocate Penn State Capital Day set for March 20 in Harrisburg

President Barron in front of rotunda steps with podium

Advocate Penn State Capital Day will take place on March 20 at the Capitol in Harrisburg.

Credit: Christie Clancy

UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. – Advocate Penn State Capital Day will bring a lively rally and Penn State Berkey Creamery ice cream to the state Capitol in Harrisburg on Wednesday, March 20, as hundreds from the Penn State community will converge on the Capitol to meet with their elected officials and share their stories of why the University is so unique and valuable to Pennsylvania. 

Sponsored by Advocate Penn State and the Office of Government and Community Relations, the event serves as the University’s largest single-day advocacy event. Advocate Penn State Capital Day offers an opportunity to demonstrate the impact of Penn State on the Commonwealth while advocating for accessible and affordable education. 

All Penn State students, alumni, employees and supporters are invited and encouraged to attend the event to meet and speak with their state legislators about the importance of Penn State. Registration information can be found at https://www.govt.psu.edu/capital-day/. Training materials will be provided ahead of the event to help all attendees feel prepared. 

Students at any level and of any discipline are especially encouraged to attend this year’s Capital Day. According to Zack Moore, vice president for Government and Community Relations, “Students are one of the strongest advocacy assets of the University. It is extremely important that elected officials hear the student voice, and we hope many come to Harrisburg to tell their stories and show their Penn State pride.”

The University-affiliated student organization Lion Caucus is working with the University Park Undergraduate Association and the Council of Commonwealth Student Governments to arrange transportation for individuals from University Park and Commonwealth Campuses to Harrisburg. Breakfast and lunch will be provided to all who attend.

This year’s event includes some traditions of Capital Day such as a Penn State rally in the Capitol Rotunda featuring the Nittany Lion, members of the Penn State Blue Band and brief remarks from University President Eric Barron and current students. Capital Day 2019 will also include some new elements, like opportunities for legislators and students to network with representatives from Penn State programs that have a large impact on the Commonwealth. 

Those interested in Capital Day 2019 can visit https://www.govt.psu.edu/capital-day/ to register or get more information. Information on Penn State’s advocacy efforts can be found at https://www.govt.psu.edu/advocate/or social media pages @AdvocatePennState on Facebook and @AdvocateState on Twitter.