25 Years of Advocacy Day at Radford University: Virginia Delegate Visits Student Government
By: Rylee Meadows
On Monday, September 29, Virginia Del. Jason Ballard visited campus to attend the Student Government Associations general body meeting to present an official House of Delegates commending resolution. The resolution regarding Radford University’s 25th Anniversary of Advocacy Day. During the meeting, student leaders, faculty, and President Bret Danilowicz, sat in attendance of the presentation and had the opportunity to represent and celebrate the significant meaning and importance of Advocacy Day.
The resolution honors Radford Universities’ participation in Advocacy Day and shows its growth over the course of twenty-five years. In 2000, three students traveled to Richmond, where now, more than 50 students attend the trip to meet with legislators and advocates for the university. Ballard shared,
“When I talk to my colleagues in the General Assembly, they are continually impressed by Radford’s strong showing during each year’s legislative session due to not only the time commitment involved in getting to Richmond, but also with how prepared students are to advocate for policies in a professional manner. This is a true testament to Radford University as an institution that prepares students with the skills necessary to succeed after they graduate.”
SGA President Owen Starr had the opportunity to welcome Del. Ballard to campus and received a copy of the commending resolution. Starr expresses the importance of civic engagement and attending Advocacy Day. “I’ve been on Advocacy Day for 2 years now, this will be my third year. I’ve loved it because it’s a great experience for meeting the legislators that are representing you, advocating for students, advocating for Radford, great networking opportunities, learning about how these politicians and people who work in government got to the positions they are in, and also the fact they are willing to hear what students like us have to say and the issues we are facing.”
The 2025 Advocacy Day application is now open to full-time students on RU Involved; applications are due by Monday, October 27, 2025, at 11:59 p.m. Advocacy Day will be on Wednesday, February 4, 2026. Participating students will leave campus on the morning of Tuesday, February 3, 2026, to travel to Richmond and arrive back on campus the evening of February 4. Dr. Susan Trageser, who provided these details expressed “Whether a student is participating for the first time or their fourth, Advocacy Day is a wonderful way for students to learn about legislative processes in Virginia and engage with state legislators and University administrators. Students also find community and develop lasting friendships through Advocacy Day.”
Del. Ballard’s presentation honored the importance of this opportunity for Radford University students. President Danilowicz shared his gratitude to Ballard for his constant support of Radford. “I am grateful to Delegate Ballard for honoring this milestone for Advocacy Day, a hallmark of the student experience at Radford University. Each of the more than 600 students participating has returned to our campus with a stronger voice, deeper confidence, and a renewed commitment to service.”
This yearly event gives students the opportunity to advocate for themselves and Radford University. With continuous support and participation, Advocacy Day is an engaging program that continues to grow each year.
