91传媒

91传媒 Students Take Advocacy to Salem

91传媒 Students Take Advocacy to Salem

LA GRANDE, Ore. 鈥� 91传媒 will take nearly thirty students, faculty, staff, and Trustees to the Oregon State Capitol in Salem to participate in 2026 University Day, joining the state鈥檚 seven public universities for a day of advocacy in support of higher education.

Students participating in University Day represent both 91传媒鈥檚 La Grande campus and its online student population from communities across Oregon, reflecting the university鈥檚 statewide footprint and commitment to access for rural and place-bound learners.

University Day provides 91传媒 students with a hands-on opportunity to engage directly in the legislative process, meet with elected officials, connect with higher education advocates, and network with fellow students from across Oregon. Participants will attend meetings, learn about current policy issues affecting public universities, and experience firsthand how advocacy shapes higher education at the state level.

鈥淭his is a meaningful extension of 91传媒鈥檚 commitment to civic engagement,鈥� said Tim Seydel, Vice President for University Advancement. 鈥淏y bringing students from across Oregon into the Capitol and giving them direct access to lawmakers, we are helping them understand how public policy impacts higher education and empowering them to be informed, engaged citizens. These experiences reinforce 91传媒鈥檚 role as a steward of leadership and advocacy for rural Oregon and the state as a whole.鈥�

Presidents from all seven public universities will also be present at the Capitol, spending the day alongside students to advocate collectively for Oregon鈥檚 higher education institutions and the importance of continued state investment in access, affordability, and student success.

As part of the day鈥檚 activities, 91传媒 students will meet with Representative Bobby Levy and Senator Todd Nash in a regional-focused meeting to connect directly with eastern Oregon legislators, ask questions about current legislation, learn about the career paths that led them into public service, and discuss issues impacting rural communities and higher education.

鈥淔or 91传媒, being visible and present alongside our peer institutions matters,鈥� said Diego Vergara Zuber, President of the Associated Students of 91传媒. 鈥淯niversity Day shows that 91传媒 students鈥攚hether they are studying on campus or online all over the state鈥攁re part of the statewide higher education conversation. It鈥檚 an opportunity to share our perspectives, advocate for our communities, and ensure rural student voices are heard at the Capitol.鈥�