Temple University students traveled to Harrisburg on March 24 as part of the annual Owls on the Hill advocacy day, according to an April 6 announcement. The event, organized by Temple’s Office of Government and Community Relations, brought 33 students to the Pennsylvania Capitol where they met with lawmakers and advocated for continued Commonwealth funding for the university.
The student advocacy comes two weeks after President John Fry appeared before the Pennsylvania House Appropriations Committee in support of Temple’s state funding. The main goal was to highlight how more than $158 million in state funds helps provide an in-state tuition discount of at least $15,600 for thousands of Pennsylvania students at Temple.
Dennis Lynch, assistant vice president for government relations at Temple, said, “Any chance we get to highlight to the General Assembly and the administration where the Commonwealth’s money is going, and who it is helping, dramatically advances our case for continued funding.” Lynch added that student advocates help put a human face on what Temple stands for. He also explained that their distinctive red-and-white striped rugby shirts make them visible in the busy Capitol: “Everybody notices our students because of them. Those shirts make it very, very clear with all that’s going on in the Capitol that the Temple students are here, they’re being seen and our message for continued funding is getting out.”
Ashanty Lopez, a senior majoring in political science and sports management from North Philadelphia who participated in her first Owls on the Hill event this year, said it was important that students advocate alongside faculty or staff. “Being able to advocate for ourselves and other students just shows that we have a voice too, and we want to use it,” she said. “We came with a high energy, our questions and our handouts. Going from office to office, we made our presence very known in the Capitol.”
State Senator Maria Collett (D-12), who represents Temple’s Ambler Campus and wore red attire along with other lawmakers connected to Temple during Owls on the Hill day said: “As the senator representing the Temple Ambler Campus, I was pleased to meet with current students and learn how their education and experiences have prepared them to take on life after graduation. It’s critical for state lawmakers to hear from these future leaders as we make policy and funding decisions that will directly impact them and their families.”
During lunch at this year’s event—which included recognition by both chambers—students heard from several alumni serving as House members including State Representative Joe Hogan (R-142), LAW ’23: “I have always taken time to meet with students from Temple—whether on campus, in district or in Capitol… As a graduate of Temple Law… provided some advice that they should take classes that prepare them for their career and support their passion. It is always a pleasure to speak with these students…”
The trip also featured appearances by Hooter—the university mascot—and Stella—the live owl mascot—in addition group photos were taken inside both legislative chambers.
