Posted on Monday, April 26, 2010
Two Westminster College sophomore political science majors participated in the Association of Independent Colleges and Universities in Pennsylvania's (AICUP) Student Lobby Day April 20 in Harrisburg.
Katelyn Moga is a daughter of Timothy and Pamela Moga of Ashtabula, Ohio, and a graduate of Edgewood High School.
Alex Scull is a son of Thomas and Stephanie Scull of DuBois and a graduate of DuBois Area High School.
Moga and Scull were among more than 200 students from across Pennsylvania who met with state legislators to express their concerns about the 28% state budget cuts to the Institutional Assistance Grants in the 2009-2010 budget and lobby the legislators for their support in restoring the grants to their 2008-2009 level for the upcoming fiscal year.
Moga and Scull met with Rep. Michele Brooks (R-17th District), Rep. Matt Gabler (R-75th District), Westminster graduate Rep. Mark Longietti (D-7th District), and Rep. Chris Sainato (D-9th District).
According to Scull, the representatives were sympathetic to their cause and appreciated being able to put a student face on the educational funding issue.
"I found it interesting that party label didn't always reflect a legislator's perspective," Scull said. "There were Republicans who were more closely aligned with Gov. Rendell [a Democrat] and Democrats who disagreed with the governor's position."
"Katie and I appreciate the support for our trip from [Westminster College] President [Dr. Richard H.] Dorman and [Vice President for Institutional Advancement] Gloria Cagigas," Scull added. "They made it possible for us to represent Westminster and experience democracy in action."
Dr. Edward Cohen, associate professor and chair of Westminster's Department of Political Science and Sociology, accompanied the students.
Contact Cohen at (724) 946-7304 or e-mail cohenes@westminster.edu for additional information.
