Becky Shank, a senior psychology major at Waynesburg University from East Berlin, Pennsylvania, participated in the Association of Independent Colleges and Universities of Pennsylvania’s (AICUP) Day on the Hill last week.
The one-day event brought students from AICUP schools across Pennsylvania together at the Harrisburg Capitol to advocate on behalf of their institutions and the PA State Grant Programs.
“The advocacy experience was a valuable opportunity to participate in the interconnection of state government and our academic institution,” Shank said. “It was a joy to represent Waynesburg as I spoke with different state senators and representatives, sharing my personal experience in how Pennsylvania’s state funding to Waynesburg allowed me to pursue my college education.”
Accompanied by Waynesburg University Director of Admissions Robert Barnhart, Shank met with Representative Torren Ecker, Senator Doug Mastriano and Senator Camera Bartolotta’s Chief of Staff Katrina Hanna to discuss continued Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency (PHEAA) funding for the 2023-2024 fiscal year budget.
“Each year, this event presents an excellent opportunity for students to advocate for themselves and their peers as they are constantly concerned with funding their continuing education and achieving their goals,” Barnhart said.
About AICUP
AICUP is the only statewide organization that serves independent, nonprofit higher education within the Commonwealth and exists to complement and support the work of campus leaders. AICUP was established in October 1995 through the affiliation of three existing educational organizations.
About Waynesburg University
Consistently ranked a best value school, Waynesburg University’s Strategy for the 21st Century affirms its commitment to developing an entrepreneurial mindset and ethical leadership skills for all students. Rooted in its mission of faith, learning and service, the private, Christian university is located on a traditional campus in the hills of southwestern Pennsylvania, with an additional site for graduate and professional programs in Southpointe.
