Simpson University Students Visit State Capitol, Talk to Legislators
For Immediate Release
03.06.2018
REDDING, Calif.—Simpson University students recently spoke to state officials about the importance of higher education funding during the Association of Independent California Colleges and Universities (AICCU)’s annual Day in the Capitol.
Students Brittany Conijn and Abagail Allen visited with state Sens. Ted Gaines and Jim Nielsen, as well as a legislative aide and chief of staff in state Heath Flora and Kevin Kiley’s offices, respectively.
The students were joined by Dr. Cherry McCabe, chair of the Department of History and Political Science, and Kari Myers, associate director of Financial Aid.
This was the sixth year that Simpson University students and faculty have traveled to the Capitol to talk about the importance of Cal Grant funding for higher education. They were among more than 100 students and campus administrators from private colleges and universities who visited legislative offices throughout the day. The AICCU comprises 78 private nonprofit colleges and universities in California.
The day focused on protecting educational opportunities for students—opportunities such as the Cal Grant awards, which provide funds to more than 27,000 middle- and low-income students. Nearly half of Simpson University’s traditional undergraduate California students receive Cal Grants.
Conijn and Allen thanked legislators and staffers for their work in protecting the Cal Grant from cuts this year, Dr. McCabe said. They also emphasized the importance of such funding for students wishing to choose a private college education.
“California legislators are not always aware of the critical importance of Cal Grant to low-income students who choose an independent college or university,” Dr. McCabe said. “This event gives us a chance to share student stories and highlight the benefits offered by private, non-profit institutions of higher education.”
Conijn is a sophomore from Manteca, Calif., double-majoring in history and political science. She plans to be a lawyer.
Allen is a freshman from Lathrop, Calif., majoring in political science. She plans to enter public service as an educational advocate.
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Simpson University, established in 1921, is a Christian university offering undergraduate, graduate, and teaching credential programs. The university celebrated its 25th year in Redding and the completion of a Science and Nursing Center in 2014. Academic programs include ASPIRE, a degree-completion program geared toward working adults with both on-campus and online course offerings, including degrees in psychology and organizational leadership. For information about the university, or to arrange a campus visit, call 1-888-9-SIMPSON or visit simpsonu.edu.
Contact: SU Public Relations
mediarelations@simpsonu.edu
(530) 226-4737
