Eastern Michigan University faculty, alumni and members of Student Government converged yesterday for the annual “EMU Day in Lansing” at the State Capitol.
Around 50 people arrived to rally for causes important to EMU. The group told its thoughts to Michigan state representatives and senators in the face of Governor Snyder’s proposed budget cuts, which threaten the university with an even smaller slice of the fiscal pie. The three main issues attendees were encouraged to bring up with legislators were funding for higher education, renovations needed for Strong Hall and the opposition to two-year colleges acquiring four-year degree programs.
Attendees were divided into 11 groups that proceeded to meet with two representatives, or their staff if they were not available, and one senator each throughout the day. The attendees often shared a lunch with the legislators they met.
Emily Gillingham, director of political action for Student Government, said she has gone to Lansing several times on EMU’s behalf – both in groups for Student Government and for the large event held yesterday.
She said the trips with Student Government are a lot smaller, but the once-a-year EMU Days bring about the same number of people each year.
Among the many veteran attendees of previous Lansing events, junior Caitlin Burns was a new addition. With an interest in politics and desire to go to a graduate law school, Burns said she was “very excited” for the chance to meet Sen. Glenn Anderson of Westland, a legislator for her home district.
EMU President Susan Martin was also there to encourage and give thanks to all who gave time to speak to legislators, saying it was great to have “an army of support representing EMU.”
Phoebe Conybeare, a junior and the director of student relations for Student Government, said she got a chance to meet Rep. Mark Ouimet, who she said is “championing Eastern,” despite not representing EMU’s district.
“It’s refreshing to have Republican support,” Conybeare said, noting she found most support came from Democrats.
“You [students] being here today is an exceptionally important part of this process,” Rep. Maureen Stapleton said. “This budget is two bills: school budget and everything else.”
Students, faculty and alumni got a chance to speak one-on-one with legislators, exchanging background information and learning about some of the feelings and ties some legislators had to EMU. There was even talk of having legislators come and visit campus or attend the grand re-opening of Pray-Harrold.
When asked what EMU could do to help legislators fight for the sake of higher education, Sen. Rebekah Warren said to “put a face” on the issue, bring representatives to campus and make it personal.
Representing five of 15 Michigan universities, Sen. Warren called the budget cuts “a travesty,” expanding by saying, “Parts of our state have no ethic on higher education.”
She encouraged attendees to keep talking and be passionate about the issues affecting EMU.
There was a general sense of support for EMU overall as reported by the groups throughout the day, though opinions and
passion for each of the three key issues varied. Several legislators mentioned hearing “rumblings” about the issue of two-year colleges starting four-year degree programs, but said the issue hasn’t been up and coming in the face of budget cuts.
Michigan Supreme Court Justice Marilyn Kelly spoke briefly at breakfast, telling attendees she understood the difficulties behind running an educational institute.
“It’s easy for legislators to give our schools a back seat,” Kelly said.
She said EMU helped shape her future and praised attendees for their support.
When asked on their feelings about the day’s events, the bus full of EMU supporters let out cheers and applause of approval.
“It was a good opportunity to get the message out for EMU and higher education,” said Tom Stevick, vice-president for advancement and executive director for the EMU Foundation.
He praised legislators and their staff as attentive and respectful and said they asked a lot of questions.
Mary Batcheller, an Alumni board member for four years, described the reception at Lansing as “very cordial,” but that it was hard to tell what the overall impact EMU had there.
“It never hurts to present your side,” she said.
“Today’s going really well,” said President Martin. “Having students, alumni, faculty and friends here shows what a powerful impact [budget cuts have] on Eastern.”
