Ten College of Saint Benedict and Saint John’s University students represented the two schools as part of the Day at the Capitol 2025 series on Tuesday (March 11) in St. Paul.
They joined students from a number of other private colleges — including Augsburg, Gustavus, Hamline, St. Olaf and St. Thomas — in meeting with state legislators to encourage support of the Minnesota State Grant program — which supports low- and middle-income college students.
They also took part in lobbying training, as well as participating in a question-and-answer session with public policy experts and policy makers. The day concluded with an alumni reception.
The annual event is sponsored by the Minnesota Private College Council.
“I think it was really beneficial to get the chance to speak with our representatives,” said CSB first-year student Alayna Furman, whose group met with local representatives Lisa Demuth, who represents House District 13A in Central Minnesota and is the current House Speaker, and Jeff Howe, a state senator who represents District 13 in Central Minnesota.
“That’s an opportunity a lot of students just out of high school aren’t able to receive. It was really rewarding to learn more about what happens at the state level when it comes to higher education issues and higher education financing.”
Furman, a Sauk Rapids High School graduate who is majoring in political science, said it’s important for elected officials to hear from college students.
“We want to make sure our voices are being heard when it comes to higher education because these are issues that affect us directly,” she said.
