For Robert DeBauFre’ ’07, attending Maryland Independent Higher Education Day was a way to thank the lawmakers that made his education possible.

 “One of the great thrills for me was to thank Carroll County Delegate Tanya Shewell for the scholarship money,” says the Political Science major. “It is a system of reward that inspires me to continue to achieve.”

DeBauFre’ is among six McDaniel students who lobbied their representatives in Annapolis Feb. 8 for Maryland Independent Higher Education Day, sponsored by the Maryland Independent College and University Association (MICUA).

“There are no better ambassadors for our colleges than students,” MICUA President Tina Bjarekull told the crowd of more than 120 college students and presidents from 18 institutions across Maryland.

Students thanked lawmakers for supporting the Sellinger grants, created to strengthen the State’s private colleges and universities. Political Science major Chelsea Phillip ’07 went a step further.

“Senator Alex Mooney from Frederick wanted to know why he should support the grants,” says Phillip. “I had to explain how students from independent colleges are more likely to graduate in four years. I had to tell him the facts.”

This year, newly-elected Governor Martin O’Malley has dedicated $8-million dollars to fund projects at private higher education institutions.

“Maryland’s independent colleges and universities provide broad public benefits by contributing to social mobility, economic prosperity, workforce development, scientific discoveries, global competitiveness, civic participation, and service to the community,” writes Governor Martin O’Malley in his proclamation of Independent Higher Education Day.

 
McDaniel Students with Lt. Governor Anthony Brown