Members of UGA’s Student Government Association visited the Georgia state Capitol Feb. 19 for the second annual Dawgs at the Dome event.
The SGA executive branch and the Office of Government Relations made the event possible as part of UGA Day at the Capitol; it also marked the university’s 230th anniversary of its founding.
SGA members met with UGA alumni and state government representatives during the event. Even Gov. Nathan Deal made an appearance—taking time to snap a picture with UGA President Jere W. Morehead and UGA’s mascot, Hairy Dawg.
“Today is about showcasing what the University of Georgia does, its entire mission and most importantly showcasing the students,” said Toby Carr, associate vice president for government relations at UGA. “We had over 40 students who came over from Athens and braved the bitter cold, getting up very early in the morning to visit with legislators and their staff.”
During a welcome breakfast, the students mingled with alumni, state representatives and other UGA supporters.
For SGA members, the trip was an opportunity to network with policymakers.
“I’m happy to get to build relations with everyone that we meet here and thank them for the work that they do on behalf of UGA students,” said Brittany Arnold, SGA treasurer.
“I think it’s great just to have so many of our students finding time in their schedule to come over here and promote the university and its 230th anniversary,” Morehead said.
After the breakfast, students were led into the House gallery, followed by the Senate chamber, where representatives passed resolutions acknowledging the event and invited Morehead to speak.
Morehead recognized the 230th anniversary of the founding of the university, saying the anniversary not only celebrates the birth of higher education at UGA, but also the birth of a partnership.
“The University of Georgia and the state of Georgia have worked together to change the lives and change the state for the better,” Morehead said. “We are very grateful for the strong support that this body has provided the University of Georgia over the past 230 years, and we look forward to continuing our strong and enduring partnership in the future.”
SGA members then were able to attend separate meetings with state policymakers to discuss issues in which they are interested.
“I’m excited for a few of the meetings that we have today and to get to speak a little about policy and what students are passionate about,” Arnold said.
Ebony Lowery, an SGA senator from the College of Education, said she was “glad to get out and talk to different people who make laws that affect us.”
