Augusta University recently brought 35 students and interns to the Georgia State Capitol for its annual Capitol Day, offering participants a direct look at the legislative process and opportunities to interact with state lawmakers. The event aims to strengthen relationships between the university and state leaders while allowing students to see firsthand how government decisions impact education, research, and healthcare in Georgia.
“AU Capitol Day is an opportunity to highlight the strong partnerships Augusta University maintains with our state’s leaders as we work together to advance education, research and health care across Georgia,” said Augusta University President Russell T. Keen. “Karen and I were proud to join our students, Foundation trustees and alumni under the Gold Dome. It was particularly meaningful to see our students experience firsthand how state government shapes the work we do. I am grateful for the continued advocacy and support of our legislators and appreciate the time they spent engaging with our students. Their commitment helps ensure that AU can continue providing the life‑changing, life‑saving education that strengthens communities throughout our state.”
This year’s group included students chosen by deans and organization leaders from various academic disciplines. During their visit, they met with members of Augusta’s local delegation as well as university leadership in small groups.
“I truly enjoy seeing our students’ excitement and engagement throughout Capitol Day,” said Margie Miller, vice president of Government Relations at Augusta University. “It is especially rewarding to watch members of the legislature interact with them and later share how impressed they are by our students’ caliber, professionalism and insight.”
Dylan King, a senior Hull College of Business Ambassador from Augusta who plans to pursue a master’s degree in analytical finance, shared his impressions after attending Capitol Day for the first time. “Going through high school and in my first year of college, I really enjoyed my government classes,” King said. “I always knew the right answers, knew how the process worked, but it never occurred to me until today what the structure actually looked like – to actually see some bills be passed, what two-thirds majority actually looks like – as well as the fact that the Senate and the House are in the same building, that was also new to me. It was a great experience, and I only wish I could have had it a little bit sooner.” He noted observing tone management among lawmakers: “People obviously don’t always agree on all the issues. And it’s important to treat everybody with respect.”
Francess Pujeh represented Katherine Reese Pamplin College of Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences at this year’s event after being selected by university leadership. She expressed gratitude for learning about internships related to public health policy: “I emailed it to my parents, I sent it to my friends, everyone,” Pujeh said. “This helped me learn more about internships that would allow me to work at the Capitol, now and even later in medical school. Opportunities like this have been amazing at AU.” She highlighted her interest in connecting medicine with public health: “Learning that medicine isn’t just about biology; it’s also about environmental factors…and health policy” has driven her studies.
Sean Strickland attended as vice president of Interfraternity Council representing Pi Kappa Phi fraternity. He described Capitol Day as his most significant honor during his time at Augusta University: “I’m really appreciative that I could come back to the Capitol now that I’m older…It makes you think about good networking skills.”
Ilene Modaresi returned for her second year representing student athletes as an AU Dance Team member despite having performed late into the night before traveling early morning for Capitol Day: “Returning for a second year allowed me to strengthen existing relationships and build new ones with senators, representatives and lobbyists,” she said.
The event left many participants motivated by their experiences interacting directly with policymakers—emphasizing that student advocacy remains important both for Augusta University’s mission and broader community progress.
