Tiger Pride Day has TU roaring through Annapolis
Towson University students visit Maryland State House to meet with state lawmakers
By Kyle Hobstetter on March 1, 2023
For the first time since 2020, Towson University students, faculty and staff traveled down to Annapolis to paint the Maryland State House black and gold.
The 24th annual Tiger Pride Day took place on Wednesday, March 1, and had over 100 TU students, faculty and staff visit the Maryland General Assembly.
After being virtual the past two years, Towson University students couldn’t help but take in their surroundings, taking pictures throughout the capitol building. Student Government Association (SGA) President Jordan Colquitt ’24, couldn’t hide his excitement as he was able to finally experience Tiger Pride Day in person.
“This is my first in-person Tiger Pride Day since becoming a TU student, and I’ve always heard amazing stories of how Tiger Pride Day is empowering and impactful,” Colquitt said. “It was amazing to see our students interact with our state legislators and stress the importance of financial literacy, Title IX, health insurance and so many other causes.”
The event — led by the TU SGA and supported by TU faculty and staff — offers students opportunities to meet with legislators and experience first-hand some of the inner workings of the legislative session in Annapolis.
Along with members of SGA and the general student body, groups representing TU in Northeastern Maryland and the Department of Communications Studies were able to get a front row seat to what’s happening in Annapolis.
This includes getting in-person meetings with many state lawmakers. This included Towson University alumna Dana Jones ’98, who serves as the delegate for District 30A in Anne Arundel County.
As she welcomed students into her office, she couldn’t help but remember the time she was a TU student and how involved she was with politics.
“Three young women came to my office and they were absolutely brilliant,” Jones said. “We had a great conversation about some of the bills they wanted passed. We talked about our experiences and how I was an SGA election commissioner and how they were in SGA now. It was just an amazing conversation.”
Along with getting to meet with legislators, Tiger Pride Day was officially recognized on the floor of the both the House and the Senate, with SGA students and Towson University President Interim President Melanie Perreault being honored with a proclamation.
As she took the stage at the Tiger Pride Day’s luncheon, Perreault made sure to let students know how proud she was of them and their work throughout the day. She also wanted to make sure she made the room know that every day is a great day to be a Towson Tiger.
“Tiger Pride Day is such a great day for the state of Maryland and for Towson University,” Perreault said. “This day we set aside to come down to show the legislature why we're so proud to be Tigers. It’s just a great day to get out and talk to people about everything great that’s happening at TU.”
Because Towson University is a state institution, education and funding bills before the Maryland General Assembly and its committees often have a direct effect on its students. The same is true for funding bills that help TU build or expand campus facilities.
On Tuesday, students focused on legislation outlined by the SGA as priority bills for Towson University students, alums and prospective students. Many of the bills that SGA chose to support centered around changes that would help youth across the state.
University System of Maryland Chancellor Jay A. Perman was on hand to make remarks during the day. While speaking to students, he mentioned that this generation of students is already making a difference, mentioning that 85% of TU’s student body is registered to vote.
Looking at many members of the TU student body, he said that Towson University students continue to be leaders among their generations.
“The fact that you are here today shows your intentions to lead and standup to what you think is necessary,” Perman said. “Towson University distinguishes itself by having students who understand civic responsibility."
