Students show their stripes in Annapolis
TU students visited Annapolis for the 25th annual Tiger Pride Day
By GRACE HOGGARTH '22 AND JAMIE ABELL on March 6, 2024
Towson University students took to Annapolis on Wednesday for the 25th annual Tiger Pride Day.
The day — TU's annual day of student advocacy during Maryland's General Assembly — sparked a feeling of curiosity for some students, according to junior Student Government Association (SGA) senator Ja’lynn Holland. “I’m interested to hear what legislators have to say about different but very important things. I want to see how people with different opinions come to conclusions that impact everyone in Maryland. My curiosity is peaking.”
The day started with TU representation on the House floor, including TU president Mark Ginsberg and SGA president Jordan Colquitt, joining members of the Maryland state legislature for the proclamation. President Ginsberg shared in the excitement with students as this marked his first Tiger Pride Day.
“It’s inspiring to attend Tiger Pride Day — to see the students with a gleam in their eyes and energy in their steps, it’s amazing,” says Ginsberg. “It’s a great day for Towson University and a great day for the students.”
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 engage in the legislative process in Annapolis.
Throughout the day, students attended general assembly sessions, legislator meetings and committee hearings, sharing their support for legislation and networking with legislators. Tiger Pride Day also teaches students at TU to advocate and speak up for their communities, according to Colquitt.
“It’s one of my favorite days of the year because we get to show up and talk about the important work we do at TU and beyond,” says Colquitt.
Members of the SGA shared with lawmakers their commitment to ensuring affordable housing, environmental protections and education for incarcerated individuals.
Maryland State Delegates Catherine M. Forbes and Dana C. Jones, both TU alums, joined TU students for lunch. “It’s critical to hear what students are supporting because we’re voting on things that affect the entire state, including higher education,” says Jones. “Meeting with the students and talking about their experiences is my favorite part of Tiger Pride Day.”
Tiger Pride Day is just one opportunity for the TU student body and campus community to get involved in civic engagement and social responsibility and amplify the social and legislative issues that matter to them.
