Gov. Ralph Northam and Virginia Secretary of Education Atif Qarni, pose with President Ángel Cabrera and Mason students on the Capitol steps during Mason Lobbies Day. Photo by Evan Cantwell.
Thirty-five representatives of the Mason Nation met with Virginia legislators in Richmond, Va., during the annual Mason Lobbies Day on Jan. 31.
In addition to meeting with dozens of state representatives to advocate for issues important to Mason in particular and higher education in general, the students, staff and faculty members had quality time with the newly installed governor, Ralph Northam, and the secretary of education, Atif Qarni.
Qarni, who earned a master’s degree in history and a teaching certificate at Mason in 2009, tweeted his appreciation for the visit, with photos, on his official Twitter account.
Meeting Mason alumni such as Qarni representing the commonwealth at the Virginia State Capitol made a substantial impression, said David Kanos, Mason student body president.
“It was encouraging to know that we have people in the legislature fighting our cause,” he said. “It was a sign and testament of what an amazing institution Mason is. It was also great to hear their experiences as students and very inspirational to know that someday we could be in those positions.”