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Թϱstudent poses with Rocky at the Florida Senate chamber

Թϱstudent Valentina Matute poses with Rocky in the Florida Senate chamber [Photos by Elizabeth Metcalf, University Communications and Marketing]

Students gain important experience, advocate for Թϱduring Day at the Capitol

By Tina Meketa, University Communications and Marketing

President Rhea Law in the gallery

After months of honing their leadership skills in the classroom and on campus, nearly 100 Թϱstudents took what they have learned to the heart of state government – putting civic engagement into action during ԹϱDay at the Capitol in Tallahassee.

"ԹϱDay at the Capitol provides a valuable opportunity for our students to explore the inner workings of our state government and for us to share with our state leaders why an investment in the Թϱ is an investment in Florida’s future," ԹϱPresident Rhea Law said. "We are proud to have students representing our university today in Tallahassee to help tell USF’s story of how we continue to make a significant impact across our state and the nation.”

Թϱstudents pose at the Florida chambers
 Kade Kranjc and Ava Moreno

  Թϱstudents Kade Kranjc and Ava Moreno

Many of the students are active in student government and say that witnessing the legislative session in action offered a powerful look at how policy is shaped and how their voices can make a difference. Valrico native Ava Moreno serves as governor of ԹϱStudent Government on the Tampa campus and graduates this spring with a bachelor’s degree in interdisciplinary social science. 

"Day at the Capitol gave me the opportunity to see my peers engage, learn and advocate from our wonderful government officials," Moreno said. "I am proud of the students' dedication to the progress of the university and their own personal development as they made a 5-hour trek and were consistently inquisitive about the powers and processes of the state throughout the event. It was a wonderful day to be a Bull."

Թϱalum Sen. Danny Burgess sponsored a commending the university for “its achievements as a national leader in academic and research excellence” and designating April 15, 2025, as “ԹϱDay” at the Capitol.

ԹϱPresident Rhea Law and Sen. Danny Burgess

ԹϱPresident Rhea Law and Թϱalum Sen. Danny Burgess

Coin says ԹϱDay at the Capitol

Coin commemorating ԹϱDay at the Capitol

“My time at the Թϱ has had a profound impact on my life and professional trajectory. I am forever grateful to be a Bull and so proud to welcome my alma mater to the Florida Senate for ԹϱDay at the Capitol.”

Sen. Danny Burgess

Sen. Jay Collins at ԹϱDay at the Capitol

Sen. Jay Collins and Rep. Berny Jacques present to Թϱstudents from the Senate floor

In addition to exploring the House and Senate chambers, students engaged in a dynamic panel discussion with legislators and Թϱalumni now working in public service – illustrating how a Թϱeducation lays the groundwork for leadership in every field. Panelists included Թϱalumni Rep. Lindsay Cross; Amanda Suarez, legislative aide for Sen. Jay Collins; and Andrew Ketchel, partner at Capital City Consulting.

The visit gave students a platform to advocate for the transformative impact of their Թϱeducation – emphasizing how it’s preparing them for thriving careers in fast-growing sectors, such as cybersecurity. Many shared their excitement about the Bellini College of Artificial Intelligence, Cybersecurity and Computing, set to open this fall. 

The event also provided an opportunity for Թϱleadership to meet with members of the House and Senate to discuss USF's legislative priorities and the vital role universities play in strengthening the state.

Rep. Danny Alvarez

Rep. Danny Alvarez

Rep. Fentrice Driskell

Rep. Fentrice Driskell

Sen. Darryl Rouson

Sen. Darryl Rouson

ԹϱDay at the Capitol was originally scheduled for January, however a rare snowstorm in Tallahassee prompted the annual event to be postponed. The 2025 legislative session is scheduled to conclude May 2.

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