SWU News:

April 23, 2004

SWU students visit legislators at State House

Southern Wesleyan University students visited legislators at the State House in Columbia April 21 for Independent College and University Day, part of a weeklong recognition of independent higher education by Governor Mark Sanford. From left are Ayesha Blythe of Fountain Inn, Jennifer Potts of Fair Play, Kent Ellison of Six Mile, Tonya McJunkin of Williamston and Rupal Shah of Clemson.

Columbia, S.C. – Students from Southern Wesleyan University traveled to Columbia to speak to legislators April 21.

The visit was on Independent College and University Day at the State House, a part of Independent College and University Week, as declared by Governor Mark Sanford. The Southern Wesleyan University students were among approximately 100 private college students from 19 S.C. independent higher education institutions to visit the State House.

The students expressed their appreciation to the S.C. General Assembly for the S.C. Higher Education Tuition Grants Program and other student financial aid programs. South Carolina Independent Colleges and Universities, a nonprofit organization sponsored the event.

Southern Wesleyan University students participating were Ayesha Blythe of Fountain Inn, Jennifer Potts of Fair Play, Kent Ellison of Six Mile, Tonya McJunkin of Williamston and Rupal Shah of Clemson. Southern Wesleyan President David Spittal also attended.

The Southern Wesleyan group met with Lieutenant Governor Andre Bauer, Sen. Thomas Alexander, Sen. Larry Martin, Rep. B.R. Skelton and Rep. Teddy Trotter. The students thanked the legislators for their support of student financial aid and asked for continued support of these programs.

State representatives also welcomed and recognized the Southern Wesleyan University group from the floor of the state House of Representatives. The students toured the State House and watched the state House of Representatives and Senate in action.