[RICHMOND, VA – February 10, 2022] –Virginia Union University held its inaugural Legislative Day at the Virginia General Assembly on February 10, 2022. VUU is the first Historically Black College or University to visit and be recognized by the Virginia Senate and the Virginia House of Delegates during the General Assembly session. A delegation of students, staff, alumni and supporters spent the day visiting with legislators.
“This was a great opportunity for Virginia Union University to update members of our Virginia General assembly about the great progress being made at our institution. The Legislative Day gave us the opportunity to advocate for funds and policies at the state level that will directly benefit our university, our students, and our community,” said Dr. Hakim J. Lucas, President & CEO of Virginia Union University. “VUU students were exposed to the legislative process and had the opportunity to speak, and question esteemed members of the Virginia General Assembly.”
The VUU delegation listened to members of the Virginia Legislative Black Caucus, Attorney General Jason Miyares, Lieutenant Governor Winsome Sears, Secretary of the Commonwealth Kay Coles James. They were also greeted by Delegate Delores McQuinn and Del. Nadarius Clark, both alumni of Virginia Union University.
“I really enjoyed spending the day at the Virginia Capitol and meeting the lawmakers in person,” said Joydan Lyons-Parker, President of VUU Student Government Association. “It is important for our leaders to see the people they represent and understand how the decisions they make impact us.”
The 2022 legislative considerations include proposed $10 million in scholarship funds for Virginia Union University students that will be disbursed over the course of two years, as well as a $5 million budget proposal in support of the University's National Research Institute and upcoming Workforce Development & Training and Technical programming.