On November 27-29th UI Staff Council had the honor to accompany UI Leadership to Washington DC for Hawkeye Caucus Day at our nation’s capital. This was not a sight seeing trip as both President James Jorris and President-Elect Makur Jain were there to meet with our state’s federal legislators and their staff to advocate on behalf of our staff, share our Hawkeye pride, and thank them for their efforts of behalf of the University of Iowa. During the trip they had the honor to meet with the representatives from the White House where they heard about the importance of rural health and was able to share UISC’s dedication to mental health. Later in the day they had the pleasure to head to the Capitol and have 3 separate roundtables where they heard updates on topics surrounding healthcare, higher education policy, and science/space/technology. At these roundtables they were able to share our Hawkeye pride and thank these committees for their efforts on behalf of our university. They had the pleasure of meeting various UI alumni at the Presidential Reception and hear about their successes and fond memories of UI. On the last day they had the distinct honor to meet with Iowa Senator Joni Ernst to hear her support of having Iowans stay in the Iowa and our workforce at which they were able to thank her for her support for our staff, campus, and state. This trip was one UI Staff Council was honored to be a part of. From Iowa City to Des Moines to Washington DC…. we take great pride in being an advocate for all 9000+ UI staff and are already looking forward to Hawkeye Caucus Day in Des Moines this spring. The motto Advocacy in Action is not just a saying but a way of life on UI Staff Council.
