Representatives from Cal State San Bernardino joined California State University Chancellor Timothy P. White and others from the 23-campus system for “Hill Day,” touting the achievement of CSU students.

Representing CSUSB were Ron Fremont, vice president for University Advancement; Dia Poole, CSUSB alumna and president of the CSU Alumni Council; Alex Gutierrez, ASI president; and Quinn Kochman, ASI executive vice president.

Included in their meetings on April 6 was a session with U.S. Rep. Pete Aguilar, D-San Bernardino.

The CSU delegations — comprised of presidents, faculty, staff and students — were in the nation's capital to meet with federal legislators to discuss university priorities that lead to student success. These priorities include restoration of year-round Pell and extending/maintaining the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) policy as well as other programs that invest in student success and problem-solving research.

'It may be self-evident but still worth saying clearly and unequivocally that the success of our students is our number one priority,' said White as he addressed the collective groups. 'That focus must carry through all of our meetings today and each ask must be clearly in support of students.'

During their visits, the CSU teams also shared information about the university's comprehensive efforts to improve student achievement through Graduation Initiative 2025.

With these critical topics in mind, White's delegation met with the White House Domestic Policy Council, newly minted U.S. Sen. Kamala Harris (D-Calif.), the state's Democratic House delegation, senior House appropriator Rep. Ken Calvert (R-Riverside) and Rep. Susan Davis (D-San Diego), recently named ranking democratic member on the House's Higher Education subcommittee.

Hill Day was a concerted effort to ensure policymakers understand that supporting rather than cutting these programs will benefit students. There will be additional visits and the CSU's federal relations team will continue that work year-round.

In the photo above: Representing CSUSB and the CSU on Hill Day in Washington, D.C., from left, Dia Poole (CSUSB alumna and president of the CSU Alumni Council);, Alex Gutierrez (ASI president), Quinn Kochman (ASI executive vice president), U.S. Rep. Pete Aguilar (D-San Bernardino), and Ron Fremont (CSUSB vice president, University Advancement). Photo: Pam Langford/CSUSB