KENNESAW, Ga. | Feb 19, 2025

Kennesaw State University students on Wednesday staked their claim at the Georgia State Capitol, sharing with legislators how the institution has shaped their academic careers as well as the university’s significance to the local and regional economy. 

For KSU Day at the Capitol,  students were joined by alumni, university administrators, and policymakers under the gold dome. Additionally, Scrappy, the university’s mascot, and a real feathered friend, an ambassador owl from the AWARE Wildlife Center, participated in Wednesday’s activities. 

With nearly 48,000 students, Kennesaw State is the third largest university in Georgia. This fall, it had the largest first-time freshman class and the second largest business, engineering and computing colleges in the state. In fiscal year 2023, KSU had a $2.15 billion impact on the metro Atlanta region.

“We take pride in Kennesaw State’s role in building a prosperous Georgia,” President Kathy S. Schwaig said. “KSU’s Day at the Capitol is an exciting opportunity to showcase the best of Owl Nation and to express our gratitude to our state legislators for their support of KSU and higher education all across the state.”

Following significant state support, Kennesaw State broke ground on the new Interdisciplinary STEM building last February with approval from the University of System of Georgia Board of Regents. Serving as a gateway to the Marietta campus, the 70,000-square-foot building will include various types of laboratories, classrooms, and student study areas.

“As a public university, it is our honor to work closely with state leaders to advance our mission,” said Casey Tanner, KSU vice president of external affairs. “Each year, we look forward to bringing KSU to the Capitol during the legislative session to engage with our supporters and thank them for all they do for KSU students.”

Representing the Georgia Legislative Internship Program at the Capitol were KSU students Graham Stewart, Anna Stephen, Kiara Johnson, and Nahomy Limon. The program provides an opportunity to juniors and seniors from Georgia’s public and private universities and colleges to intern with the Georgia General Assembly during its annual 40-day legislative session.

Stewart, a junior studying political science and international affairs, works as a House intern for the education and insurance committees, organizing committee folders, assisting constituents, taking notes and doing legislative tracking. From January through April, GLIP interns work 40-hour weeks on site in their assigned office.

“You meet phenomenal people,” Stewart said. “Everybody is so kind, so intelligent and willing to work with you. The program is a great opportunity to apply what you’re learning, actually coming here and experiencing it firsthand in the real world.”

President’s Parliament Scholar Ambassadors, all dressed in their gold jackets, also spoke with Senate and House members, fostering relationships on behalf of the university. Ambassadors Vivien Richter, a senior pursuing a Bachelor of Business Administration in Management, and Jess Maillet, a Double Owl in her first year of the Master of Social Work program, commented on the benefit of seeing operations in person .  

“As a future social worker, learning about policy and seeing it in person is very cool,” Maillet added.

For the KSU Day at the Capitol, alumni also came out to show support, including Eric Johnson, senior advisor for U.S. House Rep. Barry Loudermilk. Johnson was recently named to the 40 Owls Under 40 list, a celebration of KSU and Southern Polytechnic State University alumni who are under 40 and making bold strides in their professions and their communities since graduation.

“KSU’s Day at the Capitol brings great awareness to the state legislature, as they are considering different policies that affect the university system,” Johnson said.

– Story by Amber Perry

Photo by Judith Pishnery 

A leader in innovative teaching and learning, Kennesaw State University offers undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral degrees to its more than 47,000 students. Kennesaw State is a member of the University System of Georgia with 11 academic colleges. The university’s vibrant campus culture, diverse population, strong global ties, and entrepreneurial spirit draw students from throughout the country and the world. Kennesaw State is a Carnegie-designated doctoral research institution (R2), placing it among an elite group of only 8 percent of U.S. colleges and universities with an R1 or R2 status. For more information, visit kennesaw.edu.