By Emily Buss
Bluffton University’s President’s Ambassadors traveled to the Ohio Statehouse in Columbus Wednesday, April 19, to gain more information on Ohio’s leaders and to improve their professional development around campus.
The group of President’s Ambassadors, including Lead President Ambassador Noah Heiing, had the opportunity to explore the Ohio Statehouse and talk to multiple representatives, including Susan Manchester. Manchester (R) is the State Representative of District 78, including Allen County. Manchester has been serving for two terms and is currently in her third term.
“It was cool to sit in on a session and see the State Representatives vote on different bills, specifically the bills that impact our lives as college students in Ohio,” said Heiing.
During their time at the Ohio Statehouse, the students took a tour of the building and had the opportunity to sit in on a session. During this session, the group of ambassadors were recognized, along with other people and groups from Ohio.
“It was really cool to get recognized in front of the Ohio State Representatives before their session really started,” said Heiing.
The group of Ambassadors had the opportunity to talk with another State Representative after the session was completed to learn more about how the budgets that were being voted on effected college students.
“It’s crazy in the house right now. We are working on budgets, and I have a heart for small, private schools. So, I’ve been doing my best to support you guys as much as possible,” said Representative Riordan McClain (R), a Bluffton University alumnus.
McClain is the State Representative of District 87. He also was the Commencement speaker for the 119th ceremony at Bluffton. McClain was a sport management major and a baseball player here. Following Bluffton, McClain continued his education at the University of Findlay. McClain said he would not have guessed that he would end up where he is today.
Following his discussion with the ambassadors, McClain offered advice to the group, including reaching out to him for more information on how he got to where he is and more about what he does as a state representative. McClain’s advice to students: gain more leadership skills and to take advantage of any opportunities that come their way.
Ohio Statehouse photo courtesy www.ExperienceColumbus.com
