As part of William & Mary’s efforts to promote engaged citizenship, the university hosted its annual Road to Richmond event on Feb. 20. The program brings students to the Commonwealth of Virginia’s capital city each spring to meet with government officials and learn about the legislative process and issues impacting higher education and the university.

People walk up stairs, and a statue stands in the foreground
Students go up the stairs at the Virginia State Capitol, passing a statue of Thomas Jefferson. (Photo by Stephen Salpukas)
People gather in a rotunda, surrounded by statues and busts
Students gather in the rotunda in the Virginia State Capitol. (Photo by Stephen Salpukas)
People walk down a brick path
Students walk in front of the Virginia State Capitol. (Photo by Stephen Salpukas)

During a full day of activities, students had the chance to meet with legislators, Cabinet members, lobbyists and legislative staff, many of whom are W&M alumni. The students were also able to meet with First Lady of Virginia Suzanne Youngkin as part of a tour of the Executive Mansion.

People sit at a long table and listen to someone
Students listen to legislators during a visit to the Virginia State Capitol. (Photo by Stephen Salpukas)
Two people stand by a podium and talk to others
From left: Del. Rodney Willett ’85, J.D. ’90 (D-Henrico) and Del. Keith Hodges (R-Gloucester) talk with students. (Photo by Stephen Salpukas)
Del. Amanda Batten (R-James City County) talks to students. (Photo by Stephen Salpukas)
A person talks to other people
Del. Rae Cousins ’01 (D-Richmond) talks with students. (Photo by Stephen Salpukas)
A person talks to other people
Former W&M Rector John E. Littel, now Virginia’s secretary of health and human resources, talks with students. Littel is an honorary alumnus of the university and the parent of a W&M graduate. (Photo by Stephen Salpukas)
People stand outside of a building and talk to each other
Students meet with First Lady of Virginia Suzanne S. Youngkin at the Executive Mansion. (Photo by Stephen Salpukas)
A person stands in a doorway and takes a photo
A student takes a photo in the Executive Mansion. (Photo by Stephen Salpukas)
People pose for a photo together on an outdoor staircase
Students take a photo with First Lady of Virginia Suzanne S. Youngkin at the Executive Mansion. (Photo by Stephen Salpukas)

The day culminated with a legislative reception, held in the Library of Virginia.

People gather in a large lobby in a two-story building
Students meet with legislators and other government officials in the Library of Virginia. (Photo by Stephen Salpukas)
A screen says welcome to the William & Mary Legislative Reception
A sign welcomes participants to the reception. (Photo by Stephen Salpukas)
People pose for a photo together on an indoor staircase
President Katherine A. Rowe takes a photo with students at the reception. (Photo by Stephen Salpukas)

Democracy is one of the core initiatives of William & Mary’s Vision 2026 strategic plan.

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