Students listen to a floor session of the Virginia Senate in the Virginia State Capitol during the recent Road to Richmond event. (Photo by Stephen Salpukas)
William & Mary students traveled to Virginia’s capital on Feb. 13 for the annual Road to Richmond event.
The program brings students together each spring to meet with government officials, learn about the legislative process and hear about issues impacting higher education.
As part of Vision 2026’s Democracy Initiative, the university leads efforts to practice and promote democratic ideals through studying and teaching the rights and obligations of 21st-century citizenship.
Students walk outside of the Virginia State Capitol. (Photo by Stephen Salpukas)Students make their way to the Executive Mansion. (Photo by Stephen Salpukas)Students tour the Executive Mansion. (Photo by Stephen Salpukas)
During the full day of activities, students toured the Executive Mansion and visited the Patrick Henry Building, Virginia General Assembly Building and State Capitol. They attended Virginia Senate and House of Delegates sessions and met with legislators and other officials, including a number of William & Mary alumni who now work in government.
Gov. Glenn Youngkin talks with students. (Photo by Stephen Salpukas)Students take a photo with W&M leaders, Gov. Glenn Youngkin and other representatives. (Photo by Stephen Salpukas)(From left) Policy analyst Ariana He ‘24 joins legislative assistants Randy Riffle ‘21, Luke Sweeney ‘21 and Julianne McFarland ‘21 for a discussion with the students. (Photo by Stephen Salpukas)John Littel P ’22, a former W&M rector and now chief of staff to the governor, talks with students. (Photo by Stephen Salpukas)Students meet with members of the General Assembly. (Photo by Stephen Salpukas)A video feed of the Senate Chamber shows the group of William & Mary students. (Photo by Stephen Salpukas)Students gather in the rotunda of the Virginia State Capitol. (Photo by Stephen Salpukas)
The day culminated with a legislative reception at the Library of Virginia, where students interacted with legislators, alumni and other leaders.
President Katherine A. Rowe (center) takes a photo with the Road to Richmond participants at the Library of Virginia. (Photo by Stephen Salpukas)Derek Aday, dean of the Batten School and director of VIMS, talks with Del. Phil Hernandez ’09. (Photo by Stephen Salpukas)William & Mary leaders, including (from left) Chief Information Officer Edward Aractingi, Chief Business Officer Sean Hughes and Provost Peggy Agouris, chat during the reception. (Photo by Stephen Salpukas)The Cleftomaniacs perform at the reception. (Photo by Stephen Salpukas)
