UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — Capital Day returns April 14 as Penn State’s single-largest day of advocacy, bringing students from across the commonwealth to Harrisburg to engage with state leaders on the importance of increased university funding.
The day concludes with a press conference featuring student impact stories, along with remarks from Penn State President Neeli Bendapudi and Ryan Jones, interim leader of the Penn State Alumni Association.
This year’s speakers are Jude York, Lion Caucus acting president; Rasha Elwakil, University Park Undergraduate Association president; Dylan Sarkozy, president of the Council of Commonwealth Student Governments; and Wyatt Corbin, Lion Caucus member.
“Each featured speaker brings a unique perspective on their Penn State experience,” said Mike Stefan, vice president for government and community relations. “I look forward to hearing how their lives have been shaped by Penn State every year during Capital Day, and I hope our legislators take their words into account when making decisions about Penn State’s future.”
Capital Day emphasizes the importance of state funding for Penn State, which enables Penn State to offer an average $16,000 in-state tuition discount to more than 41,000 Pennsylvania students and their families.
All Penn Staters are encouraged to show support for increased state funding on Capital Day through Advocate Penn State’s digital advocacy campaign.
Click here to become an advocate and take action on Capital Day.
Meet the speakers
Jude York
York is a sophomore studying political science and is from Garnet Valley, Pennsylvania. He is the acting president of Lion Caucus, leading the organization’s advocacy efforts. Additionally, he is the chief administrative executive of the University Park Fee Board, is an at-large representative in the University Park Undergraduate Association, an undergraduate teaching assistant, a member of the Liberal Arts Academic Integrity Committee, and a Lion Ambassador.
“Advocacy is important because it shapes the opportunities provided to students both at Penn State and across the commonwealth,” said York. “Higher education is becoming increasingly inaccessible, and state and federal support offers a means by which students can continue to engage in educational opportunities. This investment not only impacts students and families, but also the state as graduates go on to lead incredible careers and reinvest in the Pennsylvania economy.”
Rasha Elwakil
Elwakil is a senior studying geography and is from Westchester, New York. Elwakil represents all undergraduate students at University Park as the 20th Assembly Student Body President. Prior to serving as president, she was the vice president and chair of justice and equity. Her other involvements include vice president for DEI (diversity, equity and inclusion) for Panhellenic Council, as well as DEI chair for Lion Ambassadors. She is the executive student representative on the Penn State Alumni Association Alumni Council and is in the Millennium Scholars Program, Next-Gen Leadership Academy and Presidential Leadership Academy.
"Advocacy is education and change,” said Elwakil. “I believe advocacy is important because it gives Penn State students the opportunity to come together to bring their lived experiences directly to policymakers and ensure student voices are heard where decisions are made. It allows students to make a push for meaningful change for all Penn Staters! Advocacy helps us not only learn more about those around us and ourselves, but to also build our community.”
Wyatt Corbin
Corbin is a junior studying cybersecurity analytics and operations. Originally from Crestview, Florida, he made Pennsylvania his home as an out-of-state student. He is an active member of Lion Caucus and a cadet in the Penn State Air Force ROTC program, with plans to commission in the coming year.
“I am driven by the belief that authentic advocacy begins with the student experience, placing individual perspectives and lived experiences at the core of every issue,” said Corbin. “Whether in or out of the classroom, my commitment to service and community reflects everything I stand for.”
Dylan Sarkozy
Sarkozy is a junior studying finance. Hailing from Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, Sarkozy started his academic journey close to home at Penn State Lehigh Valley. Currently, he serves as president of the Council of Commonwealth Student Governments and is a member of the Kappa Alpha Pi Pre-Law Fraternity.
“I believe advocacy is important because it is crucial to be a voice for those who may not have the opportunity to speak up for themselves,” said Sarkozy.
Join and support
Supporters who wish to join the campaign and support Penn State's students in their advocacy efforts can click here for easy-to-follow instructions on how to take action to support the University and its students. Stay up to date on Capital Day and Advocate Penn State on social media on LinkedIn, Facebook and Instagram.