Harford Community College Students and Staff Participate in Student Advocacy Day

Seven students from Harford Community College were among the hundreds of students from community colleges around the state who took part in Student Advocacy Day  2026 in Annapolis on February 5. The students advocated for strong state support that would continue to provide affordable access to higher education and prepare the workforce for careers that keep Maryland businesses, health and emergency services, infrastructure and educational institutions running.

Harford students who participated in Student Advocacy Day included Isaiah Brooks, Lili Ceci, Heloisa Paiva Cruz, Emma DeGregory, Clip Hathaway, Alex Tran, and Kwame Waititu.

Also representing the College were Dr. Theresa B. Felder, President; Dr. Michele Campagna, Vice President, Student Success; Dr. Kurt Doan, Special Assistant to the President and Board of Trustees; Caitlin White, Director for Student Life; and Chandler Sagal, Student Leadership and Program Specialist, Office of Student Life.

In the morning, students from each of the state’s community colleges gathered for the event kickoff at the Governor Calvert House in Annapolis, Maryland. After the gathering, students visited with their local delegates to learn more about state political proceedings and to advocate for more robust state fiscal support of Maryland’s community colleges. They shared their personal experiences and emphasized the importance and value of a community college education as well as its impact, not only on their future but the future workforce of Maryland. Harford’s team had the opportunity to meet with Maryland State Delegates Lauren Arikan, Mike Griffith, Andre Johnson, Jr., Steve Johnson, Susan McComas, Teresa Reilly and Maryland State Senator J.B. Jennings.

Harford alum Xiomara Bradden, who attends the University of Maryland College Park, is working for a delegate from Montgomery County. When she heard that the Harford Community College group was there, she came over to say hello and talk with them about what it's like to work for a delegate.

The event was sponsored by the Maryland Association of Community Colleges, an advocate for the state’s 16 community colleges and the educational needs of the students they serve, to provide students with an opportunity for direct access to their legislators.

 

Photo credit: Courtesy of Harford Community College 

Pictured (L to R): Xiomara Bradden (Harford alum); Harford students Heloisa Paiva Cruz, Alex Tran, Emma DeGregory, Lili Ceci, Isaiah Brooks, Kwame Waititu; Dr. Theresa Felder, Harford Community College President; Harford student Clip Hathaway; Dr. Michele Campagna, Vice President for Student Success; and Lance White, Delegation Secretary.