Southern Oregon University students Luke Wolgamott and Savannah Holliday joined Native student leaders from across Oregon on June 16 for the annual Tribal Student Grant Lobby Day, bringing their stories, experiences and aspirations directly to state lawmakers at the Capitol.

Representing SOU alongside approximately a dozen Native students from Oregon’s seven public universities, Wolgamott and Holliday spent the day meeting with legislators and staff from five to seven legislative offices. The students shared how access to higher education is shaping their futures and discussed the importance of continued investment in programs such as the Oregon Tribal Student Grant, which helps Native students pursue college degrees while maintaining strong connections to their tribal communities and cultural heritage.

The impact of those conversations was evident almost immediately. SOU Director of Government Relations Marc Overbeck shared that Senate President Rob Wagner sought him out to share the impact these visits had, calling the visit with Luke’s small group of students “transformational.”

“That is exactly why opportunities like this matter,” Overbeck said. “When students share their lived experiences directly with policymakers, they help shape understanding in a way that no report or briefing paper ever can.”

For Wolgamott and Holliday, the day was about more than advocating for financial aid. It was an opportunity to ensure that Native student voices are heard in conversations about Oregon’s future. Their participation showcased the leadership, resilience and commitment that Native students bring to campuses across the state and reflected SOU’s ongoing dedication to supporting Indigenous student success.

The Tribal Student Grant Lobby Day also demonstrated the power of student advocacy. By stepping into the halls of the Capitol and engaging directly with elected officials, Wolgamott, Holliday and their fellow student leaders helped put a human face on higher education policy. Their efforts left a lasting impression on legislators and reinforced an important message: when students are invited to tell their stories, they become some of the most effective advocates for opportunity, access and educational success.