Bryce McKibben – Student Lobbyist for UW Undergraduates

I have been involved with leadership roles in student government since 2005. In my work with the Associated Students of the University of Washington (ASUW), I have focused my efforts on queer activism and political and legislative issues. I am currently entering my second year of employment as the “student lobbyist” for UW undergraduates.

As the Director of Government Relations for the ASUW, I represent our 30,000 undergraduate students in the educational policy deliberations of our state legislature and in Washington D.C. This winter I had the unique opportunity to live in the state capitol of Olympia, write legislation that was passed into law, lobby for policy and budgetary allocations, and to witness the historic passage of the Domestic Partnership legislation.

My experience in Olympia was truly remarkable; I participated in the passage of at least five pieces of legislation, including the capping of tuition increases, an effort to reduce the cost of textbooks, allow for voter registration to be done online, and make the State Need Grant available to part-time students. I also supported a state operating budget that included a total of $79 million in new financial aid to students in our state.

With the success of this year carrying forward, I was elected to the position of President of the Washington Student Lobby in April of this year. In this new role, I have joined other student leaders from around the country in lobbying on a national level with the United States Student Association. We are currently celebrating the impending reauthorization of the Higher Education Act, which will make the greatest investment in financial aid in the U.S. since the G.I Bill passed in 1944.

I extend my thoughtful thanks for your support of my leadership activities and education and of the whole GSBA Scholarship Program. I extend special thanks to Louise Chernin and Mona Smith, who have always been so supportive and helpful to me. And to the hundreds of other Board members, donors, and volunteers – THANK YOU for all that you do!
Bryce McKibben
2005 & 2007 Scholarship Recipient