Despite the cool temperatures, spirits were high as more than 120 UNT students, alumni, staff and supporters gathered at the Texas Capitol Feb. 25, to advocate for continued support for their university.

Created by the UNT Alumni Association during the 2019 legislative session, UNT Day at the Capitol is now in its fourth iteration and is larger than ever. This year, the association paired small groups of students with alumni from across the state to visit with legislators in support of UNT.

After presenting to the House Appropriations Subcommittee earlier that morning, UNT President Dr. Harrison Keller met volunteers on the Capitol's South Steps to thank them for making the trip and provide words of encouragement.

"What you're doing today is so important because there are a lot of folks in this building who may not know UNT, and we have a great story to tell," Keller said. "We are changing lives, and we are driving the economy and expanding opportunities. But even more important than that, you need to share your passion for the university, so they can hear your UNT stories -- so they can see the kind of impact UNT has."

Throughout the day, visitors to the Capitol got a glimpse of UNT's talented student musicians with performances by Mariachis Águilas de UNT and the Two O'Clock Lab Band.

"This is my fourth time to participate in this event. It's one of my favorite things to do to support UNT," says Katie Donovan ('12), who also attended the previous night's Presidential Reception hosted by the UNT Alumni Austin Network. Donovan has been a committee member in the UNT Alumni Houston Network for more than seven years.

"It's been so great to see how this event has grown and to be able to advocate for the university," she says. "It's also a lot of fun to interact with the students. We've seen that this has worked -- UNT has been able to get so much additional support from the state as part of our efforts. I'm thrilled to be here again, and as long as they invite me, I will be here to participate."

After enjoying lunch on the lawn, volunteers began navigating the Capitol's winding halls to share their UNT stories.

Gavin Nicholson ('20) was repping his alma mater with a green tie and matching socks when Ian Balderas, a junior political science student, and Irene Nakitende, a junior in psychology, entered his office alongside alumnus Stephen Westurn ('87, '91 M.B.A).

"I was part of the original group that went to Austin in 2019. From that first visit and all the ones that have followed, I have learned one major lesson. The biggest impact that we make during our visits comes from our students," Westurn says. "The legislators and their staff always want to hear from the students. Every year our students impress me. They each tell their story about how much they have learned and how UNT is preparing them for their future."

As chief of staff for Rep. Venton Jones, Nicholson expressed his pride in UNT's growing presence at the Capitol. He still keeps his UNT challenge coin from his very first UNT Day at the Capitol on his desk.

"We make an intentional effort to create opportunities for UNT interns and give them the guidance they need to excel here," says Nicholson, who began his political career as a legislative aide for Rep. Carl Sherman after earning his bachelor's in political science and government from UNT.

"I'm talking with John Ishiyama, chair of the political science department, and our government relations teams about building a stronger pipeline to the public sector, particularly the Legislature," he says. "Right now, there's not as many of us here compared to other universities, but all the UNT alums I know have ended up in very successful positions -- so now it's just about increasing those numbers."

For Nakitende, who grew up in Uganda, the highlight of the day came while she was sitting in the Senate Chamber watching policy in action.

"I have a dream of someday becoming a leader in the White House, so sitting right there made me envision so many things," she says. "I believe my participation to be part of such a noble cause. It's not just for me -- it's for the people out there who could be similar to me, for my children and for the generations to come.

"UNT has nurtured me -- mentally, physically, educationally and academically. This was such a great opportunity for me to give back to my school because when my voice is heard, my school is heard."