NSU hosting reception in D.C.

As part of State Chamber of Oklahomas annual fly-in to Washington, D.C., the Northeastern State University Alumni Association is hosting an alumni reception at the Liaison at Capitol Hill.

The come-and-go reception is Sept. 12 from 5-7 p.m. EDT.

This reception is for NSU alumni attending the fly-in and those living in the D.C. area, said Jerry Cook, director of community and government relations. We invite them to attend this informal gathering and establish contacts with each other.

NSU, a member of the state chamber, will be represented by interim president Martin Tadlock, Mark Kinders, vice president for university relations, and Cook. However the fly-in will include many NSU alumni, including Matt Pivarnik, executive vice president for the Tulsa Metro Chamber, and Danna Fowble, vice president for federation and grassroots development for the state chamber.

Many Northeastern graduates go on to successful careers in economic development, Cook said. The numbers merit this reception.

The reception is in conjunction with the chamber fly-in, which facilitates discussion between Oklahomas congressional contingent and leaders in business, industry and public works.

Those traveling with the chamber promote certain agendas in Oklahoma, such as technology, aerospace, education, community development, job creation and health care, Cook said. We all work with the State Chamber of Oklahoma to create a common voice on initiatives and issues we wish to address with the legislatures in Washington and Oklahoma City.

Office visits with Oklahomas senators and representatives are on the agenda. Cook said NSUs envoys will discuss issues such as monetary support of initiatives, financial aid programs and federal funding for higher education.

This trip also allows us to maintain dialogue with the office staffs of our representatives and senators, Cook said. Those relationships are vital and allow us opportunities to work with federal departments and agencies.

Those wishing to attend the reception can contact the NSU Office of Alumni Services at 918-458-2143.