Pictured in the front row, left to right, are WAICU Executive Vice President for External Relations Rebecca Larson; Alverno College President Christy Brown; Carroll University President Cindy Gnadinger; Mount Mary University President Isabelle Cherney; and Marquette University Senior Director of Public Affairs Mary Czech-Mrochinski. Pictured in the back row, left to right, are Milwaukee School of Engineering (MSOE) President Eric T. Baumgartner; WAICU President and CEO Eric W. Fulcomer; Lawrence University Deputy Chief of Staff Garrett Singer; Concordia University Wisconsin President Erik P. Ankerberg; Director of the Casagrande Institute for Higher Education Effectiveness at Viterbo University David Bauer; and Concordia University Wisconsin Executive Vice President Steve Taylor.

Leadership from the Wisconsin Association of Independent Colleges and Universities (WAICU) traveled to Washington, D.C., in early February to advocate for policies supporting Wisconsin’s private, nonprofit colleges and universities as part of the National Association of Independent Colleges and Universities (NAICU) Annual Meeting and Advocacy Day.

WAICU President Eric Fulcomer and Executive Vice President for External Relations Rebecca Larson were joined by leaders from seven member institutions to meet with members of Wisconsin’s congressional delegation and federal policymakers. The group highlighted the significant role Wisconsin’s private colleges play in the state, including WAICU’s $5.4 billion economic impact, while advocating for policies that protect student access and institutional sustainability.

During their meetings, WAICU leaders discussed key current federal higher education issues, including continued support for Pell Grants, Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grants (SEOG), and Federal Work-Study, as well as the need for a congressional solution to address graduate lending challenges affecting non-professional programs.

In addition, the group expressed gratitude to lawmakers for protecting federal higher education funding and key tax provisions that benefit students and families.

For more information, email WAICU Executive Vice President for External Relations Rebecca Larson.