Page 21 - Laker Connection Spring 2015

Jessica Smiech of Fayetteville with her House Representative, Ronnie Mabra (District 63).
Dental Hygiene Students Participate in GDHA Lobby Day At the Capitol
A total of 51 Clayton State Dental Hy- giene students participated in the fourth year of the Georgia Dental Hygienists’ Association (GDHA) Lobby Day at the State Capitol in downtown Atlanta. GDHA Lobby Day is held for hygienists and students across Georgia to participate in the legislative process and discuss key issues. This years’ GDHA theme was “Georgia, it’s time to ‘Catch-Up!’” and the focus was expanding the scope of den- tal hygiene practice to align with 44 other states that allow hygienists to give local anesthesia. All attendees had a photo taken with Governor Nathan Deal, who proclaimed Feb. 12, 2015 as Georgia Den- tal Hygiene Day.
Clayton State Day at the Capitol
The first Clayton State Day at the Capitol kicked off Wednesday, Feb. 18, bringing more than 100 Lakers, including President Dr. Thomas Hynes and the University’s mascot, Loch, to the steps of Georgia’s General Assembly. Students, faculty, adminis- trators, and staff spoke with representatives and Clayton State alumni who also work with state government, toured the Capitol, and witnessed Georgia’s representatives at work in the House and Senate Chambers on the creation of bills made real. Clayton State students were able to make the connection of the department and the process that brings the structure of their society into play. The connection that every dream made real will lead to another, whether this dream is for themselves or for another. The funding of Clayton State’s new science building made real the dreams of future science and healthcare graduates, who will then create more dreams and opportunities for others in their communities. For that, and many others, Lakers echo the sentiment Hynes extended to Georgia’s General Assembly: “We express our gratitude to this house of its continued investment in the future of Georgia.”
Clayton State SEEDS Chapter and Biology Students Volunteer for Annual Reynolds Ivy Pull
Members of Clayton State University’s SEEDS (Strategies for Ecology Education, Diver- sity, and Sustainability) chapter and students from the University’s BIOL2500 Introduc- tory Plant Biology and BIOL3500 Ecology classes volunteered at Reynolds Nature Preserve on Feb. 21 as part of Reynolds’ annual Ivy Pull. The event marked the fourth year that Clayton State students and faculty volunteered to control the spread of the inva- sive species English Ivy and Privet from Reynolds Nature Preserve.
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