Legislature Day (L-Day) is an annual event in which students have an opportunity to showcase what is going on at Mines to the Colorado Legislature. In the words of Damian Illing, an organizer of the event, the purpose of L-Day is “to expose [the] Colorado State Legislature to the exciting research and student activities on campus.” The hope is that through L-Day, the misunderstandings between Mines and the capital can be resolved and mitigated.
At the start of the event Illing explained, “I hope to have a bunch of legislators come, at least 20... and that they enjoy themselves.” Earlier that morning, Damian and four other members of ASCSM went to the capital and handed out pamphlets to the legislators while explaining to them what they could expect at L-Day. Many of them had attended in years past and many had already made note of the event on their calendars.
The outer perimeter of the room was lined with easels, tables, and poster boards. In the center of the room there were cocktail tables, each with a single candle in the middle. Blue table clothes were the theme. Three Tomatoes catered a delicious display of hors d'œuvres and stood by to pour beverages and keep the scene tidy.
Several organizations were in attendance from Mines, including ASCSM, Tau Beta Pi, Blue Key, AEG, SPS, and the Oredigger. There were also some professors and notables from the administration, such as President Scoggins and Provost Castillo. Unfortunately, only four legislators were able to attend.
Discussions on medical marijuana and issues regarding steel workers captured the legislators' attention. Students took the opportunity to converse amongst themselves and enjoy the hors d'œuvres. There was also some healthy interaction between the students and the administration. Some students expressed satisfaction at getting to meet those that run the school. The faculty seemed to fare similarly in that they too enjoyed the opportunity of interacting with those present and had a good time regardless of the lack of legislators.
The four legislators seemed to enjoy interacting with the students and relating to them on a variety of issues. They circulated enough so that almost everyone got a chance to talk with them. They also took the opportunity to catch up with the administration and faculty regarding pertinent issues.
While hopes for attendance may have been unfulfilled, the hope that legislators gain exposure to what is going on at Mines was most certainly fulfilled. At the end of the evening, nobody seemed to express serious regret at having attended.
Looking years ahead, Illing expressed hope and said, “I'd like to see this become one of the huge events of the legislature's calendar.” He described how important L-Day is and that its future success would do great things for Mines.
L-Day is an annual event, so watch for it next spring semester. It is a good chance to meet those setting the future of the school and raise awareness for whatever organization you may be a part.
At the start of the event Illing explained, “I hope to have a bunch of legislators come, at least 20... and that they enjoy themselves.” Earlier that morning, Damian and four other members of ASCSM went to the capital and handed out pamphlets to the legislators while explaining to them what they could expect at L-Day. Many of them had attended in years past and many had already made note of the event on their calendars.
The outer perimeter of the room was lined with easels, tables, and poster boards. In the center of the room there were cocktail tables, each with a single candle in the middle. Blue table clothes were the theme. Three Tomatoes catered a delicious display of hors d'œuvres and stood by to pour beverages and keep the scene tidy.
Several organizations were in attendance from Mines, including ASCSM, Tau Beta Pi, Blue Key, AEG, SPS, and the Oredigger. There were also some professors and notables from the administration, such as President Scoggins and Provost Castillo. Unfortunately, only four legislators were able to attend.
Discussions on medical marijuana and issues regarding steel workers captured the legislators' attention. Students took the opportunity to converse amongst themselves and enjoy the hors d'œuvres. There was also some healthy interaction between the students and the administration. Some students expressed satisfaction at getting to meet those that run the school. The faculty seemed to fare similarly in that they too enjoyed the opportunity of interacting with those present and had a good time regardless of the lack of legislators.
The four legislators seemed to enjoy interacting with the students and relating to them on a variety of issues. They circulated enough so that almost everyone got a chance to talk with them. They also took the opportunity to catch up with the administration and faculty regarding pertinent issues.
While hopes for attendance may have been unfulfilled, the hope that legislators gain exposure to what is going on at Mines was most certainly fulfilled. At the end of the evening, nobody seemed to express serious regret at having attended.
Looking years ahead, Illing expressed hope and said, “I'd like to see this become one of the huge events of the legislature's calendar.” He described how important L-Day is and that its future success would do great things for Mines.
L-Day is an annual event, so watch for it next spring semester. It is a good chance to meet those setting the future of the school and raise awareness for whatever organization you may be a part.
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