National Institute of Lobbying and Ethics Names CSM Alumna Laura Lopez McNulty 2024 Student Advocate of the Year

“We know the future of advocacy is in good hands when we have individuals like Laura leading the way.”  

College of Southern Maryland (CSM) alumna Laura Lopez McNulty’s (‘24) spent much of her last three years at CSM eloquently lifting her voice with elected officials to share how community college students benefit from expanding access to education; creating support systems to bolster a learner’s momentum; and, building partnerships that ensure economic and social mobility. For her tireless and dedicated support of all students, McNulty was recognized as the 2024 Student Advocate of the Year by the National Institute for Lobbying and Ethics and the Cornerstone Government Affairs Group.  

“This prestigious award … is given to a student who exemplifies exceptional dedication to the principles of lobbying and advocacy,” Charles Carithers of Cornerstone Government Affairs said at the fall ceremony. “The award is not just about academic excellence or professional promise – it’s about a deep commitment to ethical practices, a passion for public service, and a vision for how advocacy can shape and improve our society.”   

McNulty “truly embodies these ideals,” he said, adding that she “has set a remarkable example of what it means to be an ethical advocate, showing us all that integrity and impact can – and must – go hand-in-hand in our work.”  

“I’m humbled and honored to be considered and to receive this award,” McNulty shared, while also crediting CSM President Dr. Yolanda Wilson and CSM’s Assistant Vice President of Government Relations Karen Smith Hupp for providing mentorship and inspiration. “My only hope is to be able to keep learning, growing, and to be the best advocate I can.”

In 2014, McNulty started at CSM as a non-traditional student, participating in CSM's workforce development program to gain certifications as a paralegal and legal secretary. Four years later, she enrolled as a part-time credited student to work on her associate degree with a focus on government and politics. While raising her family, McNulty was able to keep her educational momentum going from support received at CSM’s Math Resource Center, online tutoring, the Help-a-Hawk scholarship, and resources at the Thomas V. Mike Miller Jr. Center for Leadership. 

In 2023, she participated in CSM’s work-based learning program as an intern with CSM’s government relations team – an opportunity that she said helped her to hone her advocacy skillset. With that newfound confidence, she applied for and was accepted into her first entry level position in the legal field.   

“CSM gave me access to an education, and even more, access to resources that kept me believing it was possible to build the dreams I have envisioned and for that I will always be grateful,” McNulty told CSM staff and faculty at the college’s Convocation in August -- a collegiate tradition that brings college employees together for a day of planning before the fall academic semester begins.   

That same day, CSM unveiled its new five-year strategic plan: “Built for Success,” which embodies the three core pillars of access, momentum, and mobility. 

“Everyone in this room is already doing the work of the strategic plan,” McNulty, pictured left, told the Convocation audience. “I am proof of that, and I am grateful to all of you,” she added. 

“All of the support, mentoring, and guidance I received at CSM helped me find my voice, and gave me confidence,” she said.  “I believe wholeheartedly in the power of higher education because now I see with just one goal achieved, I can serve and assist the community that I grew up with, the one that motivates me, and teaches me so much daily.”  

A decade ago she began her journey to attain her paralegal and legal secretary certificates from CSM’s workforce development program. Today, with her certifications and her associate degree in hand, McNulty is attending the University of Maryland as an undergraduate student in the Government and Politics program.  

The Student Advocate of the Year award “reflects our commitment to supporting emerging leaders like Laura, who will shape the next generation of lobbying with passion, ethical commitment, and a dedication to the public good,” Carithers said. “We know the future of advocacy is in good hands when we have individuals like Laura leading the way.”