Congressman Hoyer Selects BSU Grad as State of the Union Guest

Two-time Cancer Survivor Jacqueline Beale Honored as Outstanding Advocate

MEDIA CONTACT: Damita Chambers, dchambers@bowiestate.edu, 301-832-2628 mobile

(BOWIE, Md.) – U.S. Representative Steny H. Hoyer (D-Maryland) announced that his guest for the 2019 State of the Union address Tuesday will be a Bowie State University graduate and two-time breast cancer survivor.

Jacqueline Beale (’84, ’98) serves as the Maryland State Lead Ambassador for the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network, the nation’s largest cancer advocacy organization and non-partisan affiliate of the American Cancer Society. In addition, she is the senior manager for development and outreach for Hope Connections for Cancer Support in Prince George's County, Maryland.

“I am honored that Jacqueline Beale will be my State of the Union guest,” said House Majority Leader Hoyer in a statement. “After surviving cancer twice, Jacqueline is a strong advocate for Marylanders living with pre-existing health care conditions. I am grateful for the work that she does to shed light on the need to improve access to affordable health care for all Americans and defend protections for those with pre-existing conditions. ... I am pleased to be able to share Jacqueline’s story, and I look forward to welcoming her to the Capitol...”

Beale was recognized for her advocacy work to make cancer a national priority when she was named the State Lead Ambassador of the Year in 2018 by the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network. The annual award honors a volunteer who has demonstrated exemplary leadership, while working with lawmakers, agency staff members and other volunteers to plan and support cancer-related public policy goals for the state.

She received bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Bowie State University.

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About Bowie State University
Bowie State University (BSU) is an important higher education access portal for qualified persons from diverse academic and socioeconomic backgrounds, seeking a high-quality and affordable public comprehensive university. The university places special emphasis on the science, technology, cybersecurity, criminal justice, teacher education, business, and nursing disciplines within the context of a liberal arts education. For more information about BSU, visit www.bowiestate.edu.