Within the first week of classes, any student can see Saint Louis University is home to a large number of organizations. From KSLU to SAB to Greeks, it is hard for any student to miss one of these groups promoting itself in the Quad, or on the faces of distinctive T-shirts worn to class, food courts and the Simon Recreation Center.
Right now, many of these groups are not organized, or aligned with one another in any significant way, leading to costly events and postponed projects. However, SLU is currently attempting to develop a program that will not only relieve this problem, but also to help groups work with each other efficiently. It also will help promote leadership around campus.
This new program is spearheaded by Shawn Swinigan, the coordinator of the new Student Leadership Development. Swinigan had previously worked as a judicial officer with the University for two years before taking his new post with student life.
The group is not only hoping to attract current organizations, but also attract any student just wanting to get involved around the school.
“Our initiatives this year are leadership and service,” said Swinigan.
“This should bridge the gap between the administration and students,” said Brian Suda, KSLU general manager.
The leadership program began the year by working with the Residence Assistants in their training.
Plus, the group plans to work with the service fraternity of Alpha Phi Omega in planning and executing other events later during this year.
On their agenda for the year is a speaker series entitled, “Some Leaders are Born Women.”
The program will include women speakers from around not only Saint Louis University but also from the St. Louis metropolitan area.
This is just one of the numerous events the program plans to host this year.
“We are planning seven to 10 programs this year,” Swinigan said.
The program will be hosting a Welcome Back Reception for the presidents of student organizations at the Bannister house.
The program will be attending SLU Fair and answering questions for anyone interested.
“We hope that people will come by and see us,” Swinigan said.
