Being a leader on a college campus is sometimes a thankless and painstaking job. The Student Government Association has decided to do its part to make campus leaders’ life a little easier.

SGA President Jay Perry has established the first Leadership Scholarship for Saint Louis University campus leaders. The recipient of the award receives a $5,000 scholarship applicable toward tuition and/or room and board. Members of the student body select the winner.

“The fundamental reason for establishing the scholarship is to recognize outstanding student leaders on campus,” said Perry. “Leadership is important to our campus now.”

To qualify for the award, students must demonstrate excellent leadership skills and achievements. They should turn in an application to the SGA office in the Lower Level of the Busch Memorial Center or drop the applications off in the SGA mailbox in the Office of Student Life, room 300 in the BMC. Students must be full-time students, with a minimum 3.2 cumulative grade point average. Applicants must also submit two letters of recommendation. Freshmen, sophomores and juniors are eligible for the scholarship.

The deadline for the application is Friday, April 6 by 5 p.m. After sifting through the applications, the scholarship committee, which consists of six students and Perry, will chose the five best students. The committee will then conduct face-to-face interviews with the finalists during the week of April 8. The winner will be notified on April 17, and officially be announced at SGA’s weekly meeting on April 18.

Application instructions and information can be picked up in the SGA office, Monday through Friday, until 5 p.m.

Perry said that the scholarship was a result of discussions at a SGA Presidential Reunion in September 2000. The former presidents drummed up corporate support and private donations to fund the scholarship. At this point, Perry said there is enough money to support the scholarship for three years.

“I want future administrations to continue to build this up as a self-sustaining scholarship,” Perry said.

The six students on the scholarship selection committee represent a variety of students.

Perry is the chair of the group. Other members include: Diana Umali, editor in chief of The University News; Tricia Fechter, member of the Great Issues committee; Mike Rozier, a Student Activity Board member; Lubna Alam, the Muslim Students Association vice-president; Nick Sarcone and Steve Trammell.

“It’s a diverse but involved group of students,” Perry said. “During the selection process, I want them to understand what the goals are for a true student leader. I know they can do a successful job.”