For their last meeting of the year, which was held in the Pere Marquette gallery in DuBourg Hall, members of the Student Government Association presented awards and superlatives.
As for business matters, Village Senator Pat Contreras introduced a bill that addressed damages in residence halls and apartments. Considering Facilities Services has 104 buildings to care for and a large percentage of students are dissatisfied with the condition of the rooms when they move in, Contreras proposed a “one-stop phone number.” The University has already paid for the number and it would be installed one week before school begins. A hanger with the relevant information, including a Web site address, would be hung in every room regarding this service. Contreras wants to “start addressing the issue of damages early on in the year.”
As for awards, Joseph O. Hodes, a former president of SGA, presented Academic Vice President Lubna Alam with the Student of the Year Award. Hodes cited Alam as “a phenomenal human and embodiment of what this University has to offer.”
Among her many accomplishments in her career at SLU, Alam was involved in the Busch Student Center renovation, president of the Muslim Student Association 2001-2002, Marguerite Hall senator, academic vice president, guest lecturer in classrooms, a protestor and an activist.
University President Lawrence Biondi, S.J., was awarded the 2003 Mary A. Bruemmer Award. He has been involved with the West Pine Mall development, the addition of green space for relaxation on campus, recruitment of students, a campus arena, the renovation of the Simon Recreational Center, March for Life and the School of Americas vigil. The four people who nominated him cited his advancement of recognition of student opinion.
“He has my sincerest congratulation,” Mary Bruemmer, a current full-time volunteer, said of Biondi.
Bruemmer also offered to write SGA a check for $2,000 to furnish their new office in the Busch Student Center.
President Mike Rozier then read off the names of the winners of the superlatives elected by the Senate. The following individuals were recognized: Village Senator Contreras: Most likely to be a real senator; Reinert Senator Joel Samuels: Most in touch with his constituents; Academic Vice President Alam: Best performance in a senate debate; Public Service Senator Joey Kneer: Most dedicated senator; Senator Samuels: Most likely to go insane (First Year Senator Jim Swift was in second place); O’Brien/Notre Dame Senator Mary Larimer: Quietest senator; Senator Swift: Most out of order; Administrative Vice President Vincent Giacabazi: Most respected member (for the second year in a row); Griesedieck Senator Eric Immel: Friendliest senator; Grand Forest Senator Deanna Durrett: Most intelligent senator; Undergraduate Commuter Senator Matt Love: Most talkative member of the senate; Senator Durrett: Most inspiring senator; International Student Federation Senator Thiago Takahashi: Best dressed senator.
Rozier gave the President’s Award to Chief of Staff Tricia Fechter, saying she served “with the greatest diligence and distinction.”
Rozier’s farewell address began with his asking, “What will your legacy be?” He cited the faculty course ratings, “the lowest tuition increase in a decade,” and countless other resolutions as part of this senate’s work. Calling his position “quite a blessing.” He said, “I cherish the fact that students entrusted me with this honor.”
Quoting Harry S. Truman, Rozier said, “A president is always abused. If he isn’t, he isn’t doing his job.”
After a sentimental gavel pass, the executive board gave Rozier a set of mixed CDs as a gift and the new executive board members and senators were sworn in as the new president, Nick Sarcone, adjourned the meeting.
