Last night, Adam Meister, president of the Student Government Association, gave his State of the Association address. The crux of his speech was to motivate the senators as a cohesive group, remind them of the goals they have attained thus far and propose not getting dirty in the politics of their upcoming elections.
BSA Senator Charles Flint reacted positively to Meister’s overall message of inspiration.
“I think, as always, Adam has served as an excellent president and was highly motivating,” Flint said.
Meister reported that the current state of the SGA is “astonishing,” despite recent events that indicate a great deal of evidence to the contrary.
“In light of the recent events that we have experienced, you all might be a bit surprised at my choice of words. However, I would argue that this scandal has perfectly articulated what I knew this senate was, and is, capable of,” Meister said.
Meister said he was touched by the selfless work of the organization, as well as their success in being “men and women for others” as per the SGA’s credo.
“I will not stand before you to brag about resolutions and bills,” Meister said. “Because these documents are simply that; documents. They are merely the paper accounts of the work, consideration and debate that is poured into student concerns.”
Meister recognized legislations like the relocation of Career Services and the C-Store and promised that those changes are forthcoming.
He mentioned the housing reform, saying that by passing the innovative sign-up system, the SGA has succeeded by putting the “greater good” of the students first.
Meister mentioned that the contentious issue of campus dining has come up every year of his tenure with SGA and this year, the senators “went beyond complaining” and formulated a solution, taking effect next year.
“These are not simply examples of the legislation and work that have flowed into this organization, rather they are examples of how this senate has gone above and beyond its predecessors in order to make a true difference for this University and the students here,” Meister said.
Meister reiterated that the senators are privileged to sit in their senatorial seats and that that privilege is given to them by the students of Saint Louis University. He said that the executive board refuses to “accept a month of chaos and hateful politics,” on account of the altruistic precedent that has been set by the current assembly.
“Take the energy from elections and turn it into something positive,” Meister said. “Instead of promising great things to the members of this University, show them now.”
Meister ended his address by saluting his organization, saying, “Congratulations, the state of the association is astonishing because of your efforts, but let’s not stop until it is unparalleled.”
