The Student Government Association took a step forward yesterday. The executive board presented a list of priorities for the new school year, and new senators were assigned to committees.
The executive board distributed copies of its 12-point priority list at the meeting. Among SGA’s highest goals for the 2005-2006 school year are renovating the Simon Recreation Center and working to make the campus wireless. The executive board also hopes to address problems with dining services, including dining hours and customer service issues. Other priorities include reviewing garbage and recycling programs on campus.
SGA has already achieved one of its priorities for the school year-the establishment of the upperclass scholarship. Applications for the competitive $1,000 scholarship are available at the SGA office.
New senators sworn in last week were assigned to committees yesterday. Three senators joined the Committee for Commuter Concerns-Vijay Ravindra, a commuter senator; Michael Heithaus, a law school senator; and Dan Lohse, president of the Commuter Student Association. Lohse, not a member of SGA, will serve on the committee as an ex-officio member. Law school student Heithaus insisted on serving on the committee because “all [his] constituents are commuters.”
The Senate also swore in two new members.
Heather McCollum will represent the law school students along with Heithaus. Priyanka Veerlapati will serve as a first-year senator. Teresa Gabhart, chair of the Committee for Internal Affairs, praised both candidates for their outstanding initiative and eagerness to work for student interests.
The Senate also passed a special resolution honoring Dr. David Clark, outgoing director of the Center for Leadership and Community Service. Clark, a member of the SLU community for eight years, is leaving to take a position at a different university. The Senate’s resolution praised Clark for his work with multicultural and service organizations.
His accomplishments include “revolutionizing” the International Student Federation’s Annual Banquet and creating the Black Student Alliance’s Annual Fashion Show. Clark served as adviser for the N’Satiable Dance Team, the Melody of Praise Gospel Ensemble and Relay for Life. Clark also organized Make a Difference Day, SLU’s annual service event.
The Senate unanimously passed the resolution to “forever honor and acknowledge the monumental contributions made by Dr. David Clark.”
