The University News has been kind enough to publish an end-of-the-year reflection on Student Government Association, written by me. To be honest, it is quite difficult to sit down and reflect on the whole year, because it’s difficult to know where to start. Entering this position, many were quite hopeful for what we would bring to SGA, while others patiently waited to see, or at times doubted, how a younger executive board would handle their positions.

There is much we can leave proudly, having accomplished the renovation of Pius Library, the turf field brought to Vandeventer and Laclede, the implementation of the Oath of Inclusion, the advocacy for a Center for Global Citizenship, the improvements to residential security, the upgrade of social media usage, the restructuring of the Diversity Leadership Cabinet, the introduction of SLU Groups, the organization of men’s basketball ticket access for students, the assessment of academic advisors, the representation in academic department closures, the new allocation of the Student Wellness Fee and the increased opportunities for student organizations to connect with SGA.

In addition, there are many small accomplishments that flew under the radar: The donation of unused food to Campus Kitchen, increased job opportunities for international students in the Department of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness, new collaborations with Pregnant and Parenting Student Assistance, education on creating a safer campus, seating of over 60 new members of SGA, stronger connections with the College in Prison Program and many other internal successes to bring accountability to our organization.

This reflection is not to serve as proof that we were successful. I know that the best way to judge our success would be to ask members throughout the community on how they think we have done. So I leave that to you to decide.

But I did want to list some of our successes as an opportunity to give gratitude where it is due. I sincerely believe these victories could not have been possible without the support, dedication, energy, time, and talents of so many members of our community. The truth to our successes is rooted in one simple fact — there are thousands of people that arrive each day on this campus to try to make things better, and to create a community that will develop future leaders. I was lucky enough to work with many of these members. From the highest levels of our University, to the faculty and leadership of all the different colleges, to the staff providing endless student resources, to the staff that help make this University function, to a “full-time volunteer” for over 26 years and to the student leaders advocating for a better SLU. In all of these circles, there is a sincere dedication to move this University in a positive direction. It is that dedication that has made the accomplishments above possible.

So with that, I just have two requests of all of you before I peacefully ride in to my senior year. One, please spend some time each day giving gratitude to all those that make this University better, including yourself. My biggest regret was the countless times I could have thanked someone and did not. And two, please look to build stronger connections, collaborations, and friendships throughout our campus and community. Or, as some wise students once put it a few months back… to “Build Bridges.”

– Matthew Ryan is a junior in the College of Arts and Sciences.