By Elyse Breeze
Tuesday night’s meeting of the St. Bonaventure University Student Government Association honored those who have served as officers, and those who are serving this coming fall. The ceremony began with an opening prayer conducted by Fr. Francis. Sr. Margaret Carney then inducted the newly elected SGA executive president, Alexander Noguerola.
Members of four years, one year, and a new officer for this fall spoke about their experiences with the SGA, how it has influenced their Bonaventure experience, and what they are hoping to gain as members now and in the future.
Previous vice president Abby Harrington, a senior childhood studies major, expressed her confidence and expectations of the newly appointed president and vice president.
“I hope they continue to grow and have positive relationships with others on campus,” she said. “I expect [them] to continue working alongside the ‘March of Dimes – March for Babies’ organization and the SPCA.”
Harrington, a graduating senior, explained that SGA was a great opportunity for her to enhance her experience as a student at Bonaventure; it has taught her how to overcome challenges, teamwork, and fine-tune her communication skills with others.
Jessica Laursen, current freshman class secretary and newly elected sophomore class secretary, explained that SGA has been a great transition into Bonaventure this past year.
“It has allowed me to get to know many different people and become more involved on campus,” Laursen said. “I have really loved getting to work with so many people.”
Alongside president and vice president of the freshman class, James Cook and David Bryant, respectively, Laursen credits her greatest accomplishment this year as creating a survey about bathroom cleanliness in the dorms in order to kick-start the Robinson and Falconio Hall renovations taking place this summer. The sophomore class council has quite a bit in store for the 2014 fall semester, Laursen said. An alumni panel for the sophomore class, a “Bald for Bucks” event, and a Talent Show are possibilities.
Erin Bilello, a freshman journalism and mass communication major and newly elected senator-at-large, said that she ran for the position in the hopes of speaking on behalf of the student body at Bonaventure.
“Our class officers did a great job this year and I hope that I can help them this coming year to make the sophomore class even better,” Bilello said. “I want to give a voice to students and help them feel that they are making a difference and that their opinion matters.”
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