Nota Bene: Appreciation for our Student Government Association

Earlier this week, Annie and I hosted a dinner at nearby Buoy 44 for leaders of Virginia Wesleyan University’s Student Government Association. Vice President for Student Affairs Keith Moore and Assistant Vice President for Student Affairs Jason Seward also joined us for the evening, as we discussed the numerous achievements of the SGA this semester.

 

In my 27 years as a college president, I’ve worked with many student government associations; however, this group, led by President Nich Hipple ’18, has been a particularly delightful and impressive force for change. And though their achievements are abundant, they humbly shared that they do not seek praise, but rather, they simply hope to make a positive impact on behalf of their fellow students. Among their recent accomplishments, the SGA has:

• Worked with senior staff to revise the SGA Constitution
• Initiated a new class officer system
• Developed and supported the senior class giving program
• Represented student opinion on a variety of institutional topics, including campus master planning, corrective maintenance, campus housing, and dining services
• Hosted the most successful “Pub and Club” ever, welcoming more than 315 students and guests
• Collaborated with administration on a wider use of hours for the Greer Environmental Sciences Center
• Developed the ability for the larger community to watch meetings on Facebook Live (see link below)
• Coordinated the Homecoming Parade, highlighting the importance of campus student groups and encouraging school spirit
• Participated in the ongoing interview process for the new director of Wesleyan Engaged: Center for Civic Leadership and Service Learning
• At my invitation, SGA President Nich Hipple has represented the organization at groundbreakings, ribbon cuttings, dedications, and important University functions

 

We thank the SGA for their campus leadership and congratulate them on their successes. They work hard to maximize students’ educational experience and have cultivated truly beneficial partnerships with administration, faculty, staff and the extended Virginia Wesleyan University community.

 

I look forward to our continued relationship with the SGA, and invite you to follow their progress as well. The organization gathers each Thursday at 12 p.m. in the Shafer Room in Boyd Dining Center and you can watch live meeting coverage on their Facebook page.