By Elizabeth Pray
Staff Writer
The Student Government Association (SGA) ended the semester Monday evening, with an induction ceremony held in the Doyle Trustees’ Room.
Rob DeFazio, director of intramurals and club sports, delivered a message from Rick Trietley, vice provost for student life. His speech thanked outgoing senior members Michelle McKernan, president; Emily Deragon, vice president; and Bryan Weber, treasurer, for their time and contributions. Contributions include increased student involvement, campus parking enhancements and a motion to rectify lunchtime overcrowding at the Hickey Dining Hall.
Next, Sister Margaret Carney, O.S.F., university president, congratulated the new members of the SGA and commended the outgoing members for their positive dedication.
“We have been working for many years to improve the voice of student government,” Sister Margaret said. “They (McKernan, Deragon and Weber) have set a very high bar.”
She officially inducted sophomore Cody Clifford as the new SGA president and presented him with the official gavel.
Sister Margaret even had a piece of Bonaventure history to display: a section from an issue of The Bona Venture, dated April 23, 1982, describing a university forum held to focus on student problems. She talked about how the article showed how much the focus of the university has remained unchanged for the last 30 years.
Following Sister Margaret’s speech, Clifford gave his acceptance speech and presented the SGA’s goals for the upcoming 2012-13 academic year. Plans include continuing to increase student attendance at meetings, a possible relocation of its office to increase student interaction, and more SGA-sponsored charity events.
Afterward, Clifford inducted junior Robbie Chulick and sophomore Angeline Pham as secretary and treasurer, respectively. He announced sophomore Abby Harrington, who was not present because she is studying abroad, will be the new vice president.
Clifford then inaugurated or re-inducted the newly elected and present class representatives and senators.
Father Francis DiSpigno, O.F.M., director of University Ministries, concluded the ceremony with a benediction and congratulations to the new members of SGA.
prayer10@bonaventure.edu
