BY: SAWYER BURKE, CO-EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
Francis Zaklukiewicz, president of the Student Government Association, has a lot of events in the works for St. Bonaventure students this semester. Most students are unaware of all the things SGA does around campus. Zaklukiewicz said he hopes students can learn more and become more involved.
“The whole intention of me trying to reach out and get a conversation going is because there’s a lot of students that don’t really know about what SGA does,” said Zaklukiewicz.
Right now, SGA’s main focus is getting more involved with clubs and organizations across campus. The goal is to have more student government representatives at the events.
“Every club on campus wouldn’t be where they are without SGA, and SGA wouldn’t be where we are without the clubs because all clubs are student government association recommended clubs,” said Zaklukiewicz. “When a club wants to be on campus, they submit their forms and then SGA basically approves that this club come on campus. So we want to show all the clubs that we support them.”
Following the sexual violence case at Cornell University, SGA held a Denim Day on Oct. 7, to show solidarity for victims of sexual violence. They partnered with EMPOWER, another campus organization centered on educating students about sexual assault prevention.
“We felt it would be important for us as the student government to show that we are in support of anyone that may be going through that now or have in the past,” said Zaklukiewicz.
Denim Day is an international campaign that uses denim as a symbol of support for those affected by victim-blaming and harmful misconceptions surrounding sexual violence. Typically, Denim Day is observed during the month of April; however, Zaklukiewicz thought the message was incredibly relevant right now.
SGA is also planning some upcoming events for the month of October.
In years past, the athletic department here at St. Bonaventure has hosted a Trunk or Treat event for the local children in Allegany and Olean. This year, however, SGA will be in charge of the event. The event has usually gained a lot of attendance from the local community and SGA hopes that will continue this year.
“The Trunk or Treat we are working on because we really want the kids in the area to have something for Halloween, if they don’t have anything already,” said Zaklukiewicz.
Similarly, SGA is also planning a Reverse Trick-or-Treat for the Bonaventure students. Instead of students being asked to go trick-or-treating, SGA representatives will go around to all the dorms, townhouses and apartments and leave a bag of candy for the residents. Inside the bag as well is a note from EMPOWER on how to have a safe weekend if students plan on going out during Halloween weekend.
“Basically, we want to show appreciation for the students that we are representing and say ‘Happy Halloween’ but also give them tips on how to have a responsible weekend,” said Zaklukiewicz.
Through its upcoming events and increased outreach to campus organizations, SGA hopes to strengthen its connection with the student body and the surrounding community. Zaklukiewicz hopes these efforts will help students better understand the role SGA plays on campus and encourage them to become more involved.
