From the desk of the Student Government Association President

My fellow Jaguars,
As the fall semester rapidly marches to a close, so too continues the progress of your Student Government Association!
At its heart, our Student Government plays a unique role on our campus. Charged with the chief responsibility of protecting, preserving, and defending the rights, liberties, and freedoms of the students of our beloved institution, this year, your government has worked hard and has been more than very successful in fulfilling this responsibility. However, like any other student organization, the Student Government is also charged with the responsibility to provide wholesome, quality programming for every student enrolled, and today, it is my great pleasure to report that this responsibility is being achieved above and beyond what is typically expected as well.
No less than four weeks ago, an idea was born out of general conversation in the conference room of the Student Government Association office. That idea was to construct and conduct a campus-wide Haunted House. Instead of having students drive and pay for a frightful time, your government felt that it was our responsibility to provide quality entertainment for you. Although your Student Government can accomplish many things, we knew that we could not accomplish this goal alone. Showing that good ole’ jaguar spirit, the Student Government Association called out for help to the University community and gained partnerships with the Association for Women Students, Men’s Federation, the undergraduate class presidents and their cabinets, the Department of Speech and Theater, and the Department of Computer Science to host this successful event. Two days of a good time, this past Friday and Saturday, was had by all who attended and special thanks must be sent to several people:
To the Student Government Association Staff: “The Death Below” Haunted House would not have been as wonderful as it was without your dedication and support. Although all of you selflessly contributed, and my most heartfelt debt of gratitude is owed to each and every one of you, in specific, I must thank my Public Relations Director, Mr. Anthony Monroe. Anthony, your leadership, time, and talents were exemplarily in this endeavor and know that you hard work was appreciated.
To the Student Government Association advisor, Ms. Twyana Cain: Thank you for supporting the SGA during the long days of planning and supply, shopping prior to this event. Everyday you go the extra mile for the Student Body, and please trust that your work is never in vain.
To the Association for Women Students and Men’s Federation: Words can not express the gratitude and appreciation I have for you. You gave of yourselves for an event that was far from the norm of any event that is typically hosted on this campus. You endured the grueling, countless hours of preparation with a smile and asked for nothing in return. For this, you have my sincerest thanks.
To the Class Presidents: Davitria, Chris, Lorenzo and Koi: Your participation and the participation of your cabinets made this event the great accomplishment it turned out to be. Your roles as actors and as all-around supporters provided for a wonderful time for our student body.
To Drs. Richard Nixon and Ava Turner of the Department of Speech and Theater: You both willingly shared your advice, talents, materials, and other resources to ensure that this undertaking was a success. You went above and beyond what the average professor is called to do and you never denied the Student Government any item we felt we needed. That is something that you did not have to do. You both are truly an asset to this University, putting the students first, and on behalf of the Student Body, we are proud to learn under you.
And lastly, to Dr. Ebrahim Khosravi, chairman of the Department of Computer Science: Without you, our “Haunted House” would not have been possible. Unlike most departments, many of which may have denied us on request when the Student Government came to you and asked to hold our event in the basement of T.T. Allain, your department you welcomed us with open arms and were jubilant that we had your department in mind. You are a shining example of how all administrators should be. Thanks-a-million.
Although some would argue that sending my gratitude is unimportant in a publication such as this, I submit to you that it is the prefect venue. Whenever possible, it must be shown that we are a family here at Southern University, and that we are committed to not only educational advancement, but each other as well. Let us continue to endeavor in jaguar pride, together.
Still moving in the right direction,
Carey L. H. Ash, President
Student Government Association
Southern University at Baton Rouge