On Wednesday, the Southern University officials of the Student Government Association (SGA) and leaders of student organizations delivered their initial speech to the students, faculty, and supporters in the new event center. As each leader and official approached the podium, they addressed the numbers in attendance that the promises made while on campaign will be kept along with the enthusiasm and determination to get students to become more proactive and involved in campus activities and festivities. Before any speech was given, Director of Student Life, Jonas Vanderbilt, briefly spoke to the audience and reassured them that leaders are capable of positions they have earned.
“I, the advisor and director of Student Life, fully support and already seen what I know from their starts that this student government will do a great job. This SGA is here for you and are ready to continue the task of serving you, the student body,” said Vanderbilt.
Sophomore class president and mass communication major, Anthony Kenney of Baton Rouge, Louisiana, kicked off the SGA address with a speech of his own. Kenney said to the students that he will not take his position lightly and will dedicate his best effort as an SGA leader. His slogan for his term in office is to “Rebuild. Revitalize. Redesign.” Kenney ended his speech quoting, “the best way to find yourself, is to lose yourself in the service of others.”
Junior class president and education major, Xavier Diamond of Kentwood, Louisiana, stood at the podium and began his address with his “No student left behind” slogan. His number one goal as class president is to keep the University’s students informed and involved. Diamond also expressed his concern for his junior class and how he aims to help prepare them in pursuit of achieving a degree from the University by 2018.
Senior class president, Joy Henderson of Monroe, Louisiana stressed to the audience that graduation should be the top priority on every senior’s list.
“In order to reach that goal, we must take the next necessary steps to make sure every senior is prepared for life out of college,” said Henderson.
Like Diamond, Henderson will make it her personal mission to keep the senior class informed and aware on campus. She also plans to be involved in the class in several activities, for example, students will get the experience in giving back to the community by visiting senior citizens and giving service to them. Henderson’s project is called the “Senior-to-Senior Initiative.”
“This initiative will equip students to become respectable civilians in this country,” said Henderson.
AWS President and mechanical engineering major, Paula-Marie Mensah stated the purpose for her organization is to better the women students of the University and to unite them as they journey through their academic studies.
“The Association for Women Students will like to ensure the female students on campus are more than prepared to play a significant role in the guidance of the female population for a successful and eventful school year,” said Mensah.
Mens Federation President, Armond Duncan of Alexandria, Louisiana, opened with a quote said by Jackie Robinson, “A life is not important except for the impact it has on others.”
Duncan stated that his organization participated in several community service projects and will put its best foot forward in efforts to keep up their accomplishments towards goals set for the academic year.
After Chief Justice Charles and SGA Vice President Bre’anna Perkins gave their encouraging speech to the audience for supporting the athletics of the University and to be more proactive in helping the SGA be their voice, SGA President and accounting major, Zana Harris of Baton Rouge, Louisiana finally took a stand at the podium to deliver the final address.
Harris began by saying how unknowingly the path to becoming the SGA president would be. She stated that the students were the main focus in striving for current position.
“My students are the reason why I do this. You all have worked every sleepless night, every tear, every heartache and no matter how strenuous the task is, knowing that all 6,456 of you are enjoying every second your time here on yard makes it a thousands times more worth it,” said Harris.
Harris continues on as she describes her legacy through the meeting of her parents who made the sacrifices for her to be person she is now. She then stated that she will continue her legacy using her slogan, “Unity. Transparency. Resurgence.” Harris’s idea is to unify the students, no matter the difference, and get them involved more in activities to show their school pride.
When asked about how she felt about her position now that school is underway, Harris answered, “This position has way more duties than I saw coming and it is an easy job,” Harris continued by saying, “but I have made some changes so I can better establish myself and balance being leader first, and student second.”
Harris ended by saying she has big plans for the University but first on the agenda is making sure students are participate in sitting in on senate meetings to stay informed of what’s happening on campus and to register students to vote.
Student Government Association President Zana Harris delivering her state of SGA address in the event center on september 14.
