On Tuesday, the St. Bonaventure Student Government Association held its induction ceremony for the 2019 to 2020 executive board in RC 219. Lara McCormick, a junior political science and international studies double major, was elected president; Layne Dowdall, a junior journalism and environmental studies double major, was elected vice president; junior Spanish and history double major Theresa Rabbia was elected treasurer; and junior political science major Kate Montemalo was elected secretary.
The ceremony, which opened with a prayer led by Fr. Ross Chamberland, O.F.M., welcomed the all-female executive board by having each student place her hand over the official gavel, raise her right hand and take an oath that all board members promise each year.
After taking her oath, McCormick thanked her audience, as well as the 2018-19 executive board. She then followed it up by looking toward the future and how her board will be making an impact.
“We will be working to make sure that we keep student issues at the focal point of the university and look forward to the opportunity to give back to the community that has helped us so much,” McCormick said.
In addition to welcoming the new board, the 2018-2019 SGA Executive Board members were thanked for their service and hard work for the school.
Katie O’Brien, vice president of student affairs, said in regard to the outgoing board, “I have been at a number of institutions and have worked with a number of SGAs, but this is one of the most effective boards I have worked with.”
She emphasized the point that SGA had never before held so much power over what happens on campus and makes sure students’ interests are being recognized in a multitude of areas on campus. Each outgoing member was thanked for his or her efforts by receiving a gavel.
Relating to both the incoming and outcoming boards, O’Brien said, “An institution is only as strong as the voices of its students.”
The voices that are heard throughout the SGA community are extremely powerful and influential to the St. Bonaventure community. The impact made by the previous board has helped the university tremendously and the new board is looking toward an even brighter future for St. Bonaventure.
By Julia Schneider, Staff Writer
schneije18@bonaventure.edu
