The Trinity community was introduced to the new Student Government Association (SGA) for the first time Friday, as the student leaders hosted Chapel.
Campus Life Director Jessica Tober exposed her dramatic flair onstage with the performance of a monologue – acting is one of many talents of this diverse group of elected and appointed student leaders.
“We all bring something to the table,” said SGA President Daniel Oksnevad, as he attributed subtitles to his nine-member team, such as skateboarder, choir member, youth leader, honors student, baseball player, musician, techie, and the list goes on.
This unique group is a composite of Trinity’s campus, representing the mass unusually well. They meet nearly weekly, maybe once or several times – whatever it takes to discuss, plan and report thoroughly and completely.
Secretary Naomi Wenzel takes down minutes, Vice President Emily Duby seconds motions, and Treasurer Troy Anderson practices fiscal responsibility. If issues become tedious or procedures dull, Senior Vice President for Student Affairs Dr. William "Coffee" Washington never fails to bring the group to smiles.
As Oksnevad steers the progress of group discussion, Washington consistently addresses him as “Mr. President” for every inquiry or suggestion – possibly facetious, but his tone is absent of sarcasm and has the presence of deference. He addressed former SGA President Matt Hill in the same way.
“It’s what he does,” said Oksnevad with appreciation for his mentor and friend. This selfless and agreeable group is a reflection of Coffee’s leadership.
Eloquent core values and rehearsed mission statements aside, “SGA’s main purpose is to serve the student body,” said Oksnevad. And they do that by allocating funds to the different academic departments and hosting varieties of student activities that foster community.
The increasing student activities dominating the online Trinity all-purpose calendar, such as the expired Lew Coffeehouse, Scavenger Hunt, Cirque Shanghai, and Gino’s East, are all compliments of College Union Director Stephanie Erickson and new supervisor Adam Gustine.
Students are urged to stay tuned to plans regarding the Homecoming Dance, because the event is under tentative renovation, said Erickson.
Dynamic advertising for these events decorate academic halls and doors. The signs, posters, videos, and t-shirt designs are under the artistic scrutiny of Media Director Ben Krogh.
“I’m giving talented people a chance to be responsible,” said Krogh about his Media committee.
Upcoming events include The Battle of the Wits, organized by Academic Life Director Laura Gisler, and a revamped and highly anticipated Dodgeball tournament.
