SGA ready to work for students

by BILL WALKER
student body president

Welcome back to Marshall! I trust everyone had a great summer, and I know you were all very eager to get off the beaches and get back to class.

As I promised last semester, I will keep in touch with you through The Parthenon to let you know what your SGA is doing for you, and what you can do for your SGA.

First of all, we had a very productive summer. We represented you in service projects like the Red Cross Donorama, the Riversweep cleanup of the Ohio River and, of course, Kidfest where nearly 300 area youth and 50 student volunteers met on the Walter "Lefty" Rollins Track for a day of mentorship and activities.

We have also worked all summer on things like Homecoming 2000, the 30th anniversary memorial service of the 1970 football plane crash and the campus directory.

Speaking of the directory, if you need to change your number or address, or eliminate it completely, you may do so online at www.marshall.edu. Do it SOON so that we can get your correct number printed this year and stay on schedule for production.

So what's going on right now, you ask? As of last week the Student Senate is back in session, so if your organization is in need of funding for this semester then let us know.

My opinion is that your activity fees go into these accounts, and it is your right to make full use of them.

We are preparing for this month's big community service project, the Chilifest. This event, on Sept. 16th, is sponsored by the Ronald McDonald House. Last year, the Alpha Sigma Phi fraternity helped them raise over $10,000. SGA hopes to beat that this year with your help. Also on this month's agenda is what President Dan Angel calls "Sweatequity" day. By planting flowers on campus and washing cars (with the proceeds going to the emergency loan account) we hope that students will have a larger sense of ownership and belonging here at Marshall. It will take place at 10 a.m. Sept. 30, and every freshman is encouraged to attend.

We are also planning a "Buskirk Bash" in early October. An evening of concerts by regional bands and, Bob Pruett willing, a pep rally also.

While we are on the subject of football, the director of athletics, Lance West, wants me to remind you that with the addition of our new seats at the stadium, it is imperative we try our best to pull away from the tailgates a little earlier to get into the games on time. I am in negotiations about getting another gate open for students.

Well, these are just a few of the things your SGA is working on. As always I highly encourage your participation and input.

If you have a good idea, or if you don't like how something is being done, please let us know. My phone number on campus is 696-6436 and at home is 529-1717.

Please feel free to stop by the office on the second floor of the Memorial Student Center at any time. Remember, it's your SGA, and I look forward to hearing from you.

Bill Walker is the student body president.