Student Government went ahead and appointed a bunch of folks to the executive cabinet at their final meeting of the semester. This included the finance director, ex-officio, and director of academic affairs. The meeting dragged on until after 11 p.m., making it a late night for everyone involved. Vice President Will Vlasek, who is a junior studying agricultural systems technology, got the nod to be the executive nominee of the student fees and tuition committee. The vote went down at 27-0-1. Vlasek expressed his eagerness to represent student interests when it comes to college costs. He mentioned how he’s ready to go to bat for students when decisions about fees and other expenses are being made.
The student fees and tuition committee is all about those student activity fees that get tacked onto tuition every semester. The role comes with some confidentiality requirements since the committee deals with students’ money and finances. Sen. Quinn Margrett, a junior in business economics and former veep, and Sen. Ryker Markus, a first-year student in agricultural and life sciences education, were in the running for spots on the committee. Margrett stressed the importance of the committee in keeping attendance costs in check. Markus, on the other hand, vowed to learn the ropes and contribute as much as he could. After some back and forth, Margrett clinched the nomination with an 18-3-6 vote.
Sen. Erik Rolwes, who is studying industrial design, and Lauren Neal, a junior in community and regional planning, got nominated to represent the Senate on the CyRide transit board of trustees. Rolwes shared how he thought he knew CyRide inside out, only to be surprised by what goes on behind the scenes. Neal emphasized the need for student representation in the city they all call home for a bit. The Senate debated a bit before ultimately choosing Neal with an 8-14-4 vote.
Sen. Noah Kammeyer was tapped to be the finance director, keeping an eye on budget allocations and financial operations within Student Government. Kammeyer highlighted his qualities that make him a good fit for the role, beyond just experience. The Senate gave him the thumbs up with a 26-0-1 vote. Emily Boland snagged the ex-officio seat on the Ames City Council and the CyRide transit board of trustees with a unanimous vote. She pledged to set up a strong foundation for future student leaders to build on.
Rachel Frost, a junior in political science, locked in the director of academic affairs role, with everyone on board. Sen. Ren Moyer was named the director of health and wellness, aiming to create a supportive campus environment. Carter Nelson vied for the director of marketing position, but the decision didn’t swing in his favor after a 9-6-9 vote. Alex Pallan got the green light as the director of information technology, reflecting on past projects.
Emily Meyer got the nod for director of governmental affairs, ready to take charge of legislative efforts. Lauren Vierregger and Kit O’Driscoll were selected as co-directors of sustainability, looking to raise awareness about environmental issues. Harley Baumler, a senior in agricultural and rural policy studies, was named the director of outreach, bringing a fresh perspective to the table. Nabiha Chowdhury was confirmed as the Inclusion, Diversity, Equity and Accessibility (IDEA) director, drawing on her international student experience.
Jay Bell nabbed the director of affordability role, aiming to make sure students have the financial resources they need. Sofia De Lima Barbosa was unanimously confirmed as the clerk of the Senate. Alyssa Olson joined as a Liberal Arts and Sciences senator. Speaker Josie Pursley and Erik Rolwes were tapped for the Jack Trice Character Award selection committee.
And that’s a wrap on the latest Student Government appointments. Lots of new faces ready to tackle the challenges ahead. Let’s see how they shake things up in the coming semester.
