During the past year, the Senate under Valadez has developed a new map of businesses in downtown Troy, raised gay/lesbian awareness on campus by participating in Safe Zone training, proposed repairs to Cary Hall and Bray Hall, and encouraged the creation of new courses in Latin American business studies and history. “It’s been really interesting to [hear the ideas of] student groups—so many interesting people I’ve met. It’s [great] when you know you’re doing something for the students,” said Valadez.

Valadez has had a perfect attendance record at Senate meetings and has made himself accessible to students in the Union more than many previous GMs. His last major achievement as GM is an amendment to The Union Constitution that will organize regular meetings between student government and the administration—which was approved for discussion in the Rules and Elections Committee by the Senate on Tuesday. “I have a sincere love for RPI. I hope [that] we don’t lose our focus as an Institute and [that the administration] doesn’t forget who the customer is.”

Valadez hopes to leave the position with rules in place for next year’s GM to elevate the position further “A good transition to the new Senate is [essential]. Whoever gets in office, I will work with [him] closely.”

After graduation in May, Valadez, an industrial management major, plans to work for two to five years and then pursue a law degree at Harvard or Yale. In his spare time, Valadez is actively involved with his fraternity, Lambda Upsilon Lambda, works out in the gym, and spends time with family, friends, and his girlfriend.