This week also marked the end of the application process for next year’s E-Board with the approval of eight students to next year’s board by the Student Senate. This year’s applicants have been some of the most qualified applicants in recent history, and I am confident that this be one of the strongest boards in years.

The Senate appointments included Class of 2007 representative Marcus Griep, Class of 2006 representative Ronak Talati, Class of 2005 representative Gavin Gyle, ICA/Club representative Adam Jubanowski, ICA/Club representative Rachael Evans, ICA/Club representative Hannah Kim, and Member-at-Large Hansel Baez. All of the new members possess tremendous leadership ability, a strong willingness to work, and a variety of different perspectives when it comes to student interests. These are the three most important factors that go into having a successful E-Board and I see these qualities in all of my appointees. The applicant pool was so deeply qualified this year that I decided to appoint a few applicants as chairs of some of the committees that have traditionally been held by board members. In the past the most productive and effective E-Board committees have been chaired by non-members of the board, and this year there were such tremendous leaders in the applicant pool that this decision came naturally.

I would also like to take this opportunity to thank all those who have made my transition to office as smooth as possible. The administration and staff have gone out of their way to make me feel welcome so that I may step into my new role with ease. This smooth transition would not have been possible without this year’s board continuing their outstanding service to the Rensselaer Union; they