It is with great honor and appreciation that I step into the role of Grand Marshal. I look forward to a Senate that will develop many wonderful, tangible accomplishments for students. I am grateful for every learning experience that I am blessed with. With that in mind this will be one of the most blessed years of my life, and I am genuinely excited!
I want to thank so many people, including my third grade teacher, Mr. Woll, for explaining to me that when we want to make our world better we can rely on only one guarantee to achieve our ends: Look in the mirror and work very hard.
I want to thank my family and my girlfriend, Steph, for all of their day-to-day counseling and support. I extend thanks to all of my hermanos of La Unidad Latina, Lambda Upsilon Lambda Fraternity, Inc., both here and nationally. My running mate and friend, Ariana, I look forward to a wonderful year and respect all of the hard work and dedication I know you will exude.
I must laud the phenomenal efforts of our "campaign manager" Chris Mather, and thank all of the Apollo Party members from this year and last for being committed to students. Thank you to the IFC and Panhel for your support and input. Thanks to all of the "archies" that gave so freely of their time, and all of the other wonderful party affiliates.
To our outgoing GM, Joe, I want to thank you for your professionalism and friendship. Lucas, thanks for your advice. And to everyone that made "students first" a reality, thanks.
I appreciate the advice and input from the Union administration, DOSO, and OMSA. Thank you to the provost, Dr. Bud Peterson, and Prof. Bill St. John for moderating the debates. I want to thank Acting Dean of Students Mark Smith for three years of great advice and opportunities. I look forward to continuing to nurture and develop student interaction with the administration.
To the behind the scenes GM Week participants: GM Week staff, RNE, The Poly, and everyone else involved—tremendous effort this year! Thank you to all of the student groups that participated and made the week a true success.
Finally, and in many ways most importantly, I want to thank each and every one of you that voted, campaigned, or ran for office. Not just those that voted for myself or worked for our party, but everyone that participated and came out in droves to set new standards in voter turnout.
Our student government at RPI is a rare tradition of true student empowerment that will only continue to be so if we work hard. The key to creating that energy, buzz, and excitement we want at RPI is for every student to take ownership of their ability to do so.
On a final business note there are committees and boards that students (both on and off the Senate) are appointed to. These seats facilitate our voice. In the coming weeks we as a Senate will be actively seeking great candidates to get involved. If you have any interest or know someone that does, please contact me at gm@rpi.edu.
Thanks again, and please come see the Senate in action this Wednesday (tonight) at 9 pm in the Union. Live action governing—it will be great! Good night!
