Hello everyone. I’d like to begin by thanking everyone for giving me the opportunity to serve as your GM this past year. It has been an honor, and a truly unbelievable experience. While it would be impossible to thank everyone who has made an impact on me over the past year, I’d like to dedicate this article to thanking a few.
First and foremost, I’d like to thank Dr. Greg Hughes. You have been more than my academic advisor this year; from the beginning of my career at Rensselaer you have impacted my growth as an individual, a leader, and a student. You have been a tremendous teacher in the classroom, someone I admire and look up to, and a good friend. There aren’t enough words to describe the gratitude I have. I hope that our friendship extends beyond my time at Rensselaer; thank you, Greg.
To the members of the Senate—thank you for working with me through a dramatic transition. It would not have gone so smoothly if it weren’t for you. I expected a lot from everyone this year and you all worked hard. For you it wasn’t something to put on your resumé, but about your dedication to bettering student life at Rensselaer.
Mike Borzumate—I’d like to thank you for your instrumental help in making substantial changes to Senate operation this year. Your insight and innovation was incredibly valuable.
I’d like to again thank Gil Valdez, our previous GM for offering his guidance and friendship. I learned a tremendous amount from you and was able to grow into this position quickly as a result.
Rick Hartt—you have been a tremendous guide and friend throughout this term and all the years I have known you. I thank you for your dedication to the students and the Union. Zack and I cannot express enough of our gratitude for having you here; thank you, Rick.
Kristen—we made it sweetie! I thank you for putting up with me during tough times this year. I could not have done well without your constant support. I am truly grateful and love you very much.
I’d like to thank President Jackson. Last year we made an agreement to meet each month and to truly create better communication between the President’s office and the students. We succeeded. I enjoyed working with you this year. I hope that our friendship continues well past my time as a student here, as we both work to constantly improve Rensselaer.
Claude Rounds, Bernie Drobnicki, and everyone else involved in Physical Facilities and Public Safety—we accomplished a great deal this year, particularly in creating a relationship between your departments and the students. I thank you for being so aggressive in making that relationship possible and ultimately working so hard to improve student life. I wish students knew more about how much you do to improve their stay here. Thank you.
Last, but certainly not least, I’d like to thank my mother, father, and family for their support this year. You offered advice, love, and support and I am truly grateful. It’s hard to believe the year is over. I’ll need more of that advice when I get out of here!
There are many people I could not mention because of space restrictions. You know who you are—I am thankful to all of you. As I leave here I wish everyone the best as we move forward in our mission to make students’ stays here better. For the last time—good night everyone.
