My name is Mike Borzumate, and it is my honor and privilege to serve as your 137th Grand Marshal. As is the tradition, my first column will applaud the people who made this possible, and outline briefly for you our goals for this year.
I first want to thank the incredible members of the Apollo Party. Without your dedication and persistence this victory would not have been possible. Through countless nights of endless campaigning you gave me the strength to persevere, no matter the obstacles.
Thanks go to our retiring Grand Marshal Chris Mather, and President of the Union Zachary Ament, for providing an atmosphere in the Senate and Executive Board where I would have the opportunity to develop the leadership skills and vision necessary for this job.
I also want to thank the people working behind the scenes, namely my friends, family, professors, and God, for offering unceasing support and inspiration. I could not have done any of this without you.
This year will provide the Senate with unprecedented opportunities to shape and influence change on this campus. We will work continuously and diligently to ensure that the progress we witness always offers clear and compelling benefits to the student body.
Over the next few weeks, the Senate will engage in a “feedback blitz.” We will be visiting dining halls, residence halls, greek chapters, and the Union to collect suggestions for improvement to the student experience at RPI. This feedback will be used to plan the projects the Senate will tackle over the summer and fall and give direction and priority to our initiatives this year. Also, as promised during the campaign, everyone who contributes a suggestion will receive a return contact from a member of the Senate or myself to outline the results of that feedback.
As you may imagine, I will spend much of the next few weeks meeting with administrators, faculty, staff, and community leaders in order to develop the personal relationships necessary to have your voice heard. Be assured that improving student life and the RPI experience will be at the forefront of those discussions.
To those who showed their confidence in me by casting a vote in my favor, I thank you. You will be delighted and energized by the progress we make this year. To those who did not, I look forward to earning your respect and support.
As always, you can reach me at gm@rpi.edu, or the Senate at senate-listens@rpi.edu.
