Welcome back everyone, I hope you had a great summer and have enjoyed your first few days of classes. I have been privileged to meet the incoming Class of 2007 this past week and am impressed with the amount of enthusiasm and interest they have expressed. With a strong feeling of excitement on campus already, I hope that energy continues throughout the year.
As President of the Union, I am the chairman of the Executive Board, which is the body of student government that oversees the operations of clubs, organizations, activities, and varsity athletics, as well as the physical facility and operations of the Union. The E-Board manages a yearly budget of approximately $8.5 million. The money used to fund these clubs and organizations is financed through the activity fee that all students pay. There are still positions available on this year’s E-Board and I encourage interested students to apply.
Most of you have become familiar with many parts of the Union – a place that you will soon find to be your home away from the dorms. Last week’s “Night in the Union” had a great turnout of students, who experienced the Union full of activities including a caricature drawings, fortune teller, and make your own music videos. The three-on-three basketball tournament had a great deal of participation amongst the freshman class, bringing competition from 18 teams and an excited crowd.
The weekend was a friendly welcome to the Class of 2007, which began with the Welcome Fest held downtown. I was then privileged to share convocation with you and mark the beginning of your Rensselaer career.
I would like to invite all students to attend the annual Activities Fair that will be held from 6 to 9 pm in the Houston Field House this Thursday. This event is the best way to become familiar with the clubs and organizations that we support, and the perfect opportunity to find what interests you and be able to sign up. While academics is the primary focus of your time here, it is very important to find a balance, and be involved outside of the classroom.
The E-board will be meeting on Wednesday nights this semester, and is open to all students who are interested in attending. You may always contact me at pu@rpi.edu, or stop by the GM/PU office in the Student Government Suite. Good luck with everything, and I look forward to a great year ahead.
