Over the past four years, I have seen three very different Grand Marshal Weeks. In Spring 2005, everyone knew that GM Week was on the approach, posters galore and banners until the end, with candidates making the event known. 2006 saw a lesser yet still prevalent awareness with the runners and their party members spending the majority of their time between Russell Sage Dining Hall and the Center for Industrial Innovation. Last year, however, was quite possibly the saddest year ever. As I sat at the polls handing out mugs, people continually asked “What am I voting for?” and “Is it really GM Week?”
I would not lay the blame on the GM Week Committee for this unawareness. While it is the job of the committee to create publicity for the events along with planning the week, it is the candidates’ responsibility to let the campus hear. They are what truly make GM Week a party. The GM should be wearing the top hat around campus reminding the students the GM exists. Along with that, the candidates should put forth that extra effort to get the votes of their peers. Show yourself, not your pictures; get your platform out to the masses. We have gone from candidates dressing up every day for two to three weeks, to wearing their regular clothes and not standing out as the one who can represent the students to the administration and the community.
Where are all those students that are so concerned who will be representing them in the Senate serving as their president? Why are they not making and joining parties and getting active in what affects them here? How is it that the activity and knowledge of students has depleted so much over the years that some do not know what the GM and President of the Union are?
GM Week is our week to come together as a school and elect our representatives for the year to come. It began as recognition of a student who was respected and admired by his peers, Albert M. Harper. Since then the election of the Grand Marshal and President of the Union has transformed from a one-night event to a week filled with events and campaigning.
This year that Wednesday you magically get off from classes has been packed full of events for you to participate in. Today there is the Provost’s barbeque followed by the GM and PU debates—I would encourage everyone to attend and to get to know those who want to represent you for the next year. Throughout the day there are many other activities to attend, many of which are being put on by clubs. Thursday brings the day everyone waits for: the day you get the mug. With the lack of a GM or PU primary this year it was not necessary to vote on Monday in order to receive a mug. This year something rather significant has change in that the announcements have been moved from the finale to a dance on Saturday.
Candidates, let yourselves be known and let the student body know that it is GM Week. Students, realize what this truly is: the tradition and the fun that makes it all worth it.
