As the term is only two weeks away from its end, I am going to take this “Top Hat” to thank everyone who has been there for me and supported my goals throughout my term.
First, thanks to the entire 39th Student Senate; I would not have been able to do anything without you all, very literally. While some of you have quite a knack for annoying me, you all worked incredibly hard and the results show this. I am thrilled for what is to come for student government. As you all master your communication and leadership skills, you will be powerful and able to complete anything you wish to accomplish.
Thanks specifically to all those in the Senate who have been here for too long and do not plan on leaving any time soon­—you know who you are. Your knowledge is priceless and your usefulness and insight were much appreciated.
Thanks to my vice chair Michael Zwack ’11 and parliamentarian Andrew Neidhardt ’11. You both came to me as soon as I became Grand Marshal and asked what you could do for me, for the Senate. Your commitment and dedication to your positions were exemplary. This school is lucky to have you for years to come.
Thanks to the committee chairs who do the real work of the Senate. Without you all, we’d have nothing to show for our year of work. The Web Technologies Group is sort of quirky, to say the least, but your work has been incredible and understated. Concerto is a work of art and will have a lasting impact on campus. Academic Affairs Committee, Community Relations Committee and Student Life Committee: your programs added a new dimension to student life on and off campus. As you build on this in the future, I am excited to see what happens.
Thanks to the Student Sustainability Task Force. No group has been able to produce such quality work in such little time. Your goals and vision will carry you forward. Never stop working towards something you believe in, and know I am proud of the work you have done.
Thanks to graduate student Dan Horvath ’08 for convincing me that being GM was worthwhile and possible. Thanks to Carlos Perea ’07 for introducing me to student government and showing how anyone who cares can make a difference.
Thanks to my friends for putting up with my lack of time and ability to hang out on any sort of regular basis. While I have had to give up most of my social life to take on this position, you all have done your best to try to get me to take breaks and act like a college student, even if I will graduate without drinking coffee or beer.
Thanks to Chief of Staff and Vice President for Policy Planning Laban Coblentz, Vice President for Student Life Eddie Ade Knowles, Secretary of the Institute and General Council Chuck Carletta, and Vice President for Information Services and Technology and Chief Information Officer John Kolb ’79. You all were not only helpful in keeping me on track to actually graduate, but worked hard to help me get my voice heard.
Thanks to the Union Administration Office; you all make the Rensselaer Union work. Martha McElligott, Maureen Brower, Jean Purtell, Cameron McLean, Melissa Termine-Goetz, Erika Rau-Lawson, you all are amazing (sorry if I missed anyone). Rick Hartt ’70, this school will never find anyone who can compare to you; you attend nearly every student event ever and you know more history than I can possibly imagine. Your role as my advisor, mentor, and sort-of surrogate parent away from home made this experience easier and far more enjoyable. You know exactly what to say and when to say it; any student who you’ve mentored can attest to your uncanny ability to make people feel better and more confident.
To all those I forgot to mention, sorry. I can get a bit overwhelmed; I’ll thank you in a week when I remember.
Thanks to you all for reading, supporting, and believing in me. This experience has been life-changing, insane, and wonderful. Thanks.
