Student Voice. Student Rights. Student Government.

Todd B. Foy, Jr

SGA President

Class of 2012

This time next week, the Student Government Association (SGA) will have a new Executive Cabinet and Student Senate. I am excited for both the newcomers to the SGA and the proven leadership that I know President Jason Brown will bring. Before I bow out, though, I want to ask you this: what does this mean to me as an MCLA student? I can tell you that it means many things.

I have seen this SGA transform during my time here and even more so this past year. I have never seen such incredible leadership, heated discussion, and substantive work from this student body. We stood our ground and produced a student referendum on the arming of campus police, which had the largest voter turnout in SGA history. We protested and voiced our discontent even after the decision was made, proving that we MCLA students can do big things. And, most recently, we participated in a dialogue around the SGA budget process that led to students responsibly increasing the fees that matter most to them.  Of course, there were many other things along the way, but I think we will remember these the most.

What I am saying is that the SGA belongs to every single student at this institution. I had the honor of representing you all this year, working with some of the most amazing student leaders I have ever known, and truly making the student voice something that matters at MCLA again. The work isn’t done though, by any stretch of the imagination. The student body must stay informed, aware, and vigilant if it wants to continue to make the progress it did this year. You have many challenges ahead of you, but so much to learn as well. Take every opportunity to do so and I can assure you that big things will continue to happen.

I leave you now with a resonating quote that has inspired me through the years and I hope it will guide you all as well. Inspired by a Buddhist proverb, the quote reads, “True progress is made when a man plants a seed knowing that he will never stand under the tree’s shade.” Think on that; remember your role as a student at MCLA, and best of luck to the lot of you.

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