A SPIRIT OF SERVICE

AMU Student Government Association

The AMU Student Government Association (SGA) has been working hard during the 2022-2023 academic year to enhance campus life and support the needs of the student body. In the spirit of service, SGA strives to improve the Ave experience through numerous projects and conversations with students. The council is comprised of four executive board members, as well as nine class representatives, all bringing their individual talents to serve the University.

This year, SGA is led by President Thomas Walter ('23), Vice President Christopher Hermann ('25), Treasurer Adam Paga ('24), and Secretary Caterina Morales ('24).

SGA serves the student body in two key ways. First, council members serve as advocates for student feedback. In speaking with students, council members gain insight into what students love about campus life and explore possible improvements and suggestions, communicating with University administration to execute these ideas.

This past semester — upon hearing the overwhelmingly positive feedback from students about landscaping around campus — SGA and Campus Beautification teamed up to plant flowers near the Student Union building, cleaning up the underbrush along the canal walkway. Students are not only welcome to share their concerns but are also wellinformed about University plans for the future to improve their college experience.

by an SGA member and dry-erase markers to replenish their ever-dwindling supply. The council has completed several other projects similar to these this academic year.

SGA never experiences a shortage of new ideas. One of the newest requests has been to transform the basketball courts just north of the student union into pickleball courts. With the welcomed addition of Judi’s Gym near the dorms, SGA is now able to transform these courts into a new form of recreation for the University community. After speaking with the administration, pickleball equipment was ordered and materials should arrive in the coming weeks.

The second role of SGA is the execution of projects aimed at enhancing student life on campus. Throughout the year, council members have submitted their campus projects in the form of “bills” which are voted on and put into action after obtaining a simple majority. These projects focus on meeting the needs of students and utilizing student feedback. One of the Student Government’s most successful projects has been the addition of “Adirondack” chairs and tables throughout campus to improve outdoor seating options for students looking to enjoy Southwest Florida’s beautiful weather. These durable chairs, built by SGA members, have been placed under the trees outside the academic building and library, as well as in the student park near the dorms and under the pavilion alongside the canal. This project, spearheaded by Senior Representative Erik Minter, has been a roaring success. When asked about the project, Minter said, “It created ‘hangout spots’ that hadn’t been available before. Right when we put them out, people were thrilled and requested more!”

The council has also completed a faculty appreciation project proposed by Sophomore Representative Bridget Bogan. Each AMU professor was given a hand-written note

Another project in the works is the construction of a gaga ball pit: an octagonal ring where a game similar to dodgeball, called “Gaga,” is played. A bill for the gaga ball pit has passed the council and has been approved by the administration. These two projects — drawing inspiration from the addition of Judi’s Gym in December — add more opportunities for students to stay active on campus and strengthen friendships through recreational athletics.

The AMU Student Government Association constantly strives to improve the already vibrant student experience by serving the University through student-focused projects and ongoing communication with faculty and staff. A spirit of service is at the heart of SGA, and each member holds a unique perspective in supporting the University’s mission. The council is always looking for suggestions on how to improve campus life and would love to hear from you!

Please contact avemariastudentgovernment@gmail.com for any questions you may have.