AASU Announces New Executive Team Club Emphasizes Diversity on Campus
Precious Kamudzandu
T
he officers of the 2020-21 African American Student Union at Central Methodist University were announced in the fall, with senior Precious Kamudzandu once again leading the organization. A nursing major from Kansas City, Kamudzandu also participates in CMU’s College Democrats. “My favorite thing about AASU is all the
new faces we get to meet,” she said. “I also enjoy meeting all the new, diverse personalities that AASU brings.” Joining Kamudzandu on the executive team will be La’Kiah Wilson as vice president. Also a member of the class of 2021 and native of Kansas City, Wilson is majoring in criminal justice and political science. Aside from AASU, her campus involvement includes Civic Engagement, College Democrats, Mock Trial, Student Government Association (student life chair), and Metaphysical Club (secretary). “One thing I love about being a leader of AASU is that it allows me to spread knowledge and understanding to my fellow peers,” said Wilson. Chely Stratton, a junior biology (pre-med) major from Kansas City, will be this year’s secretary. Stratton is also involved with the chapel bands, Alpha Epsilon Delta, Beta Beta Beta, and College Democrats.
Amy Blair
Shannon Peters
Peters, Blair Begin Term as Student Government President, VP Officers Hope to Provide ‘Normalcy’
C
entral Methodist University’s newest Student Government Association officers have an unprecedented task ahead of them in promoting student involvement while navigating a pandemic. But Shannon Peters and Amy Blair are up to the task. Peters and Blair were selected as SGA president and vice president, respectively, in the spring and are now hard at work preparing safe and engaging activities for their fellow students. Peters, a senior biology major from Waverly, Mo., called her position as president “a huge
responsibility but a very big honor.” “It’s my best opportunity to really have a voice and make a difference here on campus,” she said. “It would be great to look back and see that I accomplished something or that I offered something to the school that future students can appreciate years down the road.” Blair, a junior majoring in biology and hailing from Maywood, Mo., also is excited to begin her stint as vice president, as she believes student government is a perfect segue into her goal of bringing empathy and compassion into
“My favorite thing about being a leader with AASU is the many opportunities that I have to learn from people with diverse backgrounds, as well as helping create a safe space to voice opinions and foster a welcoming community within this campus,” said Stratton. This year’s treasurer for AASU is Marina Florido, another senior from Kansas City. In addition to her AASU role and majoring in political science and comparative religion and philosophy, Florido serves as the Metaphysical Club president, Mock Trial team captain, and College Democrats communications director and legislative agenda executive. “The most rewarding part of being a leader with AASU is the emphasis placed on diversity,” Florido said. “Diversity enriches communities by producing a plurality of opinions based on differing perspectives. Thus, AASU highlights that diversity is a vital component of a strong campus community.” Rounding out the executive team as this year’s public relations representative is Marchya Jackson. Jackson is a senior from Salisbury, Mo. She is majoring in sociology.
real-world politics. “I have always had a heart for community service and also the political side of things,” she said, adding, “I have always loved Fayette and treasure the experiences I have had here so far, and being a part of bringing that to a new group of students is amazing.” Both officers are active on campus aside from their roles within SGA. Peters is in her fourth year as a varsity volleyball player and has been a member of Theta Chi Epsilon, Alpha Epsilon Delta, Beta Beta Beta, Champions of Character, and the Heart Athlete Student Association. Blair serves as a residential assistant in Holt Hall and is a member of Zeta Psi Lambda. As for their goals within SGA this year, both agree that providing “a sense of normalcy” is one of the most important things they can do for their fellow students. “We’re going to try to make this school year as normal as we can and make it a good experience for people,” said Peters. “I know we’re encouraging people to stay [socially] distant, but at the same time we want to encourage people to be active on campus while also being safe. It’s a hard balance to find, but I’m hoping we can figure out some ways to do that throughout both semesters.”
Fall 2020 | The Talon 27
