F
r i d a y
, F
e b r u a r y
6, 2015
SGA president Rebecca DiVico delivers fourth annual State of the Campus address
photo by delaney gembis for the westfield voice
SGA president Rebecca DiVico delivers the fourth annual State of the Campus address while student trustee Joshua Frank (left) and vice preisdent of student life Joshua Clark (right) look on. A full transcipt of the address can be found on pages ten and eleven.
Andrew Burke Editor-in-Chief
The fourth annual State of the Campus Address was held on Tuesday, Feb. 3 at Dever Stage in Parenzo Hall. Student Government Association president Rebecca DiVico gave a speech that encompasses the goings-on of Westfield State University over the past 365 days and plans for the future on and around campus. The SGA Executive Council was seated on stage in front a crowd of 60 that included interim president Elizabeth Preston, students, parents, and Westfield residents. Lou Cimaglia, former Student Government president, first delivered the address in 2012 from Dever Stage, and each succeeding president since has continued the tradition. The entire address lasted twenty-five minutes and highlighted actions taken by the student body and administrators that benefitted and enhanced the campus environment. The address was filled with student submissions and testimonials along with observations made by DiVico and other Executive Council members. Joshua Clark, vice president of student life, gave an introductory
speech before DiVico took to the podium. Clark introduced the Executive Council seated behind him, and he gave a brief summary of their roles on campus and within the Student Government Association. DiVico made it a point to praise the student body early and often. She began the speech by broadly stating the fact that students “are not just attending class Monday through Friday. We [students] are winning awards, working on extensive research projects, competing on sports teams, creating pieces of art, advocating for public higher education, and so much more.” She made it a point to praise faculty members, as well, but specifically Dr. Elizabeth Preston. Dr. Preston was thrust into a unique and difficult position after the retirement of Dr. Evan S. Dobelle; however, her experience and familiarity with the campus is unrivaled. “Westfield State has been blessed to have Dr. Elizabeth Preston as our Interim President for the past year. Dr. Preston has been working at the university for over 20 years in various positions,” DiVico said. “Dr. Preston has given the school a breath of fresh air with her innovative ideas and her positive attitude. Her trans-
parent approach is appreciated with her university wide e-mails with information pertaining to all areas of the campus and she has even worked with the All University Committee to participate in Town Hall style meetings during the semester where she takes questions from the campus community. We have been very lucky to have her in this position,” DiVico stated. DiVico made a point to acknowledge future projects and endeavors, which gave the audience an idea of where we are headed before reviewing where we have been. The partnership with Springfield Technical Community College and Holyoke Community College through the MassTransfer Agreement will allow students to complete their associate’s degree at STCC or HCC and, starting in the fall of 2015, transfer directly to Westfield State at a price that does not exceed $30,000, DiVico said. The plot of land adjacent to the commuter parking lot will house a new academic building focused on sciences and STEM programs. It is the newest addition to the campus since University Hall and is the newest academic building in 40 years. STEM is an acronym referring to
the academic studies of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. The addition of a new building that accommodates the need for these programs will only help to better the university and develop well-rounded students. DiVico made it a point to acknowledge Cynthia Siegler and the
see BURKE on page four
in this week’s issue campus news & life
State of the Campus Address Student Government
opinions & editorials ‘Liberal View’ Editorial ‘American Idiot’
arts & entertainment Big Hero Six
owls athletics
Women’s Basketball Patriots’ Super Bowl Win Rebmann’s column Atlanta Hawks
westfieldvoice.com @westfieldvoice
The objective student press of Westfield State University volume
vi
,
issue
xvi
free of charge, available everywhere on campus