April 2, 2003

Mr. Speaker, senators and guests, thank you for inviting me here this evening to speak about the state of the student body. Today we face a world of war and a nation that is still in economic turmoil. Yet, the students of Iowa State are still standing strong and understand the need for a world of educated individuals. We must be there to support those who are in service to our country, but also ensure that we are listening closely to all of those around us.

As the closing of this third final session nears, we must not forget the accomplishments that we have had over the last semester. The GSB executive cabinet has been working hard to ensure that we are improving the ISU campus and representing the Iowa State students. I am very proud of the accomplishment of this extraordinary group of leaders.

Treasurer Erin Roy is coordinating an investigation of the Campus Organizations Accounting office and is looking at ways to improve the services offered to student groups. Director Mitchell has served on the University Calendar Committee to ensure that the student voice is heard on the terms of future calendars. She has succeeded in ensuring the summer break remains a time for students to have valuable job or internship possibilities.

President-elect Banasiak, in his former role as Director of Governmental Relations, lobbied the state legislature, a task still in progress, to ensure that the members of the legislature are aware of a student’s perspective of the budgeting process. Director Banasiak also worked to accomplish one of the most effective projects GSB has ever worked on. With his guidance and that of Mayor Ted Tedesco, the students of Iowa State now have a voice on the Ames City Council. This voice will allow for greater communication between students and other citizens of the Ames community. It has also built an invaluable relationship with the city council. By working to cultivate these new relationships, Director Banasiak has increased the visibility of ISU students and ensured that their concerns and ideas are being heard.

Director Hoefer, although new to her position, worked diligently to ensure that the students of all three regent universities communicated our message to the state house. Our IT staff has done a marvelous job of maintaining and updating the GSB Web site and office server. Both are very knowledgeable in their positions and have done amazing work.

A project initiated and led by Director Hamilton comes before you tonight. With the rising concerns over the safety of 15-passenger vans, Director Hamilton engaged in discussions with Transportation Services to find a solution that increased student safety, met the need of larger student groups and offered the flexibility for a multitude of uses. This can be accomplished by replacing some of the older 15 passenger vans with new suburbans. Director Stallman has engaged us in the Veishea celebration through our involvement in the parade, and has worked to coordinate activities for GSB to participate in throughout the summer.

Last week Director Walling brought members of the University together to discuss the Student Health Insurance issue. This was a very information discussion, and I know that Director Walling wants to ensure that students are being treated fairly by the Health Insurance companies and that they receive the best rates. Walling also participated in the student spirit squad, which helped to name the new seating area that was created by the last administration.

The newest position on our cabinet, though, is one that I very proud of. Director Hardy, Deputy Director Moser and Deputy Director Eaga have done more with their positions than I could have ever imagined. They have focused my administration on the diverse needs of students here at ISU and have worked to implement new proms that will only help to increase our awareness of diversity on campus and allow us to see how important every member of the ISU community is. The forums on diversity were started this semester and have been extremely successful.

These were all very challenging tasks that were meet with enthusiasm and determination from every member of cabinet. Their contributions will not be forgotten and will continue to benefit this campus far into the future. I must also thank Chief Of Staff Cordaro for the unrelenting work he has done to organize all of the projects undertaken by cabinet this year and his dedication to the student body.

As we reflect on the accomplishments of the last semester, we must also recognize that there is always more that can be done. We must work to guarantee that student needs are being meet on and off campus; we must listen to every voice and develop plans that will lead us in the right direction as we move into the future.

Students have the right to be involved within the campus community and to be part of the activities that take place at ISU. However, throughout this past year it has come to my attention that not all students have the opportunity to be involved at the levels they may desire. These students not only face the challenge of rigorous academic work, but also the challenge of living life with differing ability levels. These students deserve the same options as all other students on the ISU campus. That is why tonight I announce to you the creation of the Student Accommodation Fund.

The Student Accommodation Fund is a project that was started by Former Deputy Director Rubin and carried on by Deputy Director Moser and I myself throughout the last year. Students and organizations will be able to request funds to ensure that if a student needs a reasonable accommodation to participate in a group the money will be there. A reserve of $10,000 in student fees money was used to create this account and $0.05 per student per semester will be added to this account to ensure its continuation. These are not new student fee dollars, but a new way to use existing money from within the system. The administration of the fund will be shared jointly with GSB, Student Activities, and Disability Resources.

We are one of the first, if not the first, university student governments to create such a program. This creation of the Director of Student Diversity and the Deputy Directors was the driving force behind this initiative and shows the commitment we must have to listen to the campus community. This fund is a step in the right direction, but we must continue to develop these types of programs that will affect the student population in a positive manner.

We must all realize the power that we have to affect this university and the students who attend here. However, it takes dedicated involvement from everyone to ensure success. GSB must be more involved in the campus on all levels. Remember that it very easy to simply vote on an issue, project or idea after all the details have been completed, but it is much more challenging and part of responsibility to take on new projects and be involved in them throughout every step of the process.

Iowa State University is headed down an exciting path for the future, and we must be part of that vision. GSB needs to work harder to be engaged in the community and create solutions to problems that students face on a day-to-day basis. Once one project is finished, a new one must be started.

Looking into the future, there is a threat of continued cuts in the appropriations from the state, a declining enrollment and unease about the quality of education that we are receiving. These are only a few of the concerns needed to be addressed in the coming year. I challenge all of you, whether you will be a student, alumni, staff or administrator, to come together and work cooperatively to find solutions to these worries. Only by working with each other will we achieve the outcomes that we desire.

I thank every student on this campus for making the last year successful. I especially want to extend my hand of gratitude to ISU student leaders. Without their motivation and desire, many of the activities that we enjoy as students would not be possible. You have made my experience at ISU unforgettable, and for that, I am forever thankful.

Go enjoy the rest of the semester and don’t forget to participate in the Veishea activities that are beginning at the end of this week. To all of you, the best of luck in all of your future endeavors. Don’t forget the lessons that you have learned here and remember we will always be Cyclones.

Thank you.