Achievements of past year celebrated at annual Transition Dinner
Kristen Domonell
Issue date: 4/9/09 Section: Politics
Student Body President Steve Townsend called his fellow Marist students the answer to the nation's economic troubles in his inaugural address that brought about 150 student government leaders, club leaders and administration to their feet.
"In these days of political and financial corruption and an unstable economy, it has been said by many that this current time is quite possibly the worst ever to enter the professional world. I could not disagree more," Townsend said. "We are the answer to the trouble, the answer to the problem. We are the light. The world is going to look to us for leadership and guidance, and through our education and experiences here at Marist we will be prepared to take on this great responsibility."
Townsend and Executive Vice President Victoria Billeter were elected in March, beating their opponent Jeremie Hittenmark by 439 votes.
"I want you all to know that your new executive vice president of the student body, Victoria Billeter, is someone who campaigned tirelessly with me from day one and spoke from her heart to everyone she met along the way," Townsend said. "Her care for others is enormous and she is someone who has more fresh ideas than everyone in this room combined."
The address concluded the annual Student Government and Clubs Transition Dinner, Friday, April 3 at Christo's Restaurant in Poughkeepsie. The event was intended to celebrate the achievements of the past year and acknowledge what the future will hold.
Erik Zeyher choked back tears as he thanked his family, administration and clubs in a farewell address that ended his term as 2008-2009 Student Body President. Zeyher told Townsend that his knowledge and patience will be tested, and advised him to continue to listen to his classmates.
"It really is amazing how fast time flies when you're having fun," Zeyher said.
The 2008-2009 club presidents and student government leaders were acknowledged and given certificates for their service to the school. Other student leadership awards were announced by Laurel Eschbach, vice president for club affairs.
Dance Club was named service club of the year for donating over $4,000 to community services. Marist Singers was named club of the year. Eschbach noted the club's "Night on Broadway" event in November as one of the reasons for the award. Night on Broadway raised money for the Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS organization.
"[The Singers] work so hard with the limited resources we have," Eschbach said.
Awards:
Brian MacIsaac Award for Security Officer of the Year - Ann Wade
Faculty Advisor of the Year - Matt Andrews, MCCTA
Service Club of the Year ¬- Dance Club
Frances Reese Community Service Award - Steve Townsend
Champagnat Award for Service to Marist College - Amy Kate Byrne
Class of the Year - Class of 2009
Gerard A. Cox Award for Service to Student Government - Erik Zeyher
Brother Paul Ambrose Lifetime Achievement Award - Billy Burke
The Adrian Award for Excellence in Club Leadership - Lauren Marra, Cheerleading Club
Council of the Year - Production Performance Council
Club of the Year - Singers
"In these days of political and financial corruption and an unstable economy, it has been said by many that this current time is quite possibly the worst ever to enter the professional world. I could not disagree more," Townsend said. "We are the answer to the trouble, the answer to the problem. We are the light. The world is going to look to us for leadership and guidance, and through our education and experiences here at Marist we will be prepared to take on this great responsibility."
Townsend and Executive Vice President Victoria Billeter were elected in March, beating their opponent Jeremie Hittenmark by 439 votes.
"I want you all to know that your new executive vice president of the student body, Victoria Billeter, is someone who campaigned tirelessly with me from day one and spoke from her heart to everyone she met along the way," Townsend said. "Her care for others is enormous and she is someone who has more fresh ideas than everyone in this room combined."
The address concluded the annual Student Government and Clubs Transition Dinner, Friday, April 3 at Christo's Restaurant in Poughkeepsie. The event was intended to celebrate the achievements of the past year and acknowledge what the future will hold.
Erik Zeyher choked back tears as he thanked his family, administration and clubs in a farewell address that ended his term as 2008-2009 Student Body President. Zeyher told Townsend that his knowledge and patience will be tested, and advised him to continue to listen to his classmates.
"It really is amazing how fast time flies when you're having fun," Zeyher said.
The 2008-2009 club presidents and student government leaders were acknowledged and given certificates for their service to the school. Other student leadership awards were announced by Laurel Eschbach, vice president for club affairs.
Dance Club was named service club of the year for donating over $4,000 to community services. Marist Singers was named club of the year. Eschbach noted the club's "Night on Broadway" event in November as one of the reasons for the award. Night on Broadway raised money for the Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS organization.
"[The Singers] work so hard with the limited resources we have," Eschbach said.
Awards:
Brian MacIsaac Award for Security Officer of the Year - Ann Wade
Faculty Advisor of the Year - Matt Andrews, MCCTA
Service Club of the Year ¬- Dance Club
Frances Reese Community Service Award - Steve Townsend
Champagnat Award for Service to Marist College - Amy Kate Byrne
Class of the Year - Class of 2009
Gerard A. Cox Award for Service to Student Government - Erik Zeyher
Brother Paul Ambrose Lifetime Achievement Award - Billy Burke
The Adrian Award for Excellence in Club Leadership - Lauren Marra, Cheerleading Club
Council of the Year - Production Performance Council
Club of the Year - Singers
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