On Jan. 21, Student Senate convened for its first official meeting following Christmas Break and addressed a variety of new topics and announced upcoming events that will be held on campus. Before committee directors introduced their information, however, guest speaker Andy Holtgrieve, President of the Alumni Association, spoke to the assembly offering his and the entire alumni association’s newly established commitment to, “connecting with and creating opportunities for students.” Among his suggestions were to provide a mentor and career sponsoring program that students could take advantage of, stating that 60 percent of Aquinas College’s alumni currently reside in west Michigan and have potential to assist students in career planning. Holtgrieve himself was on Student Senate all four years while at Aquinas and was impressed that this student organization has “definitely grown and changed in positive ways.”

For all clubs who are beginning the semester unclear about their financial status, Budget Committee Director Steve Kokx made the clarification that all allocated money is given to clubs at the beginning of the year, and any extra money that a club is seeking must be requested. In addition, clubs should note that if their senators miss two meetings, a 10 percent deduction would be made to their club’s allocated money. Those senators who are unable to make a meeting for whatever reason are asked to inform Secretary Kasey Baker.

Student Affairs Director Michael Licari also announced that on Jan. 29 from 5-7 p.m., Wege will be hosting the St. Thomas Aquinas Birthday Dinner, which is open to all students. In particular, this event is an opportunity for AQ clubs to sponsor a Dominican sister from Marywood, swipe her in for dinner and enjoy a meal together. CAVA is also helping promote this event by hosting a toy drive that is seeking gifts for children three-years-old or younger, which can be dropped off inside Wege.

In addition, Vice-Chairmen Brad Bosserman informed the Senate that new grants have been added to the Student Senate Research Program funds, which provides financial assistance to students wishing to take part in research projects over the summer. Those students interested in receiving funds for research should speak with their professors.

Lastly, Special Events Director Rob Karel announced that Professor John Hogan from the Accounting Department was awarded as faculty member of the month, Jim Williams staff member of the month, and Chemistry Club as club of the month.

The next Student Senate meeting will be held on Wed., Feb. 4 at 3 p.m. in the Wege Ballroom. All students, faculty, and staff are welcome and encouraged to attend and share any thoughts, ideas or concerns.