Student Body President Nicole Gans '12, left, and Vice President Jackie Zupancic '12 did community service with the Unity Gardens in South Bend this summer during the kickoff retreat for the Student Government Association.
Student Body President Nicole Gans '12,
left, and Vice President Jackie Zupancic '12
did community service with the Unity
Gardens in South Bend this summer
during the kickoff retreat for the
Student Government Association.

Student Body President Nicole Gans ’12 and Vice President Jacqualyn “Jackie” Zupancic ’12 are ready to jump into the new academic year. Along with the other women on the Student Government Association (SGA) board, they have many goals to fulfill for the year. A big one is giving familiar activities on campus a new twist. One of these revamped events was Activities Night, which was held on August 31. It’s the first year that the event was held outside and included a DJ.

This week SGA is seeking donations for the American Red Cross for Hurricane Irene relief. Students making donations will have their names placed on clouds in the dining hall, allowing the community to show appreciation and encourage others to do the same.

It’s no surprise the year is starting so dynamically. When it comes to leaders on campus, Nicole and Jackie are two women that students know they can turn to for help. They have name recognition as helpers, having both been involved with student government since their first year and continuing through election to their current posts in April.

Nicole and Jackie are familiar with the procedures of SGA and understand that getting the year off to a great start was a key goal. That’s why before school started, the SGA board held its kickoff retreat, an opportunity for the board to come together and prepare for the new academic year through guest speakers, a ropes course, and community service.

Looking ahead, Nicole makes it clear that she would love to see larger student participation in events and better feedback from students because, as she says, “We are representing the student body and we want them to know we are always looking out for their best interests.” Social media outlets such as Facebook and Twitter are just two ways students can send questions or concerns to SGA.

Nicole and Jackie in a campaign photo.
Nicole and Jackie in a campaign photo.

Saint Mary’s students, faculty, staff, and the surrounding community will have many new events to look forward to as well as revamped traditional events. Jackie says, “We want to leave our mark because knowing the change you can make really makes a difference.”

—Anabel Castañeda ’12