SGA Takes Positive Strides into 2023

Source: Tima Miroshnichenko, Pexels

With a new year ahead, SGA is taking steps towards creating a more inclusive and helpful outlook for students at Marist College. 

Christian Avancena ‘26, was recently appointed Commuter Representative. Avancena has bright hopes and ambitions to strengthen bonds between commuter and residential students, bridging gaps and forming connections. As a commuter himself, he spoke on providing insight into the experience of not living on campus and how it can be improved for everyone in that position. 

Avancena looks to host commuter events, similar to Resident Assistant-hosted events, by working closely with the Associate Director for First Year Programs, Colin Mccann.

An issue SGA looks to address more in the Marist community is food insecurity. This concern has been acknowledged by the Vice President of Student Life, Keon Lee, who addressed the formation of a committee to rid of the challenges and the stigma that surrounds food insecurity. In an email from the Vice President of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, students and staff were all informed about this new committee and why it is being created. 

“Food Insecurity negatively impacts students' mental health as well as their social and academic life. Students affected by this challenge also often face a lack of access to hygiene products and live with the associated stigma.”

Director of Safety and Security, John Blaisdell, emphasized the importance of the roles of staff at Marist to ensure that food insecurity does not continue to be a burden befalling students.

Robin Torres, the SGA Advisor and the Assistant Dean of Student Engagement and Leadership, says “there’s no shame in being hungry, the shame is being left hungry.” 

Between new underclassmen leaders paving their way, a fresh look at commuter student involvement, and a deeper awareness of food insecurity, SGA is surely moving in the right direction for the betterment of the student body.