JORDAN PATTERSON
Staff Writer
On the second day of the SUNY Student Assembly Spring ‘16 Conference, the elections commenced and one of Fredonia’s very own became the vice president.
Junior political science and history dual major Bridget Doyle will be the new SUNY Student Assembly (SA) VP.
“I am ecstatic to have been elected to this position. It truly is an incredible honor,” said Doyle.
The two-day conference was held in Saratoga Springs, New York.
“On the first day, we engage in meeting with schools and discussing issues facing their campuses,” said Doyle. “We then attend what is called a caucus endorsement, where each group of schools … have the opportunity to ask us questions and as a caucus, endorse their chosen candidates.”
Doyle, who serves in the Student Association at Fredonia, had been trying to become more involved for awhile. She had considered taking on a much bigger role within the organization and saw the potential impact SUNY SA could have.
Doyle’s duties will include overseeing the committees as well as planning the monthly Executive Committee meetings. She will also have to plan the semiannual fall and spring conferences that are held in locations across the state. On top of all that, she will be aiding the President and the Executive Committee in all projects that are ongoing.
This will be Doyle’s first time being a SUNY SA executive, but she has experience being involved with similar programs. Doyle is currently Chair of Campus Safety, Chair of Community Relations and a member of Rules Committee for Fredonia’s Student Association.
“I, personally, could not be more excited for Bridget and her leadership,” said junior history and adolescence social studies education major Jefferson Dedrick, a current intern for SUNY SA.
“She is a passionate, kind individual who is committed to serving her fellow students, and she has displayed a desire and drive to get the job done and to do it well,” Dedrick added.
As for Doyle’s goals, she hopes to push for more student involvement on campus. One idea she has is to start a large “It’s On Us” campaign to address sexual violence on campuses.
“Since I will be overseeing our committees, I’d like to make sure that we engage a lot of involved students on campuses in the activities and conversations in those committees,” said Doyle.
Doyle looks forward to working alongside Fredonia students senior English and international studies dual major Zachary Beaudoin and junior social studies adolescent education and history dual major Jefferson Dedrick who were also elected at University College Representatives. Among others, Doyle will also be working with the next SUNY SA Executive Board, which includes Marc Cohen from University at Albany as president, Pat Gareau, also from Albany, as treasurer and Morgan Wood from Broome Community College/Binghamton University as secretary.
“I’m looking forward to a year of great progress and outreach with SUNY SA. I am honored to have been elected by my peers within the SUNY community,” said Doyle. “Together, we can work to raise the voices of students and advocate for our higher education.”