The Washburn Student Government Association arranged a banquet for its members and senate. The event took place at the Topeka Zoo from 6:30-9 p.m. 

The event began with food and drinks being served to the participants. The event included the presentation of awards such as New Senator of the Year, Senator of the Year, Cabinet Member of the Year, Lifetime Service Award, Senator Superstorm of the Month, Perfect Attendance Award, Spirit of Senate Award, Senate Team Player Award and recognition for graduating seniors. 

Clark talked about the purpose of celebrating WSGA’s achievements, introducing the new administration and recognizing members through awards.

“We had the first set of awards that were all voted by the entire WSGA membership [..] and the other awards that Kate [former WSGA president] presented were selected by the current administration for senators,” Clark said. “This year, it’s grown and changed a lot. We had people moving in and out of positions, we had new senators. Overall, I think that the changes were very positive. Our goals [for the new administration] are really just to lead with integrity, do things right next year, try to represent students the best that we can, invite people to join the Senate and to plan some fun events. Overall, just leave campus better than we found it.”

Clark also mentioned that the event allowed WSGA members to come together, reflect on their past work and recognize their achievements before beginning again. 

“As the Vice President [of WSGA], I would say try to recognize those student senators who are spending their Wednesday nights and a lot of their week serving their fellow students,” Clark said. 

Caleb Newfer, newly appointed president of the WSGA, discussed his roles and responsibilities within WSGA.

“I decided to run [as president because] there’s a lot of work to do on the advocacy front and I plan to be stronger on that front,” Newfer said. “We’re building on an idea that WSGA and Student Government can act in a way that is truly in line with student views and can act very strongly and resolute on those views. I’m excited obviously but I’m more excited for the work and everything than the title because that’s ultimately the entire reason we’re here. There’s a lot of people upset with how they’ve been treated by certain student support offices. I believe that needs are to be addressed, first and foremost and I hope to rebuild a lot of the participation engagement in student government that’s maybe been lost in this last year.”

Brennen Ross, sophomore political science major, talked about the importance of recognizing behind the scenes committee work.

“It’s really nice to be recognized for what you do,” Ross said. “A lot of the work that we do, at least within committees, can sometimes go unnoticed because it’s five hours a week at least put into that role. Being able to talk to a fellow senator and get their opinions when they come from a completely different background than you [..] really helps to expand on how to be a better leader and make better solutions, which I think is really important.” Ross also explained his favorite memory was learning about different cultures, especially hearing perspectives from a senator from Nepal. 

“I hope that I can take this in with any future politics that I do, whereas we’re not seeing only party politics so you’re able to work with other people because as of right now, we really need that,” Ross said. 

The banquet marked the conclusion of the academic year’s activities for WSGA while recognizing members’ contributions and introducing the new administration. Weekly WSGA meetings are held every Wednesday at 6:30 p.m. in the Kansas Room and all Washburn students are permitted to attend.

Edited by Bidhya Sapkota and Arohi Rai