Why are we at Stevens?

Why are we even at College?

Ralph Waldo Emerson once said "The things taught in schools and colleges are not an education, but the means to an education."  This reinforces why each and every one of us is here: to leave better prepared for the rest of our lives; to leave as confident individuals; to leave with the ability to learn, which will continue with us throughout our lives.  College is here to equip us for our futures.  You have been granted a tremendous opportunity at Stevens to create a college environment you love, to participate in activities you will continue for the rest of your lives, and to make friendships that will last forever.   You can learn just as much outside of the classroom as you can inside of one. However, this requires an investment in the campus community, where you can test and hone many skills that will carry into your future and have the time of your life.

Welcome Freshman, the classes of 2012 and 2013.  Everyone has told you that college will be the best years of your lives, and you know what … they were damn right.  American Fiction writer Louis L'Amour campaigned that "To make democracy work, we must be a nation of participants, not simply observers. One who does not  vote has no right to complain.”  This applies to our current Presidential election as well as to Stevens.  If you want to make a difference, step to the front and have your voice heard.

Three short years ago I was sitting right where you are as an anxious freshman, unsure what was in store for me.  I remember Ryan Lynch, the then Student Government Association President, telling us to get involved and get excited.  After my freshman year, I realized that I wanted to be more than just a student-athlete. I recognized that the SGA could be my opportunity to make an impact on campus.  I soon found that my passion and excitement for volleyball easily transferred to the student activism in the SGA.  During my three years at Stevens, I helped transform the SGA from an organization focused on budgetary concerns and internal affairs into the student voice of Stevens, reaching out to the administration, faculty, alumni, and the City of Hoboken to make a difference for all of us. As a Senator and currently as President, I sincerely believe I have made a difference, and I love that. I am proud of my accomplishments, enjoyed the challenges and have had a lot of fun doing it.  Student life at Stevens is strong, alive and exciting, and there is something out there for you to get involved in no matter what your interests are:

Are video games your thing? (C2GS) Computer to Console Gaming Society hosts all night LAN parties in Babbio. 

Looking for fun events on campus? The Entertainment Committee helps put on campus-wide events including comedians and bands, not to mention our Fall and Spring Festivals, TechFest and Boken.

Want to connect with people in your field? With almost 20 professional organizations, from the Biztech club to the American Society of Mechanical Engineers to the National Society of Black Engineers, there are people with similar professional goals to help you succeed.

Want to make your voice heard? The 104-year old newspaper, the Stute, and our very own radio station and TV station, WCPR and SITTV, are here for your entertainment and professional experience and they welcome all interested students.

Eager to give back to Stevens and the City of Hoboken?  Alpha Phi Omega is a Service Fraternity and one of the largest student organizations on campus. They reach out to the Stevens and Hoboken communities through voluntary efforts.

Want to celebrate your ethnicity?  Maybe even learn more about others?  The Ethnic Student Council is comprised of ten organizations representing different ethnicities.  ESC hosts a variety of events ending each year with a top-rate performance called Unity,  displaying ethnic culture through dancing and showmanship

I could keep going on and on and on about Student Organizations, but you get the point. Go out to the Activities Fair, visit a few tables, get some free snacks, and most importantly GET INVOLVED.  I promise each one of you will find a club or activity that catches your interest.  If not, we can help you start a new club on campus that you and your friends are interested in.

Half of college is the strenuous education you will receive at Stevens.  The second half is on you; go out, enjoy, and be passionate about the student activities that you want to do.  Again welcome Freshman.  You came here because of the academic prowess for which Stevens is renowned; but you have the privilege of being part of a vibrant campus community that is fun, exciting and innovative - a vibrant campus community that is Stevens. Three years ago, I was a scrawny little freshman, sitting right where you are now, with little more than high school sports to consider as an extracurricular activity.  As you can see now I'm still scrawny, but I was committed to finding something to be passionate about – My passion has led me to the SGA presidency and allowed me serve the interests of the student body at Stevens Institute of Technology. Each and every one of you has the opportunity to enhance your college experience, to continue your personal development; to change and mold this campus; to make Stevens Institute of Technology a better place; and most importantly, to enjoy you journey at college Your own future and the future of Stevens are in your hands.

I look forward to seeing you all at the activities fair in a few minutes.  Feel free to introduce yourself to me and the rest of the SGA Cabinet as well as the Senate. Welcome to the Stevens community and we look forward to getting to know you.