Lamar SGA president here to work for students

[Guest abovetherim]

9/24/2007 

Obinna “Obi†Arisukwu of Houston is taking the reins as president as the Lamar University Student Government Association kicks off the 2007-08 school year. Arisukwu has a passion for enhancing student life and has set many goals in that direction for the upcoming school year.

A senior graphic design major with a minor in business, Arisukwu chose to attend Lamar University for several reasons, including its size. “Lamar feels like a family to me,†Arisukwu said.

He believes having a lower teacher-to-student ratio and, therefore, knowing his professors on a personal level, benefits his education.  “Instead of being in a classroom with 300 other students,†said Arisukwu, “teachers at Lamar know (students) by name.â€

His older brother, Ikem Arisukwu, graduated from Lamar in 2004 with a degree in business management and recommended the university.  The brothers discussed Lamar’s wide variety of student organizations and how new students are welcome to join.

Arisukwu enjoys working as a team with SGA officers vice president Tony Sarda of Miami, Fla., and secretary/treasurer Vera Akinkuotu of Houston.  “Sometimes you can’t tell who the president is,†Arisukwu joked.  In all seriousness, he knows the importance of his role as president as he works in the student government office in the Setzer Student Center for about five hours a day to make sure everything gets done.

Arisukwu’s dedication and commitment are nothing new to those who knew him in high school, where he served as vice president of communication for the student government organization and was on the homecoming committee. Arisukwu graduated in 2004 from Houston’s Westside High School.

Arisukwu chose to stay active by joining student government as soon as he began attending Lamar.  Serving as a senator-at-large last year allowed him to participate in decision-making activities, to learn how the student government office is run and to network with administrators.

In addition to staying on top of his schoolwork and presidential responsibilities, Arisukwu owns a company, which he named Graphics Boy 101.  The company has been designing fliers, business cards and CD covers for more than a year-and-a-half.  Arisukwu is taking 15 hours of classes and is also an active member of the Black Student Association and Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc.

He believes his membership in the fraternity assisted him in having a successful campaign and has helped prepare him for his role as president.  Several of his fraternity brothers are either current or former members of student government and are familiar with its structure.

Arisukwu’s main goal for his term is to increase school spirit.  “I hope that we can get everyone involved on campus,†he said.  “Larger universities use athletics to generate school spirit, and I would like to do the same here.â€

The Student Government Association has developed a new program called Big Red Mania.  Through the program, the campus community will have the opportunity to meet with coaches, athletes and spirit groups.  Arisukwu hopes that by meeting with prominent university figures and interacting in fun ways, students will feel more connected to Lamar.

Another means of achieving his goal to increase school spirit is to rejuvenate programs from the past.  For example, the T-shirt exchange encourages students to replace shirts that advertise other colleges and universities with free Lamar University shirts, boosting the number of people wearing Lamar shirts around campus and across Southeast Texas, helping promote the university.  Additionally, he thinks that programs such as Midnight Breakfast will promote student interaction on campus.

Arisukwu would like to enhance the college experience at Lamar, and “these programs will make that happen,†he said.  Students should enjoy their time in college, both in and outside the classroom.  Functions, such as those put on by the student government, allow for safe, constructive and alcohol-free activities.

Former presidents of the organization have left their mark in some manner.  Josh Daspit (2002-2003) concentrated on community outreach and formed relationships with city officials.  Brian Bean (2003-2004) implemented the mentor program with the Beaumont Independent School District, and Diztorsha Jefferson (2004-2005) was the first black woman to serve as president.  Arisukwu plans to work just as hard as his predecessors and leave a mark of his own.

“I am open to any and all suggestions or comments,†he said.  “I am here to work for the students.â€

 

http://www.lamar.edu/newsevents/news/207_5700.htm