Pictured (l-r): Rep. Taylor Bennett, Freshman Class President Brad Firchow ’19, Junior Class President Chris Fernandez ’17, Rep. Dar’shun Kendrick ’04, SGA President Ty Murphy ’16, Senior Class President Alex Attebery ’16, Sophomore Class President Abbie Argo ’18. Photo: GA House Photography, Anna Watkins
Oglethorpe University’s Student Government Association (SGA) and university leaders were invited by Georgia State Representative Taylor Bennett (D-Brookhaven) to visit the capitol on March 14. The Georgia House of Representatives passed a resolution to recognize “Oglethorpe University for its achievements in educating students of Georgia and commend its student leaders for their commitment to promoting the goals of the University.”
The citation further recognized that “student government leaders of Oglethorpe University demonstrate a sincere interest in improving the lives of others on both local and global levels and work diligently in their classes, through their organizations, and with the University to achieve their goals” by “actively observing and participating in all corners of the campus and providing leadership at nearly every level.”
Oglethorpe President Larry Schall, Dean of Students Michelle Hall, SGA advisors Amy Palder and Rebecca Stewart, and alumna Representative Dar’shun Kendrick ’04 (D-Lithonia) joined the 15 SGA representatives who attended: Anwaar Abushugair, Abbie Argo, Alex Attebery, Maya Babbs, Ignacio Blanco, Cale Coppage, Chris Fernandez, Brad Firchow, Anna Gandy, Max Hannon, McKinley Mercer, Amani Moore, Ty Murphy, Matt Roberson, and Sam Traxler.
Oglethorpe senior Mary Roberts ’16, who is currently interning for Representative Bennett, was instrumental in arranging the visit. The House resolution was offered by Reps. Bennett and Kendrick, together with Rep. Scott Holcomb (D-Atlanta).
The Student Government Association (SGA) at Oglethorpe University is an opportunity for the student voice to be heard and represented in the Oglethorpe community. SGA has three branches: the Executive Council, the Senate and the Programming Board. Each branch has representation from each class and these representatives are selected during the annual SGA elections. SGA meets weekly to discuss campus issues, bring awareness to student concerns and works to administer the Student Activities Fee. All SGA meetings are open to the whole student body and SGA encourages all students to be involved and participate in student government.
Oglethorpe in the House: SGA at the Georgia capitol, pictured with a portrait of Gen. James Oglethorpe.
