As President-elect Jeff Seiser ’10 digs his heels into the office of his face-painted super-stag predecessor Hutch Williams ’08, Seiser will have to set his own agenda – one that is in line with the needs of students.
His recent victory is evidence that the student body is confident in Seiser’s experience, which is highlighted by his class presidency and close work with Williams. This may foreshadow a more structured tone for the student-run office.
Seiser also brings to the table a working relationship with the administration, which could become the greatest asset to the newest FUSA members.
He takes the reins with the help of highly qualified legislative leaders, including new FUSA Senate Chair Dan Lamendola ’09 and incoming senators.
Upon entering office, the most crucial first step will be the nomination and determination of who will fill vital roles in his cabinet. All of these students will need to work together effectively.
It will also be interesting to see if FUSA and IRHA will be able to plan collaborative events that will lead to the solidification and addition – not the removal – of student traditions.
Topping the list of many students’ expectations is the diligence of both organizations to work with Residence Life to alleviate valid student complaints about the Off-Campus Boarder policy. Seiser’s ability to compromise with administrators will be tested most regarding this issue.
Succeeding Williams will be no easy task for Seiser. Williams has become the face of Fairfield’s student body, an emblem of school spirit and pride. He is the model of how students and administrators can communicate well, as well as the model of one who balances personal responsibilities with those required by his FUSA position.
Graduating alongside Williams this year are seniors Tim Rich (Senate chair), Tim Dee (secretary of the treasury), Cristina Pires (program director) and others who have had played integral roles to the maintenance and improvement of FUSA. He will enter the FUSA presidency with a fresh student perspective as well as the ability to spur change.
Seiser will have the opportunity to not only lead FUSA with his ideals, but also have those standards reinforced by students with tremendous potential.
He should not strive to embody Williams; instead, he must find his own, unique way of being effective and representing the student body. And we are confident he will do just that.
Leave a Reply