The Griffon News

Student Government Association member Ed Harris was announced the National Non-Traditional Student of the Year, SGA officials announced at the March 26 senate meeting.

Harris, president of Western’s Non-Traditional Student Association received the award at a conference at Oklahoma State. Harris was one of four nominees for the award.

“I was shocked by the award,” Harris said.

At the same conference, adviser Ellen Kisker received the award of Non-Traditional Adviser of the Year.

Luke Herrington, vice-president of the SGA, believes Harris won the award due to his enthusiasm in the subjects with which he is involved.

“Ed is very passionate about what he believes in,” Herrington said.

Harris believes that it’s all about getting involved in your school. Many people are afraid to branch out and get involved. He wants to help Non-Traditional students to branch out and get more involved.

“It’s all about getting involved in your school,” Harris said. “I feel we should go above and beyond.”

At the March 26 meeting, Harris and other SGA members had a problem with the handicap parking for sporting events at Missouri Western. At the NCAA Tournament, the parking committee moved handicap parking to a different area, so VIP people could have closer parking. SGA members are planning on meeting with people about this issue.

“We are going to try and meet with the chair of the parking committee,” Herrington said.

Setting up a recycling program was also discussed at the SGA meeting. SGA would like to get a recycling program started. Right now, library employee Annette Wright goes around and picks up paper to be recycled. Natalie Bailey, President of the SGA, would like to have a service to do that here at Missouri Western. The senate granted $500 dollars to the recycling program.

“We want to make it an official program for Western,” Bailey said.

SGA members also discussed changing the name of the Campus Activities Board to Western Activities Council. CAB members feel the name change will bring more excitement to the organization.

They also believe the name change will help with recruitment to the organization. Janell Banks, the CAB President, said the change will take place next semester. Bailey believes the change of name will bode well for CAB.

“CAB felt the name was giving an image that they are not,” Bailey said.

The SGA also discussed the agenda for Residence Council week, and they proposed renovations for the cafeteria.