What does SGA mean to you? Ft. Senator Boes
An interview with Senator AJ Boes discussing his time in SGA and what the organization means to him.
Grace Reynolds | greynolds@butler.edu
Last Wednesday, March 15th, Senator AJ Boes was elected as Speaker of the Senate at the weekly senate meeting. In an interview, he reflects on his experience with SGA, his accomplishments, and the organization's contribution to his time at Butler University.
Q: What does SGA mean to you?
A: “The Butler University Student Government Association gives students the ability to voice their concerns and hold Butler accountable for its actions. SGA Senators must come to the Senate floor to make this campus a more welcoming space for all. As a third-year member of the SGA senate, I wholeheartedly want to bring transparency and accountability to the table as your next Speaker of the Senate. I was elected as the Speaker to amplify marginalized voices, and I still intend to do so. Each senator represents a specific constituency, and each constituency has varying needs that must be met. Members of SGA cannot lose sight of that.”
Q: What has your time and experience with SGA been like?
A: “I have been a member of this body for three years. Thanks to my first-year resident assistant, I decided to register as a candidate for the Irvington House constituency - to which I was elected. As for my second year within SGA, I was elected as the Class of 2024 Senator and was later appointed as the University Life Chairman. As for this year, I was re-elected as the Class of 2024 Senator, but appointed to the Student Activities Chairmanship.”
Q: What do you enjoy about being in SGA?
A: “The comradery. The current SGA administration has been working tirelessly to accomplish a similar objective, and we all truly want what's best for the student body. SGA provides a means for students to unite and work as a team. Currently, my senate committee is planning the second Student Leadership Banquet. We have been clocking numerous hours planning this event and enjoying every minute of it. Butler has a multitude of student leaders on its campus that deserve to have their leadership recognized. This event will take place on April 17th, and the Student Activities Committee is more than prepared to host the event.”
Q: Why is being in SGA important to you?
A: “There are people on this campus who must have their voices amplified. I understand the essence of diversity and the power it has to make us aware of the needs of those around us. As a senator, leaving a rural southeastern Indiana town for Indianapolis has made me value representation. I plan on bringing this core value to the senate chamber. Hence, representation and diversity will be paramount to SGA. We cannot leave any student behind. SGA has always been important to me since this organization can do considerable work and implement substantial change.”
Q: What are you proud of within SGA?
A: “I have always been proud of our ability to host successful outreach events. SGA outreach events are used to grasp student feedback regarding an array of issues. This year, my committee hosted two of them. During the fall semester, we organized a gingerbread house competition and had nearly 50 attendees. Afterward, we gave out prizes once we were able to choose a winner. This semester, we tabled outside Starbucks and gave away Crumbl cookies. We happily received 150 surveys from students regarding the student organization endorsement process. It has always been enjoyable to host outreach events, and I am certainly proud of our ability to do so. It's extremely important to be accessible to students.
Q: What are some of your accomplishments in SGA?
A: “I have been leading the Student Activities Committee. As of this month, we have been able to pass along 27 new student organization applications to the SGA senate for endorsement. This is a tedious process, and it takes considerable time to assess the qualifications of each new student organization. In addition, as the University Life Chairman, I was able to approve $10,000+ in funds for new Butler operational projects. One major project was the implementation of the air compressor found next to BUPD.”
Q: What is the SGA community like?
A: “The SGA community at times can feel daunting, but there will always be people there to push you along in your endeavors. As someone who understands what it feels like to be overwhelmed, I will be here to help you along the way and so will others. When a group of students works together to push a shared agenda, friendships will be made along the way. Those within this community have always been pushing me to do my best, and they will do the same for you.”