By SARA BERGQUIST

sbe007@latech.edu

 

The theme for outgoing Student Government Association President Lindsay Mencacci’s term was appropriately “weathering the storm.”

After a productive year, the president was hit with a rollercoaster election that remained unresolved at press time.

Mencacci, a senior biology major, gave her farewell speech May 1 at the SGA recognition banquet in the Waggoner Room, located in the Thomas Assembly Center.

Mencacci thanked everyone who played an important role in SGA and said serving on the SGA had been a wonderful experience.

“With things like the election, budget cuts and energy surcharge increases, it was a learning experience,” Mencacci said. “It challenged us and caused us to depend on each other.”

Mencacci said the theme for her term as SGA president was titled “weathering the storm.”

“I was willing to take whatever came my way,” Mencacci said.

Mencacci said the current SGA election disputes were challenging from the start.

The elections were tough, and it was great to see every person grow in integrity, Mencacci said.

Mencacci also said the students who serve the SGA have happy personalities and were a pleasure to work with.  

“We would have long, hard days, and someone would come with a willingness to serve and such a good attitude,” Mencacci said. “I thank you all for that.”

Mencacci also thanked her family for supporting her and staying by her side every step of the way as SGA president.

“The friends and connections I have made have been amazing,” Mencacci said. “It’s wonderful to have strong family support.”

Mencacci closed her speech by saying the 2005-06 school year has been incredible.

“Thank you from the bottom of my heart. Wherever I end up, you will always be in my heart,” Mencacci said.

“This organization has a lot to contribute to the university. A lot is going on right now, but we will come out stronger in the end.”

John Prine, commissioner of elections for SGA and a senior education major, said he thinks Mencacci has been an outstanding SGA president.

“Lindsay has done an excellent job this year,” Prine said. “The hurricanes and elections were events you don’t expect to come in one’s presidency. She is such a strong person.”

Elaine Eaton, secretary for the SGA and a junior speech communication major, also agrees Mencacci served the SGA well.

“[Mencacci] did an amazing job, even with the extenuating circumstances,” Eaton said.

“She truly cares about everyone and is willing to help everyone,” Eaton said. “She went above and beyond her call of duty.”