By Ella Prieto, Managing Editor
Officer Reports
President Andrew Lemon ’24 thanked the senators for such a great year.
“I will miss all of you, and I know I’ve said it so many times this year, but it has been a highlight of my Gettysburg experience to have this honor to represent you all as President, so thank you,” said Lemon.
He then updated attendees on the prominent student concern from the last meeting: the change in dining meal options. Lemon met with Executive Director of Auxiliary Services Mike Bishop and Director of Dining Service Debra Hydock about the possible changes, leading them to send out an email to students with all the information needed. However, the changes are still under consideration, and a survey was provided in the email for students to give feedback.
Vice President Geoffrey Meadville ’25 also spoke about how it has been an honor to serve in the Student Senate.
“For the last two years I’ve served on the Executive Board and my first year I was a senator, so I am very sad to leave but also very excited for my retirement,” said Meadville.
Parliamentarian Michael Woods ’25 congratulated everyone being sworn in tonight and thanked the graduating seniors for all of their work.
Treasurer Alfredo Roman Jordan ’26 gave the budget update, sharing that the Student Senate allocated $90,150 in total.
Secretary Grace Nelson ’26 stated that the Senate Open will be this Friday in The Attic with a theme of Margaretville. They do, however, still need two sober monitors and one TIPs person for the event.
Inclusion Officer Abby Ruggiero ’26 thanked everyone for a great year, especially members of the Inclusion Committee.
Senate Awards & Cord Ceremony
Seniors who had served on Student Student were then given graduation cords. They included Alex Rosado ’24, Lemon, Aidan Wisniewski-Campo ’24, Evelyn Datte ’24, Jack Murphy ’24, Jack Conmegno ’24, Hannah Repole ’24, Alexis Jones ’24, Will Firman ’24, Owen Labruna ’24, Ellabelle Pedersen ’24, Lana Sader ’24, Caroline Gill ’24 and Samantha Martin ’24.
Following, various awards, several of which were voted on by the Student Senate, were given out. They included:
First-Year Senator of the Year: Blair O’Connor ’27
Sophomore Senator of the Year: Dominic DiLuzio ’26
Junior Senator of the Year: Olivia Taylor ’25
Senior Senator of the Year: Jack Murphy ’24
Senator-at-Large of the Year: Carl DeMarco ’25
Affinity Group Leader of the Year: Gabe Taub ’25 and Gavin Wilson ’27
Most Improved Voting Member: Carl DeMarco ’25
Most Involved Campus Member: Mike Bishop
Committee with Best Initiative: College Life Advisory Committee (CLAC)
Most Involved Constituent: Samantha Martin ’24
Most Involved Club: Gettysburg African Student Association (GASA)
Best Senate Funded Event: Culture Shock Gala & Fashion Show
Jon A. Allen Award: Dean of Students Jeff Foster
Abby Ruggiero Award: Abby Ruggiero ’26 (Given to a student who has advocated for inclusion and belonging)
Geoffrey Meadville Award: Geoffrey Meadville ’25 (Given to a student who has served two or more years on the Student Senate Executive Board)
Joseph Labrie Award: Michael Woods ’25 (Given to a student who has worked to amend the Student Senate Code and Constitution)
Repole-Roman Jordan Award: Alfredo Roman Jordan ’26 (Given to a student who has helped the Student Senate and Gettysburg College clubs and organizations manage funds)
Datte-Nelson Award: Grace Nelson ’26 (Given to a student who has bettered the Student Senate’s engagement with the campus community)
Sydney L. Quan Award: Andrew Lemon ’24
Committee Reports
Opinions Committee Chair Dominic DiLuzio ’26 explained that the committee drafted an Opinion about the changes to meal plans, essentially asking Dining Services to wait to instate the plan until after the fall semester so students can have ample time to provide feedback. He motioned to suspend the rules of business to have the Opinion added to the New Business section of the meeting. The motion passed, and the Opinion was added to the agenda.
CLAC thanked everyone for their help in making the Big Spring Blowout event a success.
Clubs Reports & Announcements
Gettysburg College Debate is having its final debate of the year at 5:30 p.m. on Wednesday in Joseph Theater.
The Class of 2027 is having Ziggy Donuts on Stine Lake on Friday.
Recruitment is open for the Gamma Sigma Sigma service sorority.
Student Concerns
Lemon updated that the benches on the tennis court will be refurbished by the fall semester.
A new concern was brought up that the email detailing the changes to meal plans was not sent to the senior class. Lemon asserted that he requested it would be but assured he would reach out to Bishop and Hydock to make sure it is sent to them.
New Business
The Opinion added to the agenda in committee reports failed.
The final thing was the installation ceremony for the new Student Senate along with the new Executive Board. President is Michael Woods ’25, Vice President is Abby Ruggiero ’26, Parliamentarian is Carl DeMarco ’25, Treasurer is Jack Thompson ’27, Secretary is Olivia Thompson ’25 and Inclusion Officer is Olivier Eckloff ’27.
