SGA President Richard Davis Jr. was sworn in at the DSA convocation. Jonathan Rhodes/The Lion’s Roar

The “2018 Division for Student Affairs Convocation” recognized students and faculty for their efforts to improve the campus and create an enjoyable experience for the entire campus. Student Government Association President Richard Davis Jr. and Vice President Jazelle Harris swore into their positions. Davis gave his inaugural speech stating how he will conduct himself as president and how he will lead SGA.

“I realize that this position is bigger than me, and during my term, I hope to inspire other students to get involved on campus,” said Davis. “I also hope to represent all students making sure that our voices are heard, optimize SGA’s resources and assist in our over 120 student organizations with much needed financial assistance, continue to advocate for higher education funding to our legislators, proposing realistic parking solutions to our administration and responding promptly to student concerns by having an open door policy and a spirit of transparency.”

Davis worked in SGA this past year as vice president and will now get to lead SGA along with some new officers. 

“I’m excited to work with our vice president, Jazelle Harris and our chief justice, Alberto Valenzuela, and I know that we will accomplish great things to support our fellow students,” said Davis.

Davis thanked previous president Seth Leto for the example that he set.

“He definitely laid a great foundation,” said Davis. “He was able to inspire me and mentor me. I feel like I am truly prepared to take on this position. The way he handled each situation with class and grace was really inspiring to me.”

Leto gave his farewell address at the convocation and attended his final SGA meeting on April 26. Leto thanked his family, friends, advisors and fiancée for their support during his run as president.

Two projects that Leto got started this year before he left were the construction of  National Pan-Hellenic Council Plots and the Lion Statue.

“This was a great year of success for SGA and the student body, and I will be forever indebted to all of those who trusted me with this job,” said Leto. “This has been an incredible journey, one that I will cherish forever. Thank you all again for electing me as your 2017-2018 SGA president. Farewell, Southeastern.”

Senior biological sciences major Megan McCormick won the 2018 Outstanding Woman of the Year Award for her four years of dedication to the university and the Division for Student Affairs. The announcement of the winner was displayed on the projector screen in a short video listing their involvement and interviews from their advisors.

“I was definitely speechless,” said McCormick. “When my name came across the screen, I didn’t know what else to do besides cry. For the past four years, I have done everything that I wanted to do, and this just shows that I have made an impact.”

Leto won the 2018 Outstanding Man of the Year Award for his run as SGA president.

“It feels really good being recognized, knowing that all of the things that I have done and all of the things I have tried is being appreciated,” said Leto. 

109 students were presented the Green “S” Award and named by Assistant Director for the Office for Student Engagement Kyle Gallagher.

“The Division for Student Affairs Green ‘S’ is presented annually to those students who have contributed to student life at Southeastern Louisiana University,” said Gallagher. “Everything went extremely well. It was a great evening getting to honor all of our student leaders and the accomplishments that they have done this past year.”

University Police Department Officer 2-A Earl Thomas III was presented the 2017 Officer of the Year Award for his hard work and enthusiasm to do his job while also pursuing a bachelor’s degree.

“He is a social media star, keeping the department’s Snapchat, Facebook and Instagram feeds full of photos demonstrating positive interactions between officers and students on campus,” said Gallagher. “Many students at Southeastern know Earl by name and come to him for assistance or with questions they have. He truly represents himself and the department with excellence.”

Megan McCormick was named the 2018 Outstanding Woman of the Year. Jonathan Rhodes/The Lion's Roar