By: Celine-Deon Palmer, SGU President
Hello Lions, as the Saint Leo University Student Government President 2019-2020, I wanted to deliver an official farewell address to the student body, since I am not able to give my in-person goodbyes.
Last year, upon being installed as your 2019-2020 Student Government President, I made a commitment to work on behalf of the Saint Leo student body to the best of my ability, dedicating my time, talents, and other efforts to improve Student Life. My goal was to make sure every voice was heard, and I can assure you that I have worked tirelessly and persistently to keep that commitment. Over this past year, it has been an honor to witness numerous achievements, including the implementation of the Lion’s Shuttle, and the opening of Benedict’s. A huge thank you goes not only to the members of the current Executive Board, but also to the previous Executive Board of 2018-2019 lead by Derick McIntosh for laying the groundwork, as well as our fantastic Saint Leo University Administration and Staff for following through on their promises to the student body.
SGU President Celine-Deon Palmer praised the work of her Executive Board and conveyed her appreciation for the administration of Saint Leo University, for addressing the concerns of the students. Her address can be found at our YouTube Channel The Lions’ Pride Media Group.
The feats achieved this past year would not have been possible without some special people. To my executive board, thank you! Everything accomplished this year was not accomplished by me; we accomplished it together, as a team. Giulia, your hard work and dedication to your role did not let up once! As the Chair of the Senate, your eyes and ears were always on the ground. Little does the student body know that the lids on hot drinks in the cafeteria were requested because you shed light on the hazard. Maurqise, you persevered throughout the year and kept the spirit of our Lions up! Thank you for all you did in taking the lead to accomplish one of our huge goals this year in improving our engagements with Athletics. Ryan, you are one of the most on-task and disciplined people I know, and you took that with you in your role. You were very instrumental in managing the needs of our student body this semester, ensuring that we were responsible stewards while allowing 30 student clubs and organizations to attend conferences, and supporting 13 clubs and organizations in hosting their events. Geshon, you were the glue that held us all together. You kept us on task this entire year, supported the leaders of Saint Leo’s Clubs and Organizations, and through your communications, kept our ears tuned.
All of the talents and gifts of the Executive Board would not be appropriately fostered if it were not for our supportive Advisors who guided us tremendously throughout the year. Edson O’Neale, Frank Orlando, Erin McBean, Alexis Sullivan, Aly Magras, and Dawn Mccelveen, thank you. You helped us grow, you graced us with your wisdom and ensured we never strayed too far off the path of making responsible decisions for our student body. This dedication of your time did not go unnoticed, you were not obligated to put up with us each week, and for that, we appreciate you.
A huge thank you to our Campus Activities Board and our Student Government Senators. Our Campus Activities Board put exceptional time and effort this year to ensure diverse interests were met. Our Senators took charge of a broad range of things on campus; this is the group you should call if in need of anything.
The 2019-2020 Student Government Union Executive Board was led by Celine-Deon Palmer.
Lions, thank you! You showed up, and you showed out this year. You were supportive in all aspects, you spoke out, and because of your voices, we continue to evolve as a community, becoming greater. It was my privilege to serve as your Student Government President.
To my University, my precious University, I am eternally grateful for all you have contributed and planted into my life, which has helped to build me to be the woman I am today. The endless resources and opportunities have helped me to grow tremendously in only four years, trust me, I have loved who I became here. Thank you to our upper administration, who has kept our community student-centered and has helped our dreams as students come to life. I would also like to specially recognize Dr. Jen Shaw, who I was blessed to have worked closely with this past year.
As I leave, I go in high spirits knowing that the student body will be in good hands with our incoming Student Government Executive Board 2020-2021. I wish you all well, and my prayers will remain with you.
All Glory and honor be onto our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, for all the blessings He has afforded us this past year. I have always covered my beloved institution in prayer, and I will continue to do so.
God bless Saint Leo, and long live the Lions.
