Wednesday, April 26, 2006

By Larry Pakowski, Vice President of Public Relations, SGA
Phone: (910) 962-2028, E-mail: LPP4610@uncw.edu

WILMINGTON, N.C. -The Student Government Association (SGA) of the University of North Carolina Wilmington (UNCW) swore in the 2006 student body president, vice president, and legislature on April 25 in ceremonies in the Golden Hawk Room of Trask Coliseum.

Rising senior Katie L. Gurgainus of Asheboro, N.C., took the oath of office from North Carolina District Court Judge Rebecca Blackmore as the new student body president and latest ex-officio member of the UNCW Board of Trustees. Gurgainus is majoring in communication studies with a minor in Spanish. In addition to her role in student government, Gurgainus is also involved with the Association for Campus Entertainment and Communication Studies Society.

Kaitlin D. Helms of Waxhaw, N.C., a rising sophomore, was then sworn in as student body vice president. Helms is double majoring in communication studies and political science with a minor in leadership studies. In addition to student government, Helms volunteers with the UNCW Kids program through the Center for Leadership Education and Service.

Additionally, several class officers and at-large representative were installed. Those included:

• Chris Bell of Smithfield, N.C. as senior class president.

• Callie McLellan of Kernersville, N.C. as senior class representative.

• Chris Faulkner of Cape Carteret, N.C. as junior class president.

• Carli Heath of Vanceboro, N.C. as sophomore class president.

• Cameron Thomas of Lillington, N.C. as Watson School of Education representative.

• Kenneth Swarthout of Chatham, N.J. as College of Arts & Sciences representative.

• Samuel Pitts of Wilmington, N.C. as Cameron School of Business representative.

• Samantha Moore of Richmond, Va. as at-large representative.

• Sarah "Bethany" Sullivan of Hidebran, N.C. as at-large representative.

• Brian DesRoches of Crofton, Md. as at-large representative.

The new legislature begins meeting at the start of the fall semester, at which time Gurgainus will establish her executive cabinet, and freshmen class president and representatives with be elected.

Gurgainus and Helms ran together under a platform promising to create significant change and becoming an open voice for all students of the university. Chancellor DePaolo seconded this notion, saying SGA must be a strong voice for all students, and we want your [SGA's] voice to be heard."

The principal goals for the 2006-2007 legislative session of SGA include creating greater school identity and traditions, investigating new alternatives to tuition increases and the establishment of more merit-based scholarships, improving the on-campus transportation system, and creating a textbook exchange program. During her speech to fellow students, faculty, staff, and others, Gurgainus promised "this is the beginning of something great." Helms added, "I believe in what we together may accomplish…get ready."

The event concluded with Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs Pat Leonard leaving words of encouragement for the next year, saying "this group has proven themselves to be outstanding leaders year after year."

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