2008 Woodie Awards
Aoun calls on SGA
Kate Augusto
Issue date: 3/20/08 Section: News
President Joseph Aoun urged senators of the Student Government Association (SGA) Monday night to be advocates for the university. SGA invited him to their meeting to promote open discussion between the administration and students, officials said.
Aoun implored students to take ownership of the university and its mission on and off campus-a task that includes showing the world that Northeastern is no longer a commuter school, he said.
"We want the world to realize [this] and if we don't realize it, then the world will not realize it," he said. "We have great momentum, but beyond that, we have great momentum because we are shaping our own destiny. Don't look to your right, don't look to your left, look ahead - we have something great going on. This isn't a thought, this is a reality. I need each one of you to really drive that in your messages, in your communications, when you talk to others."
President Aoun asked the students, mostly senators, to evaluate where the university is and where it's going.
"You cannot assume that we are preparing you well for the world," he said. "No one will prepare you well for the world. You are going to have to prepare yourself well. Frankly, this is something where I need your help, I need you to explain that."
Before answering questions from students at the meeting, which were not presubmitted, Aoun applauded the university for having students on co-op in 52 cities; told the students that while Northeastern provides global opportunities, it is the students' responsibility to seize them; and touched on the university's commitment to promoting diversity.
Ashley Benjamin, SGA vice president for administration and finance, estimated about 65 senators and 20 to 30 additional students attended the meeting, which was advertised through e-mail and Facebook.
The question and answer session started with a student who asked why his favorite teacher at Northeastern, David Massey from the Math department, was suspended at a time when Aoun has expressed commitment to excellent faculty.
Aoun implored students to take ownership of the university and its mission on and off campus-a task that includes showing the world that Northeastern is no longer a commuter school, he said.
"We want the world to realize [this] and if we don't realize it, then the world will not realize it," he said. "We have great momentum, but beyond that, we have great momentum because we are shaping our own destiny. Don't look to your right, don't look to your left, look ahead - we have something great going on. This isn't a thought, this is a reality. I need each one of you to really drive that in your messages, in your communications, when you talk to others."
President Aoun asked the students, mostly senators, to evaluate where the university is and where it's going.
"You cannot assume that we are preparing you well for the world," he said. "No one will prepare you well for the world. You are going to have to prepare yourself well. Frankly, this is something where I need your help, I need you to explain that."
Before answering questions from students at the meeting, which were not presubmitted, Aoun applauded the university for having students on co-op in 52 cities; told the students that while Northeastern provides global opportunities, it is the students' responsibility to seize them; and touched on the university's commitment to promoting diversity.
Ashley Benjamin, SGA vice president for administration and finance, estimated about 65 senators and 20 to 30 additional students attended the meeting, which was advertised through e-mail and Facebook.
The question and answer session started with a student who asked why his favorite teacher at Northeastern, David Massey from the Math department, was suspended at a time when Aoun has expressed commitment to excellent faculty.
Viewing Comments 1 - 2 of 2
Joe Husky
posted 3/20/08 @ 5:45 AM EST
What Really Happened
By Joe Husky
So Aoun finally gets around to visiting the Student Government, where he gives a mediocre speech about reaching out to the "community" (the large, resentful ghetto that surrounds campus) and trumpeting the greatness and kindness of Northeastern. (Continued…)
is this guy serious???
posted 3/20/08 @ 10:40 AM EST
every time aoun says "points x, y, and z," take one sip.
every time aoun says "there are two points i'd like to make," take one sip.
every time aoun claims that the university should not be defined by him, take two sips. (Continued…)
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