Three Colorado State University-Pueblo students were sworn in as members of the Associated Students’ Government during a Monday meeting in the Occhiato University Center’s ASG Chambers.
Mielat Asrat, 20, a freshman majoring in pre-pharmacy, will serve as the new justice, and Chris Aston, 20, a sophomore majoring in English, is now the elections commissioner. Sarah Bennett, 21, a junior majoring in business management and computer information systems, will serve as senator for the Hasan School of Business.
Asrat said she served in high school leadership roles and that she would bring these skills to the ASG. A good student government can do great things, she said, and believes CSU-Pueblo has such a government.
“I want to help students understand the law and I can do that by being part of the ASG,” Asrat said.
Aston said serving as elections commissioner is a great way for his voice to be heard.
“I’m not afraid to speak my mind and am not shy when it comes to public speaking,” Aston told board members.
Bennett, who has been involved with ASG for three years, said she likes to keep her thumb on the pulse of student government and the campus community.
“I think it’s important for students to be involved with their leaders,” Bennett said.
Austin Pawlus, 18, a freshman majoring in computer information systems, said he hoped to earn the senator of residence life seat, but was voted down by the board. Pawlus said he sought the position because he wants more say in how things are done in the residence halls.
“If elected, I will learn what is going on and will bring students’ concerns to the table,” Pawlus said. “I would be a voice for students who might not be able to speak for themselves.”
Lindsay Reeves, 20, a junior majoring in mass communications, and vice president for ASG legislative affairs, encouraged Pawlus’ continued involvement with student government affairs.
“I hope you will stay involved with student government and that we will hear from you again,” Reeves said.
Also at the meeting, Vanessa Rodriguez, 20, a sophomore majoring in business and director of ASG higher learning, said a Zombie Walk, an event designed to protest the increase of the cost of higher education, will be held at noon, Monday, Feb. 15, at the OUC. Rodriguez said the event is a prelude to the rally scheduled for Wednesday, Feb. 17, in Denver.
“The Zombie Walk is a miniature version of the Denver rally,” Rodriguez said. “This is our way of telling our leaders they’re killing higher education. Therefore, we’re going to walk around like zombies.”
Rodriguez said you can wear face paint and tattered clothing to the Zombie Walk.
“I encourage everyone to participate in this event and help make a difference,” Rodriguez said.
