The Wabash Valley Student Government Association (SGA) gathered in Le Fer Hall at Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College (SMWC) to hear words of encouragement from state and local politicians. Indiana’s Secretary of State Diego Morales addressed over 50 attendees from the SGA organizations of Indiana State University, Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology, and Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College. Morales talked about his path to the state house. “You can be whatever you want to be with hard work and focus.” He talked about the confidence that he has instilled in himself to rise to the challenges that he has faced.
Vigo County Commissioner Chris Switzer spoke about how communities can positively be affected when people work together with indifference to party affiliation. A point he made was, “It is important to create a vision that people want to be a part of.”
The emcee for the evening was Faith Featherston, president of the Student Senate at SMWC, with speaker introductions for Secretary Morales by Rose-Hulman SGA President Eathan Faust and Commissioner Switzer by Indiana State SGA President Jaxson Zeis.
Following dinner, students rotated through three breakout sessions. Secretary Morales led a session on how to start a career in politics and shared leadership tips. Indiana State University President Mike Godard, Ph.D., and Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College President Brennan Randolph led a session about challenges that are facing colleges and college students today. Terre Haute City Councilman Anthony Dinkel joined Commissioner Switzer, and they spoke about issues specific to Terre Haute and Vigo County.