More than 700 guests listened as senior Edgar Gonzalez delivered an address representing the student body at the presidential inauguration. Gonzalez was chosen because of his position as president of the Student Government Association.
“This is a great time for our University,” Gonzalez said in his speech. “HBU is starting a new era.”
He mentioned the many achievements the University has made this year, including the construction of the Cultural Arts Center and the soccer team’s first season. In addition, Gonzalez noted how Sloan is already becoming familiar with the University as a whole.
“I’m excited to see what President Sloan is going to bring to the University,” Gonzalez said. “Not only has he been very active in getting to know the faculty and staff, but he is getting involved with the students as well.”
Vice President for Academic Affairs Dr. Don Looser asked Gonzalez to speak at the inauguration prior to the fall break.
Gonzalez said he prepared for his speech by reflecting on his years prior to becoming a senior and president of SGA. He said he thought about the things that were important to him as a student, as well as the things he was looking forward to with Sloan.
“I just wrote down what I thought was important to point out for the occasion,” Gonzalez said.
Gonzalez added that the opportunity to speak was indeed great for him, and he was comfortable addressing the large crowd.
“I was a little nervous when I knew it was my turn to talk, but once I got started, it all went away,” he said. “The great weather helped out, too.”
Gonzalez added that he felt it was a huge honor for him to be the only student who spoke at Sloan’s inauguration. He acknowledged that few college students are given such an opportunity to be involved in an inauguration, especially to be a speaker at one.
“I never thought I would be a part of anything this big at our University,” Gonzalez said.
In addition to being president of SGA, Gonzalez is the founder and president of the HBU chapter of Phi
Kappa Psi, a resident assistant for the Men’s Residence College and a member of Alpha Epsilon Delta and the Student Foundation. Gonzalez was also this year’s recipient of the Mr. HBU award.
Following graduation, Gonzalez said he plans to attend medical school with an interest in neurosurgery or cardiothurasic surgery. However, he added that he first plans to take a year off before he begins medical school to do medical research.
While Gonzalez said he is looking forward to graduating in May 2007, he said he will deeply miss the University and the people who contributed to his experience as a student.
“I have had a wonderful time here at HBU and have grown so much,” Gonzalez said. “College was more than I thought it would be.”
Gonzalez added that he looks forward to being an alumni and remaining a part of the University family for many more years.
“I hope to come back as an active alumni and give back to my school,” Gonzalez said. “Giving back will help other undergraduates have the same great experience I had.”
Gonzalez represents students
SGA president given opportunity to speak at inauguration
Published: Wednesday, May 16, 2007
Updated: Saturday, May 8, 2010 08:05
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