By: Jaeda Goode
Southern Adventist University’s Student Association (SA) has rolled out a full slate of monthly social events this year, coordinated by Executive Social Vice President Lily Mutai.
Mutai spoke about the uniqueness of her position this year compared to prior social vice presidents (VPs). She joined the team in July, rather than running during the election and having ideas set in stone before the school year began.
“Usually, you have a whole semester before to get out there and plan, and then talk to people about their ideas, but it’s always crunch time for this job this semester,” Mutai said.
Mutai explained how SA has one major social event each month and went into detail about planning a social event.
She spoke about working closely with Alexis Grentz, head of student development, to determine what is possible within the guidelines of her budget, given by SA Financial Vice President Jaziel Soto.
“First, we look at Student Association budgets from past years to see what typical spending looked like,” Soto said. “Second, we adjust the numbers each year based on how much total funding we have and how much was spent on similar events in previous years.”
After getting her ideas cleared by Grentz, Mutai then contacts personnel regarding the venue, clubs or other parties involved, aiming to have all details finalized two weeks before the event.
Mutai shared how essential club participation was for SA events this year, specifically regarding International Food Fest and Fall Fest.
“I don’t think the events would be as great if we didn’t have the clubs,” Mutai said.
Mutai spoke about planning for this year’s Fall Fest regarding what she wanted to do differently, sharing that she wanted to fill the space with more booths and create a lively festival environment for students. She also spoke about her excitement for the student body having experienced certain club booths, like the petting zoo provided by the Biology Club.
Fall Fest was originally scheduled for Nov. 2, but due to unforeseen weather, the event was moved to Nov. 9 from 4-6 p.m. Robles spoke about how the SA team came together to compensate the clubs involved with $100 each for the preparation they put into the event, despite it being postponed for reasons beyond control.
“In order to make up for it and make sure our clubs still feel supported through that, even though we know they put time and effort into preparing for the event,” Robles said.
To reach students for feedback about events and their enjoyment, Mutai said she talks to students directly as well as having an open-door policy in the SA office, where students can express their thoughts for change to Mutai or other members of SA.
Matthew Chung, junior health science major, said that he enjoyed this year’s social events, believing they have improved compared to events held in the past. Chung also expressed his enjoyment of the International Food Fest and the variety of foods provided.
Britoya Thomas, sophomore accounting major, also said her favorite event this year was the International Food Fest event, held Sept. 21.
“There was something for everyone, all cultures were represented and being able to bring that to Southern so you could taste and try different food and things I wouldn’t usually try,” Thomas said.
Thomas expressed her overall enjoyment of the social events planned by SA and said that it’s clear that they have the students in mind when planning.
