By: Brian Holak

The Boston mayoral election is not the only election Suffolk students need be informed about. Last week, the Student Government Association announced the results of its fall 2013 senate elections.

SGA is the representative body for all full-time undergraduates at Suffolk, serving as an advocate for the student body in academic, financial, and co-curricular matters. It also serves to bridge the gap between students, faculty, and administration.

With that in mind, both new and returning members look forward to getting started this year and making it as fun and productive as possible.

“I speak for the Executive Board of SGA when I say that we are thrilled by the overwhelming interest we experienced this election cycle,” said President SGA Billy Cerullo. “We are up to almost full capacity in regards to our membership, and cannot wait to hit the ground running to start the year the best way possible.”

New freshmen senators account for a significant portion of this year’s SGA, with a total of nine members. Those elected to represent the Class of 2017 are, Brianna Silva, Nick Mammolette, Meg Donnelly, Haley Rooney, Christopher Wallenberg, Rakan Benbrikan, Donald DeRosa, John Medilinska and Cam Viola.
Monica Caggiano, Matthew Gifford and Nadela Offre will be representing the Class of 2016 this year. As for the Class of 2015, Lidia Zayas, Dennis Harkins, Roxanne Wilkins and Joseph Lussier were elected. Harkins, Wilkins and Lussier were write-in candidates.

The Class of 2014 will be represented by Ashlie Triolo-Dekkers, Maria Foglia, Raissa Olivera and Alban Rodrigue Tapsoba.  Rounding out the list of winners is Lucynda Carrancedo, the new senator-at-large.

“We intend to utilize the enthusiasm and dedication of each of our members, new and old, to help make Suffolk even better than it already is,” said Cerullo.

And enthusiasm is certainly abounded this year in SGA. For some it is their first year at Suffolk, but for others it is their last chance to make an impression.

“I am bursting with ideas,” said Senior Week Chair Triolo-Dekkers, “But more importantly, I cannot wait to get feedback from my fellow Seniors. This position was made for someone like me and I cannot wait to get a committee together soon, and start to create some lasting memories for the Class of 2014.”

On the opposite end of the spectrum, Freshman Brianna Silva is honored that people went out and voted for her, and she is eager to bring fresh energy and ideas.

“I want to represent the class of 2017 the best way possible,” said Silva. “I want the school to recognize our class as the most united, spirited class here at SU. I would like to see our students have more pride in who we are, show up to sporting events, and get more involved with the community, through community service and social events.”

Sophomore representative Monica Caggiano is also eager to make a difference at Suffolk. While she is extremely focused on being the voice of the Class of 2016, she also wishes to seek long-lasting change outside her grade.

“I want to be able to make a difference for the students here at Suffolk now and the ones that are to come,” said Caggiano.

Her feelings are shared by the entire SGA troupe, which, after their recent weekend retreat, is closer than ever. Cerullo and these new members  do not take their positions lightly. They represent the best of Suffolk—possessing the passion, dedication, and creative-thinking that makes this university great.

“SGA’s mission for the upcoming year, and in general, is to forge strong relationships with the student body, while also representing them on campus,” said Cerullo.