Former SGA President reflects on his year guiding the UTSA student body
Andrew Hubbard highlights the progress at UTSA as we move forward.
(April 6, 2017) -- A year ago, I rose my right hand alongside my fellow student government officers and swore to represent and lead the students of UTSA as their student body president. Needless to say, a lot has happened since then. I'd like to walk you through some of the defining moments of the Student Government Association (SGA) and the UTSA student body.
The year started out with a statement of solidarity. In order to honor the lives of those lost in Orlando, Florida, I requested the lighting of our Monuments in rainbow colors. UTSA received many thanks, especially from members of the LGBTQ community, for working to create an inclusive and compassionate campus in that difficult time.
Over the last year, student government took an active role in the national elections. SGA collaborated with other departments and organizations on campus reaching more than 1,000 students who registered to vote in Bexar County, 11,000 individuals who voted early on campus, and more than 300 students who watched the election unfold during a watch party. I am proud to say that civic engagement was a high note last semester.
Once things with the election winded down, SGA began to focus all our energy on remembering those Roadrunners who have passed. The Roadrunner Memorial Garden is often considered one of SGA's defining projects of this year. While this might be true, it was much bigger than only SGA. Many staff, students, families, alumni and community members supported this project. This contributed to the project far surpassing the fundraising goal. The garden plans to open later this year.
Football was a huge highpoint this year as we became bowl eligible for the first time ever. All I can say to encapsulate my excitement on this is that all hands were on deck!
This semester, student government and the UTSA Office of Government Relations took more than 70 students, staff and alumni to the State Capitol. This is the largest number of students we have ever taken to tell our story to our legislatures. Our students were extremely effective in talking about special items and the impact that UTSA has on our statewide community.
I would be remised if I didn't mention what an honor it has been to work alongside Interim President Dr. Pedro Reyes as he has been instrumental in leading our university forward. I am incredibly grateful to him for coming to our campus on a moment's notice to share his leadership and experience as we move forward and await an announcement of a new university president from the UT Board of Regents.
Very soon, a new group of student leaders will take that same oath that my team and I took a year ago, and I can say with complete sincerity that I am incredibly excited for them. We as an institution are on a great trajectory and we have a bright future. I plan to be an active and supportive alum after I graduate this summer.
With that, it has been an honor to serve you, the UTSA community for one incredibly meaningful year of my life. Birds up, and Go 'Runners!
- Andrew Hubbard
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Events
This event will acknowledge graduating seniors from the McNair Scholars program at UTSA before inducting the new cohort of scholars into the program.
North Paseo Building (NPB 5.140), Main CampusAt this memorable celebration, UTSA graduates will be introduced one-by-one to cross the stage and accept their doctoral degrees.
Arts Building Recital Hall, Main CampusRoadrunner Walk is an event for graduating students to have a memorable walk on campus to celebrate an important milestone and their achievements. Graduates will walk along the Paseo while being celebrated by the UTSA community, friends, and family members.
Student Union Paseo, Main CampusCelebrate the accomplishments of College of Education and Human Development, College for Health, Community and Policy, College of Sciences and University College.
Alamodome, 100 Montana St.Celebrate the accomplishments of Alvarez College of Business, College of Liberal and Fine Arts and Klesse College of Engineering and Integrated Design.
Alamodome, 100 Montana St.
