SIC Announces Student Government for 2022-23

The Southeastern Illinois Student Government held an inauguration ceremony Thursday, Oct. 13, to induct new members and swear in officers. There are 20 seats on the student government held by students from all around Southern Illinois. A member of each major campus club has the opportunity to serve on the board to ensure a diverse campus representation along with eight senators elected from the student body.

The group, which meets bi-monthly, hosts activities and works with SIC administrators to make improvements to campus that are important to the student body. Last year, the group worked to bring improvements to the Harry C. Bramlet Fitness Center, which is located above Deaton Gym. By the start of fall semester, the fitness center was completely walled in with glass panels and has tons of new exercise equipment. In other years they partnered with the school administration on projects including new furniture, the Tornado Memorial, and renovating the patio and fountain located outside the Student Center.

Student government hosts an American Red Cross Blood Drive in the spring, co-hosts video game tournaments in November and March with Math and Science Club, and brings speakers to campus to discuss current events. The organization also operates Freddie’s Food pantry on campus.

“We are also reopening Freddie’s Food Pantry this fall for the first time since COVID to meet the needs of students with food insecurity,” said President Jillian Womack of Eldorado, who is also a member of SIC’s award-winning Model Illinois Government team.

The club also enjoys activities amongst themselves, such as a fall cookout and scavenger hunt which helps them build camaraderie. Sponsors for SIC Student Government are Matt Lees, political science instructor, and senior director of campus events, Kellye Whitler.

Officers and Senators for the 2022-23 SIC Student Government pictured in the front row (l-r) are Hannah Janssen of Golconda, Kansas Larson of Eldorado representing Circle K, Devin Rankin of Carmi (Student Trustee), Addison Bean of Harrisburg (Vice President), Briley Watts of Johnston City (Treasurer), Gracie Behnke of Harrisburg (Secretary), Jillian Womack of Eldorado (President), and Bailey Warner of Harrisburg representing Theta Sigma Phi.

Middle Row (l-r) are Jackie Fedele of Carrier Mills representing the PN Nursing Club, Brooklin Butler of Harrisburg, Avery Hicks of Golconda, Brylee Bayer of Equality, Madison Helsel of Carmi, and Natalie Marvel of Harrisburg representing the PN Nursing Club.

Back row (l-r) are Sponsor Matt Lees, Chloe Williams of Harrisburg representing Phi Theta Kappa, Lisa Sandoval of Harrisburg representing the ADN nursing club, Wyatt Crane of Shawneetown, Peyton Arnold of Harrisburg representing Math & Science Club, and Bentley Linch of Harrisburg. Not pictured are Jacob Ellison of Junction and Sponsor Kellye Whitler.

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