Portrait #13  (4-2004)                                    
Name: April Gillespie
Age: 21
School: University of Tampa
Major: Accounting
Phone: 813-250-4226
E-mail: Agillespie@ut.edu
Favorite book: N/A
Hobbies: Loves to sleep

Previous roles in Student Government:
• Freshman Congress Person
• Residence Hall Association President (two terms) 

Major Campaign Accomplishments
1)Serving students:
     “My platform when running for president included being the voice for students. In order to do this, the SG executive Board has made it a priority to serve the students in everything that we do. To begin this task, we established a motto for ourselves: "A Source of Service." It is noted on all of our advertisements and has recently been printed on t-shirts. We have also started an Issues Booth with our SG Congress. This allows us to follow-up on the issues students have and would like to see resolved.”

2) More active role within campus committees:
     “In this accomplishment, I worked with the Board of Trustees, president, and dean of students to establish a ‘student’ presence on committees important to us. We have always been a part of the Board of Trustees Student Affairs Committee. However, I thought it necessary to have input in other areas. The two colleges are working to re-establish student advisory councils. SG will work with the deans to select members and determine the purpose. We are also currently serving on a sub-committe of the Eduational affairs committee called the academic engagement committee. This is a taskforce that is assessing the "academic friendliness" of our campus. I have also been able to work with the leadership assessment committee and the Alcohol Prevention Coalition.”

3) Establishing SG’s purpose:
     “We have been known amongst students as the ‘piggy bank’ for organizations. However, this year, we thought it important to change our image. This accomplishment basically sums up everything we have done this semester to work with students and departments on campus to show our purpose as a SG.”

Why did you become involved in SG?
     “I enjoy working with an organization that takes initiative and makes changes.  It was an easy way to get involved as a freshman.”

Who is your role model?
     “My role model is my grandpa. He is a wonderful man that enjoys serving others and making a difference.  He stands up for what he believes and is a constant encourager.”

What is your administration’s biggest challenge?
     “Our biggest challenge has been overcoming our image of a ‘piggy bank’.  We have promoted our motto of “A source of service” to get rid of the money image.  It has been successful so far.”

What legacy will your administration leave?
     “The current administration will leave a legacy of teamwork and student interest.  We have made every effort to be the voice of the students and make changes they want.”

How does student body view SG?
     “We are viewed very highly be the student body at this point.”

Describe your relationship with the administration.
     “Our relationship with campus administration is very strong.  We meet twice a semester with the president and monthly with the trustees to discuss issues and campus improvements.”

Describe your relationship with the media.
     “We have a good relationship with the campus media.  The newspaper covers any important topics addressed in Student Government meetings.”

What advice would you give to other SG presidents?
     “Remember you are representing a group of people, not just yourself.  Stay true to what you believe but make your beliefs apparent when campaigning for a position.”

What are your plans after graduation?
     “I plan to attend the University of Florida to pursue my masters of accounting.”

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