Portrait #19  (11-2004)                                    
Name: Emma Depew
Age: 21
School: Florida Southern College
Major: Political Science/International Studies
Phone: 863-680-3767
E-mail: edepew@flsouthern.edu
Favorite book: Maeve Binchy by Tara Road
Hobbies: singing, sailing, reading, writing, and anything at the beach

Previous roles in Student Government:
• Organization Representative
• Safety Committee Chair
• Natural Science Senator
• VP of Academics
• Senate Public Relations Committee Chair
• Executive VP

Major Campaign Accomplishments:
     “A student priority survey (about 10% of the students responded) was sent out to FSC students with issues and concerns ranging anywhere from cafeteria food to the student health center. This was completed, the results were collected, and I set an action plan for this year based on what the students truly cared about. While campaigning, I promised the students a more accurate representation of their concerns and the student survey was extremely helpful in evaluating and addressing those concerns.
     I focused on a stronger, more open connection between the students and their SGA.  This was addressed by creating regularly scheduled office hours and contact info for the SG officers. Now the students know when, where, and how they can find their SG officers and use us to our fullest potential.”

Why did you become involved in SG?
     “I attended a few of the SGA House meetings as a representative on behalf of some of my campus organizations and I loved it immediately! SGA was a great way to get involved around campus, make new friends, and invest in the future of my college.”

Who is your role model?
     “My biggest influence for as long as I can remember has been my mom.  My relationship with my mom has been dependence—she raised me alone as a young and single working mother. She showed me how to be a successful, independent woman in today's world. Because she was young when I was born, we’ve developed a very close friendship as I've grown older.  She provides spiritual encouragement, emotional support, and inspires me to reach for the things I’d never have considered otherwise.”

What is your administration’s biggest challenge?
     “Our biggest challenge so far has been an abnormal series of hurricane disruptions. Lakeland sits in the center of the cross-sections for the paths of three of these storms, making the beginning of our academic calendar a bit rocky. We have missed more than 10 days of classes, destroying any sort of routine expected by students. SGA has been trying very hard to compensate and recover in terms of our service and support for students. The constant, unpredictable schedule has been very challenging, but we're anticipating smooth sailing for the remainder of the semester.”

What legacy will your administration leave?
     “SGA has grown exponentially in success in the past three years. We’ve created solidified, consistent procedures and legislation. We’ve spent three years setting the SGA of Florida Southern up to experience the success we always knew was possible. My administration is excited to leave a legacy with even higher standards and expectations for next year. We're thrilled to be pursuing new projects to benefit the students as well as maintain and improve the existing projects we’ve worked so hard to establish in past years. We're raising the bar.”

How does student body view SG?
     “Four years ago, the students didn't know what the letters S-G-A stood for at all. SGA was a mystery. Now, in such a short amount of time, SGA's image on campus has made a complete 180. We’re the liaison between the students and the administration. We’ve become the voice of the students AND the facilitators for the changes FSC has needed so badly. The students see SGA as the movers and the shakers here on campus.”

Describe your relationship with the administration.
     “We have a great relationship with the campus administration. They’re actively involved with us. We strive to be incredibly respectful and cooperative on both sides. The SGA President has even been granted an invitation to the College's Board of Trustees meetings. It's such a privilege to be able to have such an open, respectful relationship with the administration.”

Describe your relationship with the media.
     “We’ve been working very hard to make headlines in our campus newspaper, The Southern. Luckily, they’ve recently agreed to allow us to submit a few articles of our own. They’ve designated a reporter especially working with SGA and she attends our meetings and events to keep the student population aware of our news.”

What advice would you give to other SG presidents?
     “Get involved. Don't just be active—be involved. Invest in your time in college ASAP!”

What are your plans after graduation?
     “I'd love to travel for a year. I'll probably apply for an International Mission Work program. In the future, I'm looking to get my masters degree and work in international adoption.”

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