Dear New and Returning NIU Students:

Welcome to another bountiful year at Northern Illinois University!

This year is all about wealth and wanting more. I want students to be greedy in their university experience. We have a responsibility to improve the quality of life and learning on this campus for ourselves and for future generations of NIU students, so we must constantly ask for more.

First and foremost, you are here to complete your degree. It is a daunting and privileged task, and the SA is here to help. There are hundreds of deadlines that must be met and a mountain of papers to read and write that will ensure success. I want the SA to be your wealth of information in that quest by consolidating this data and placing it at your fingertips.

But, completing your degree requires a lot more than simply going to classes and studying. Learning is more than books and exams. Your college years are often called the best years of your life. You should be rich in your life here at NIU, but you should not have to spend a fortune to enjoy it.

Figuratively speaking, this richness can be found in our social diversity. There are nearly 200 student organizations — including Greek fraternities and sororities, pre-professional organizations, and social clubs – recognized by the SA and ready to welcome new members. We will hold an organizational expo this fall to introduce you to those opportunities.

Literally speaking, higher education should be affordable at best and accommodating at least. Part of our responsibility in student government is to keep an eye on the university and state administrations and to persuade them to control the rising costs of degree completion. We will do everything in our power to communicate your need to our representatives and to influence their sympathy toward your plight.

But, your wealth is not yet secure. It is only yours if you choose to claim it. Claim it by taking advantage of NIU and the rich community it offers. And, increase it by telling us how we can invest your interests.

The Student Association is here to work as your brokers. Anyone is capable of hatching an idea to better the quality of life and learning on the campus, but making it work requires individuals committed to following the idea to implementation.

On Sept. 23 and 24, you will have the opportunity to elect your senators, your direct representatives to the SA. They are expected to be responsive to your needs, bringing your issues to the front and advocating the appropriate responses. It is your responsibility to keep them accountable to their mission.

Cooperation between the branches of government and you, the student, can accomplish amazing things. Together, we can work to enhance your wealth of education and richness of life over the next few years of your university experience. Spend and invest these treasures wisely, and always be seeking more.