SGA divvies out funding
By Sarah Sullivan, staff writer
Posted on February 9, 2007

The SGA passed three bills unanimously, heard five more and formally presented the JMU Student of the Month award at its meeting Tuesday night.

Although the SGA has $15,870.79 in its current funds, the money is dwindling quickly as thousands of dollars are being granted to JMU’s Amnesty International club, Breakdance Club, and Psychology Peer Advising group this week. Both Amnesty International and the Breakdance Club asked for $2,000 and Psychology Peer Advising requested almost $750.

“The money, always goes quickly during the second semester, Executive Treasurer Robert Burden said. “Each organization asking for money has legitimate requests. They will put the money to good use.”

Representatives from each of the on-campus groups requesting funds were present at the meeting. The Breakdance Club spokesperson said that the money they receive from the SGA would go towards Circles, a hip-hop show to benefit charities. In the past, money from the club has gone to Katrina Relief and multiple sclerosis research.

JMU’s Psychology Peer Advising group said its fund raising would benefit food banks and Mercy Corps, among others.

Amnesty International plans to bring Nigerian human rights activist Diana Wiwa to JMU. The Amnesty International spokesperson said students have expressed an interest in human rights issues.

Five more bills from Phi Alpha Theta, the Catholic Campus Ministry, Circle K and the Student Occupational Therapy Association will be debated next week. Each is asking for substantive financial support.

SGA also made the formal presentation of January’s Student of the Month to junior Stephen Lackey.

Lackey is a member of Outriggers Peer Educators, Triathlon Club and Pi Sigma Epsilon. He has also served JMU as a member of the Student Senate and as an Orientation Program Assistant. Said Lackey: “It is an honor like I’ve never received before.”

Said Senate Speaker Stephanie Genco: “Stephen has a commitment to JMU and to the betterment of this campus. It was an easy choice to make.”

Fellow member of Outriggers and Sen. Landry Bosworth nominated Lackey for the award.
 
“He is so open to new members of the club, he is a mentor, a good student and a friendly guy,” Bosworth said. “ He has that personality that everyone at JMU loves.”