Junior journalism major John Trierweiler was elected by a majority in an April 6 vote as Student Government Association president for the 2010-2011 academic year.

Trierweiler has been active in the association for the past two years. He first served as journalism senator, was promoted to vice president of communications and later became executive vice president. The April 6 vote allowed him to represent the student body, currently represented by Jessica Valerio, where he will tackle key issues he said the student body would want addressed.

Trierweiler was elected by the SGA board in front of which he presented his platform and a three-minute speech detailing what he intends to do in his new role.  Trierweiler said there are three main issues he wants to confront as president.



He said because student affordability is one of the most important issues facing college students across the country and the state, it tops his list of priorities. He added that following last year’s Monetary Award Program grant fight and lobbying in Springfield, Ill., he will continue to fight to keep the funds in place.

He also considers affordable transit to take precedence because along with many of his fellow Columbia students, he is a commuter. He said although the SGA has come close to getting Metra to provide students with discounted fares with the Coalition of Chicago City Colleges, he wants to work independently through Columbia to try to carry out the effort.

The third issue Trierweiler considers a top priority is the construction of a student center on campus. “We’ve got over 12,500 students,” he said. “We’re one of the best art schools in country and we still do not have a single place where all students can collaborate together. We need that sense of community and structure.”

Trierweiler said by the end of next year he is hopeful there will be plans in place to build a center on campus. Aldo Guzman, SGA advisor, said Trierweiler is an exceptional student for the position because he is focused, knowledgeable and involved with advocating on both an institutional level and a community level.

“He’s really committed to work, represent and advocate to the student population at Columbia,” Guzman said. “He is also committed to work with the institution, staff, faculty and administration to make sure the student body’s needs are heard and considered when decisions are being made.”

Valerio said  she  is  excited  to  pass  the role on to Trierweiler and continue to work with him in his position. She added that because of his experience with the association over the past few years, he is a great candidate for the position.

“Given his history with Student Government Association and the depths he has been able to experience, he’s an excellent candidate for the position,” Valerio said.

Since the beginning of his involvement he has been instrumental in crossing strong relationships throughout the staff, faculty and administrators, and made sure that as chair of the senate he effectively ran the  meetings smoothly, she said.

“John is one of the most articulate people I know,” Valerio said. “It’s very important in the president’s position because you are meeting with administration and institutional bodies communicating to the staff and faculty as to what topics are on the students’ minds or concerns within Columbia they have and he’ll be able to articulate topics and concerns appropriately.”

Valerio said that although she didn’t run for election this year, during her two terms as SGA president she has formed strong relationships, friendships and connections that have shaped her experience at Columbia. She plans to work with Trierweiler during his transition and help him work out any issues he may have.

“I’m going to be very involved in SGA, but at a different angle,” Valerio said. “I’m going to be be working with John, mentoring him and helping with his transition as much as he wants me there and needs my support and I’m excited to do that.