Student Federation President junior Christian Wiese announced his resignation from the organization at the April 7 meeting after his younger brother died.
Christian Wiese | Courtesy
During the April 7 meeting, Student Federation President junior Christian Wiese announced his resignation following his younger brother’s unexpected death.
“I need to take a step back and do some thinking and grieving,” he said. “I would like to say many thanks to everyone on campus for being so supportive and encouraging during this difficult season.”
Vice President junior Joseph Spica will swear in as president Thursday, April 21. While Van Andel Graduate School of Statesmanship Rep. Andrew Heim, Chi Omega Rep. junior Emma Klaserner, and Independent Rep. sophomore Christie Mittelstaedt were eligible for the vice president nomination, Heim and Klaserner decided not to run, leaving Mittelstaedt to take Spica’s place. Heim said the graduate students elect their representative on a semesterly basis, and running for the position would preemptively elect himself for the fall.
Director of Student Activities Anthony Manno said Wiese needs to do what’s best for him.
“He’s good at what he does,” Manno said. “I’m going to miss him.”
Wiese said he will miss serving on the federation, as well.
“I really love Student Fed,” Wiese said. “I have appreciated the discussions that have happened. Everyone has been respectful and, in my opinion, encouraging of one another.”
Spica said he feels comfortable taking the new position because Wiese and the current board set a good foundation.
Student Fed also fully funded requests from Students Activities Board and Lighthouse, Hillsdale’s mental health awareness club.
The federation members unanimously approved SAB’s $6,214.99 request for the 10th annual Centralhallapalooza, or CHP, a decrease from $7,000 last year and $10,500 two years ago.
Manno said SAB had to budget less money this year for CHP because it has held more frequent, smaller events this year for people to notice SAB’s presence more often. The group also has done frequent giveaways to encourage participation in surveys and athletic events.
Director of SAB senior Corinne Wiggins said since CHP is one of the group’s most-attended events, SAB conducted surveys in order to receive feedback about where best to spend the money. Students responded they wanted more money toward food so that it would last all night and more student bands. With a lower performance and production cost this year, SAB has more money for food and catering.
Additionally, Manno said because the right atmosphere makes the event memorable, decorations are a point of emphasis this year.
Last year’s decorations were less expensive due to the rustic theme. This year’s decorations, unlike hay, are more expensive, SAB Events Coordinator junior Shelby Phillips said.
The event, scheduled for April 30, is arguably one of the most foundational traditions to the student body of Hillsdale, Wiggins said.
Lighthouse received $530 for food and speaker’s traveling costs for its fifth Behind the Stigma event held April 6. The speaker, mental health counselor Ashley Culver, spoke to approximately 120 people about self-harm and the mindsets that contribute to it.
In addition to approving the funds, Student Fed also commemorated the professor of the month for February.
Assistant Professor of Politics Adam Carrington received the award for his appearance on a radio show to discuss the death of Justice Antonin Scalia and an article he published, which Hillsdale College’s website featured.
“Dr. Carrington is loved by all his students, even though he is a Cincinnati Reds fan,” Alpha Tau Omega Rep. senior Tyler Warman said. “He facilitates an engaging discussion that sparks curiosity in even the most cynical Constitution 101 student.”
Warman highlighted the hard work Carrington puts into every lecture as well as his genuine care for all of his students and eagerness to resolve concerns.
“It’s a very great honor, and very much appreciate it, even if I feel completely undeserving,” Carrington said.
Student Federation will have one more meeting on April 22 before the end of the semester. Students can submit suggestions for campus improvements to Independent Rep. freshman Tom Ryskamp at tryskamp@hillsdale.edu before then.
For those interested in becoming involved with Student Fed, it is holding a coffee social on Monday, April 18, and representatives will answer questions and provide more details.
