SGA: Trustee position has its perks
By Beth Kalisiak
A & e Editor
Lisa Twardowski, student trustee, began her career in the Student Government Association because her brother was a former SGA president, and some of her friends were involved in SGA her freshman year at IVCC.
"The word, ‘student,’ means that I represent the student body; ‘trustee,’ means I represent the community at large," Twardowski said. "So, it's a fine line, the betterment of the community and students. I have to look out for both. My vote (on the Board of Trustees) is an advisory vote and the board looks to that on student related issues."
As Student Trustee, she is a member of the Board of Trustees and serves on committees such as financial aid appeals, the diversity team, mascot committee, and the referendum steering committee.
As trustees, she also serves on the Illinois Community College Board-Student Advisory Committee. She also has the option to be on the Illinois Board of Higher Education-Student Advisory Committee.
On those committees, student representatives from throughout the state share how and what their schools are doing.
She had the opportunity to serve as IVCC's representative to the Senate at the Association of Community College Trustees Convention, where student trustees from across the nation meet and talk about community colleges. She was one of 12 student trustees in attendance.
"Actually, it was interesting to see that other states don't have student trustees," Twardowski said. "I had to explain to them what my role on the board is. It’s important (role) because the other trustees who are elected by the community aren’t normally on campus, whereas I am on campus everyday.
"I have the insight into what student issues are, as well as different services and needs of the entire college community. It provides a necessary perspective for the board."
Her position in the SGA helped Twardowski find her calling in life.
"Being in these committees and conferences to better help out our school, influenced me to become an event coordinator which led me to my majors."
She will be double majoring in public relations and business management at Illinois State University this fall. Afterwards, Twardowski plans on pursuing a career as an event coordinator for a convention center, individual corporation, or association.