A year of challenges

By Gilbert Davidson
Arizona Daily Wildcat
May 13, 1998

Arizona Daily Wildcat
Gilbert Davidson

As the 1997-98 school year comes to an end, we, the student body, have much to remember and look forward to in the future. While the pain of finals is still lingering in the minds of many, this time of the year is prime for reflections, farewells and relaxation. Like many generations of students before us, we have succeeded in completing another year that has been marked by mind-stirring and soul-moving issues. The issues ranged from the confidentiality of student and employee Social Security numbers, overseas shoe company factories and the growing concern over corporate intrusions to a student fee referendum and the breaking in of a new university president. It was a year full of changes, growth, learning and individual challenges. We agreed on some issues and recognized the differences with others. It was a great year!

The Associated Students began this year with a huge free concert on the UA Mall featuring The Refreshments. ASUA collaborated with the Residence Hall Association, Interfraternity Council and the University Activities Board to welcome students back from summer break. The concert set the stage for an exciting and challenging year. The event sent the message that any student could become involved, debate large campus issues and commit themselves to making a difference in the community.

The Arizona Board of Regents in August approved the planning and development of a new and improved Memorial Student Union. After years of neglect and deficient leadership, the center of the campus community became the center of attention as students throughout campus organized a referendum on a $40-per-semester fee to help pay for the building. The referendum served as a catalyst, making the Student Union the number one talked about issue on campus. Faculty, staff, alumni, parents and even administrators began the long discussion of how to build a new Student Union and who should pay. The referendum failed, but the Student Union succeeded as new plans for fast-track construction were approved by the board of regents a month ago. Although the financing structure has yet to be decided, students will play a key role in designing a new Student Union.

The Student Union issue was indeed one of the biggest events to hit campus in a number of years. I am thankful for the support of the campus and their dedication to speaking up on the issue. I believe we have learned and grown from this experience and hope years from now we can visit the new Student Union and recall our involvement in making this happen.

Although the Student Union issue was large, the proposed Nike deal and the CatCard again brought the campus to life. Students formed new groups and made the university rectify or amend the injustices that surround each issue. ASUA participated (not to everyone's satisfaction) in each of these discussions and will continue to represent students in almost every university function. ASUA is run by students, for the benefit of the students and it attempts to make a difference in all areas of student life. Even though the Arizona Daily Wildcat discounts ASUA's efforts and accomplishments, ASUA has served the student body well.

From a new university president to curriculum changes and new programs in services, ASUA worked to improve the student experience. It was indeed a great year to be a Wildcat and to attend the University of Arizona. I want to thank everyone for their support, dedication and their commitment to this outstanding university. As several thousand students and I prepare to graduate, we leave knowing the university will continue to grow, more difficult issues will arise and future students will engage in many of the same discussions we had. I wish everyone the best of luck, whether you are a continuing student, a new student or graduating to begin another stage of your life. Have a great summer and BEAR DOWN!

Gilbert Davidson is the outgoing ASUA president. He graduates with a degree in public management.