2008 Woodie Awards
Sachs sworn into office
Ben Worsley
Issue date: 5/7/08 Section: News
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Sachs took the stage and charismatically promised to help bolster student involvement and unity. He did not explicitly outline policies to implement next year in the same way that former Student Government Association President Andrew Friedson did last year, but Sachs made sure to emphasize the importance of hearing the voices of the students as individuals rather than a collective body.
"We will focus on reaching out to the individual to attempt to personalize each student's experience by actively seeking their input and participation in the SGA and life in this community," he said.
Sachs stressed that, to increase student involvement, the SGA will need to take a more proactive approach.
"We must move from an open-door policy to a door-to-door policy, from an office hours mentality to time in dorms to address the day-to-day issues that we face," he said. "As student body president, it is my job to know what's best for my fellow Terps. But making these judgment calls can only be achieved by seeking out and listening to the diverse student opinions and expertise that exist at Maryland."
Sachs stressed the importance of unity within the student body, citing events like Maryland Day and the Crab Fest as popular ways to bring students together. He also said he believes in the unique character of all students.
"It's important to embrace our individualism rather than fight it," Sachs said. He later added, "We must strive to recognize diversity" for each and every student.
Sachs admitted during his speech that the position of SGA president comes with the great responsibility of tackling many daunting tasks. But he made sure to acknowledge the duties that lay before him may be difficult but will by no means be impossible.
"Difficulty indicates the strength of reaching a major accomplishment," Sachs said, "and is a reason to persevere through it."
Friedson echoed Sachs' sentiments after the event, saying, "It's a difficult position, but no task is insurmountable."
During the inauguration ceremony, 30 legislators and three executives were also sworn in by Vice President of Student Affairs Linda Clement. New SGA Vice President of Academic Affairs Sterling Grimes also gave out awards for the 2007 year's best committee chair, executive, captain member and male and female legislator.
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