The Barbara Hand Student Senate Scholarship
Barbara Hand, Staff Emerita (2024), was not only a organizer for the Student Government Association (SGA) before her retirement in 2021, but was the “Campus Mom” to her students, staff and faculty alike. Barbara not only played a supportive role to the Student Government, she also shared her knowledge about Westfield State and set an example of professionalism to the students she served. Over her thirty-one years, she committed much of her time, including nights and weekends to ensure the success of meetings and events.
SGA is the longest standing open forum on campus. SGA consists of a 75 member Legislature and eight-member Executive Council. The Executive Council is selected annually through a campus election held in the spring. The Legislature is made up of elected representative students from each Class and Residence Hall, Commuters, Multicultural Representation, Community Relations/Fundraising Representative and Representatives at large.
The function of the Student Government Association is to represent student interests within all academic and social aspects of the university community. SGA maintains representation on the university governance committees in which students, faculty, and administrators work together to evaluate the university curriculum and create university policies and standards.
SGA also helps to sponsor campus events and activities to enhance student life through allocations from the Student Senate Trust Fund (which is made up of the Student Activities Fee). SGA maintains a great emphasis on programming for students during the week and on weekends through the Campus Activities Board. The Campus Activities Board is open to all students regardless of SGA standing.
Our committees in SGA have a reputation in the Westfield community for helpful and sincere volunteer work. It is a continuous and never-ending goal of SGA to help the student body maintain a healthy relationship with the surrounding community.
SGA’s purpose is so diverse that there is something for everyone. No matter what your major is or what your interests are, SGA is right for you! SGA provides an excellent opportunity to have your voice heard by the faculty and administration. Your participation in SGA will help you learn valuable skills in leadership and teamwork as well as being a great way to meet new people. Don’t sit by and watch things happen – get involved!
Impact
“I am so truly grateful to have been selected to receive this wonderful scholarship. I love my community and will continue to play an active role in it, as I greatly enjoy it and I also love helping others.”
-Julia Lahaie ’18, Movement Science
“As the Vice President of Finance for the 2018-19 academic year, I hope that I can continue to make an impact and push for positive change on campus. I truly appreciate the continued support of the Student Senate Scholarship for Westfield State University and the students.”
-Thalita Neves ’21, Criminal Justice
“Student Government has been one of the best things I have done at Westfield State. It has taught me so much and has given me invaluable experience that I will use throughout my career at Westfield State and my life.”
-Mitchell McKittrick ’22, Ethnic and Gender Studies
“Student Government Association has helped me grow into the leader I am today. Without the support of the students and faculty that work in and with Student Government, I would not have had the opportunities at Westfield State that I needed to get to where I am today. I want to thank you for awarding me the Student Senate Scholarship as it will allow me to continue my educational career and achieve my lifelong goals.”
-Aaron Lessing ’23, Criminal Justice and Political Science
“I am so grateful to have been chosen, as this financial help will grant me the opportunity to further my education without the burden of extensive student debt. I assure you that I do not take this scholarship lightly, and will to the best of my ability continue to be a strong representative of Westfield State University through student leadership opportunities.”
-Kaitlyn Egan ’24, Criminal Justice and Sociology