To some, he's organized. Others see him as hardworking. Until now, some might have seen him only as another face in the crowd.
A month ago, Michael Piercefield occupied the position of president pro tempore of the Student Government Association. On Aug. 3, Ben Tietz, SGA president, told him he would need to step into the role of SGA vice president, on the same day Olufunmbi Elemo resigned from the same position. Elemo received a citation in April for underage drinking but denied it, even though she signed a legal contract admitting her guilt.
Despite taking on the role a few weeks before school began, Piercefield, a junior, brings experience with him. The business administration major has been an SGA senator since he was a freshman, first serving the at-large caucus and then the off-campus caucus.
However, his involvement in Sigma Epsilon will help him adjust even more, Piercefield said. Tietz is in the same fraternity, and the two live on the same floor.
"I don't know whether I could live without Ben," Piercefield said. "Anytime I've needed anything, I've always asked Ben."
Piercefield said it has been convenient living on the same floor as Tietz.
Tietz also said he felt their friendship will help.
"I've known him for a long time, so I know how he operates," Tietz said. "I think he's going to do a good job."
Piercefield supported the Tietz slate when it ran for office, he said, and is excited to work with the members.
"I'm definitely very excited to serve the administration," he said. "I want to pick up where Funmbi left off."
Piercefield will work on getting more recycling bins and better lighting for campus, and creating shelters for smokers so they don't leave cigarette butts on the ground in front of entrances, he said.
Piercefield said it will be easy for senators to come to him with problems.
"I'm a very personable and open individual," he said. "It's important for students to know they can e-mail me."
Sen. Katie Carlson said he was the first person she went to for support last year when she started a petition for a student representative on the presidential search committee.
"He'll always stand up for what he thinks is right," Carlson said. "I knew he would take it on as his issue as well."
Sen. Steve Geraci, who ran against Piercefield last spring for president pro tempore, said he thinks Piercefield will fill the role well.
"On a personal level, I couldn't think of anyone more qualified," Geraci said. "He's been a good role model for me."
Geraci also said Piercefield was the most organized senator.
"He had impeccable notes and record keeping," Geraci said.
Though Piercefield spent a semester involved with Circle K and has been an Interfraternity Council representative, he said his internships prepared him the most for his new role.
This summer, he worked at the U.S. Embassy in Russia running the aquatics program. During the summer of 2003, he was a supervisor for Indianapolis pools. In both cases, he had to make sure employees were doing their jobs and oversaw schedules. Piercefield said the managerial experience has helped him the most.
Piercefield does not plan on running for office next year, though, he said. He plans on graduating in December 2005, and said he would like to own a business.
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