Student Government Association President Ben Tietz started his academic year off with a difficult decision, one that some feared would define his entire term before it ever really began.
In August, he asked then-Vice President Olufunmbi Elemo to resign from her position following her denial of an underage drinking citation in April 2004. Michael Piercefield was then asked to step-up to the position. With the rough start put behind them, Tietz and his slate began moving forward as best they could.
If Tietz leaves behind a single legacy of his term, it's that dedication from start to finish can mean the difference between success and failure for a slate.
Criticism often finds its way to SGA presidents after a few months into their term, usually for a lack of achievement at the given time. It can be argued that presidents and their respective team members seem dormant while in office, and accomplish very little, if at all during their term. For many constituents, it becomes a game of "beat the clock."
Early on, it appeared as if Tietz would fit that stereotype. As time went on, though, the trend and model Tietz was following became clear to us. Looking back, it can be said that the majority of Team Tietz's platform goals were met only after the bulk of this academic year had passed.
We used to see a problem in this, but again: We now realize these things take time.
Student government is not a well-oiled machine. There are methods and processes involved from beginning to end, and more often than not, the executive members work independently from those students in the senate. Tietz made his best effort to work with senators, but acknowledged that fact that that branch of legislature had its own agenda, as well. Instead of trying to beat the system, Tietz worked within his powers to accomplish goals which he knew were achievable within the given time frame.
It's a mold that we hope future SGA presidents will follow, short of an entire system overhaul. Team Tietz promised results in the long-term, and in the end, it delivered.
From longer library hours and professor names on course registration to emergency call boxes and the return of co-sponsorship, Team Tietz met its goals.
Above all else, though, Tietz cared about representing his constituents. It was visible in both his actions and in his words. His executive partners, Vice President Michael Piercefield, Secretary Kathy Spenos and Treasurer Matt Filer were well-selected and as equally compassionate about their positions.
Even on Tietz's final day in office, the slate met with students Tuesday night during the final open forum of its term. The monthly forums were part of the slate's efforts to reach out to Ball State students, something Tietz stood strong on during his campaigning during Spring 2004 and held through the very end of his term.
And so, it was only in time that we began to realize a valued truth of this administration. Along with the members of his slate, the compassion Tietz has shown from his role in student governance is worthy of high praise.
It will be a difficult void to fill.
Read More
Three Air Jam teams take home the win
October 12, 2012Nineteen teams shimmied, shook and flipped for a sold out John R. Emens Auditorium on Thursday night during the 25th annual Air Jam.
Bill Clinton Speaks at North Central High School
October 12, 2012Former President's Speech Could Have Effect on State Senate Race
