By: RYAN LOHMAN
Staff Writer
ryanlohman@gmail.com
The Student Government Association Senate approved a request for $1,500 from the History Club Friday to fund a two-day trip to the Henry Ford Museum in Dearborn, Mich. and multiple historical sites in Toledo, Ohio.
Assistant professor of history Dr. Tim Willig and History Club president Willard Bontrager requested $1,209.03 to pay for four mini-van rentals, lodging at a motel and the cost of admission to some of the sites. The students, they said, would be responsible for $30 each.
After the Henry Ford Museum, the group plans to visit Fort Meigs near Toledo. Willig said the American fort was the site of battles during the War of 1812.
“I’ve lectured on these things many times in my classes,” he said to the senate. “I’ve always wanted to take classes to these sites. This is a big first.”
Senator Danielle Cagle made a motion to fund the trip up to $1,500 instead of the requested amount. The additional money, she said, was to help pay for food.
“I think this is a great trip,” she said. “They did their homework. That deal for hotel rooms is great.”
All senators present voted in favor of Cagle’s motion.
The senate also voted to allocate funds to pay for food for the Department of Criminal Justice Career Fair on March 6.
Assistant professor Dr. Jennifer Colanese requested money to pay for pizzas which will be served to the organizations taking part in the career fair.
The fair will provide students with an opportunity to interact with representatives from the St. Joseph County Prosecutor’s office, The Juvenile Justice Center, the Drug Enforcement Administration and many more, Colanese said.
In the past, some students who attended the fair found jobs within the field of criminal justice, she said.
Senator Corey Sheets made a motion to allocate $200 for the event.
“I think this is benefiting our students,” he said. “Even if you get 12 students who get jobs [from the fair] it’s worth it.”
All senators present voted in favor with one exception. Senator Danielle Cagle abstained from the vote citing a conflict of interest.
