SGA rounds out year with funding requests, benefit dinner and new senator

By: Emmalee Anglemyer

Staff-Writer & Layout Editor

On April 18, the Student Government Association approved multiple funding requests and appointed a new senator for the 2025-2026 school year.

Diverse Titans, a collaboration between IU South Bend’s various diversity clubs, presented their annual Cedar Point trip to the SGA. The trip is open to all, and the reservation period ends on May 17. The trip will take place on May 22, departing at 6:30 a.m. and arriving back in South Bend around midnight. Diverse Titans is asking $40 for a ticket and meal voucher via Venmo, CashApp or cash per attending student. Email [email protected] to reserve a spot.

Due to an administrative error from the previous academic year, the SGA already funded the trip, but they reaffirmed their approval of the request. 

The Student Occupational Therapy Association (SOTA) presented plans to send a representative to the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA) Conference in Philadelphia. The SGA voted to fund the trip for up to $1,105.19 for travel and hotel expenses. The SOTA representative will take notes on panels and bring research back to share with the club, professors and advisers. 

Gamer’s Guild asked the SGA for reimbursement for their Valentine’s Holiday with Gamer’s Guild event, receiving $107 for food and a new board game purchased for the event. The event was open to all students and encouraged students to play games and write poetry.

Finally, the Diversity and Inclusion Committee was granted $1,223 for food for their Mocktails and Memories event on April 25. The event is intended to honor seniors and student leaders in diverse affinity clubs. 

SGA Adviser Scott Strittmatter offered encouragement to the group during his report.

“I just wanted to applaud you all for getting this far, and I know a lot of you, your tank is empty,”  he said. “Make sure you’re giving others that grace and forgiveness, just also make sure you’re giving yourself that grace and forgiveness. Make sure you’re finding at least small ways to come out and recharge your battery so you don’t burn out.”

The Philanthropy Committee proudly announced that they raised over $3,000 at this year’s benefit dinner in support of Global Survival for Peace.

In new business, Tye Johnson was appointed to the senate for the 2025-2026 school year. 

Johnson is a first-year transfer from Ivy Tech and majors in criminal justice. He said he hopes to become a leader and wishes to use his position in the SGA to become more involved on campus and be a voice for campus diversity.

“We are more than just a school,” Johnson said. “We are a family, a team.”

The SGA will hold their final meeting and transition of power on May 2 from 10:15 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. in SAC 225. All SGA meetings are public, and students are encouraged to attend.