New team at the Students’ Association

A fresh student team have taken up their sabbatical posts at the University of St Andrews Students’ Association this month, and are preparing for what promises to be a busy year. After success in the cross campus election in March, Andrew Keenan, Georgina Rannard, Phil Pass and Matthew Guest will be leading student events, activities and representation for the coming year, whilst Sam Roberts will be heading up the Athletic Union

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Andrew (22) from North Berwick is looking forward to his second year as President of the SA after winning his re-election campaign – the second student president in recent years to do so. Graduating in 2008 with an MA in Arabic and Middle Eastern Studies, as an undergraduate Andrew was Editor in Chief of award-winning student newspaper The Saint from 2006 to 2007. He was also Press Officer for the successful FS:08 Fashion Show, which raised over £28,000 for charity.

He’s looking forward to continuing the work of the last year, particularly the extensive redevelopment of the Union building, the University’s 600th Anniversary celebrations and a complete review of the Association’s operations, streamlining society funding and support.

He said “It’s a really exciting time to be a part of the University and student community, and I’m glad that I’ve got a second term to see through some of the major projects and challenges facing the Students’ Association.”

Georgina Rannard (23), taking on the role of Director of Representation, is from Liverpool and has just completed a degree in Modern History. She has been president of the OneWorld Society running fairtrade and ethical investment campaigns, and most recently has been the Rector’s Assessor, after organising Kevin Dunion’s successful rectorial election campaign last October.

This year she wants to focus on improving the academic advising system, the provision of affordable accommodation, and sustainability issues within the student body and the University. “A central part of this is how the university communicates and consults with students, something which has been steadily improving but needs further work.” Georgina said.

“I’m looking forward to working with the other sabbaticals on the redevelopment of the Students’ Association, as well as meeting lots of new students when semester starts!”

New Director of Events & Services is Phil Pass (22) from Manchester, who graduated with MA in Geography & Management and is hoping to put his acquired management skills to good use in what promises to be a busy year.

Phil’s remit extends from organising the Fresher’s Week programme through to Graduation Ball – and every event in between. “I’m really looking forward to being able to organise what I hope will be a year’s worth of events to remember – the aim is to keep up our regular events, but to really push Saturday nights as a night to experiment and provide something a little different to the norm.”

Phil is also seen to maintain a sustained programme of live DJs, bands and stage shows throughout the year, but is hoping to develop other areas of the Association too.  “I am also tasked with working with and publicising the bars, catering, shop and other commercial services of the Association to ensure that they continue to provide what students need and want, and with bringing sponsorship opportunities into the Union – all money that can be used to help fund societies and representation in the long term.”

Phil has been a member of the cricket club, management society and led the Entertainments Crew. Heavily involved with the student theatre scene, he’s worked on over 50 different productions and has also served for a year as Accommodation Officer.

Matthew Guest (22), is from Southport and has taken up the post of Director of Student Development and Activities, having graduated in June with a 2.1 in Classics. He’s been involved in a range of extracurricular activities, from the Hamilton Hall Committee to working on stage crews and the ‘Theatre Odyssey’ group.

More recently, he has been the Community Relations Officer for the Students’ Association, which he sees as good preparation for the job, “It’s been a fantastic opportunity to meet not only many different students but also to work with several groups in the town.”

Looking ahead to the coming year Matthew said, “I want to continue to improve the whole student experience in any way I can – from working closely with the Careers Centre and University departments and raising awareness of what the Students’ Association does; to promoting our many diverse and exciting societies.”

Sam Roberts (22), is from Edinburgh and is taking a year out between his 3rd and 4th years of an Art History degree. He has been the Captain of the Canoe club for the past year, and is beginning his term in office by leading a complete operational review within the Athletic Union.

Plans for the rest of the summer include building on the groundwork of his predecessor to launch the ‘Saints Sport’ brand which will encompass all sporting activity at St Andrews.

ENDS

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Issued by the Press Office, University of St Andrews
Contact Philippa Dunn, Assistant Press Officer on 01334 462530 / 462529, Mobile: 07828 066734 or Email: [email protected]
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