Student Senate president resigns

At the conclusion of the Jan. 25 Student Senate meeting, Leigh Monson announced that he would be stepping down as active president.

Citing personal and academic reasons, Monson thanked the audience and requested that no one approach him to seek further comments at the meetings conclusion.

Tyler Halverson and Matthew Faveere then took the floor and thanked Monson for his good work during his fall 2010 presidency.

“It was because of Leigh and former director Aaron Bergman that I am on senate,” said Faveere.

The senators and guests responded by giving Monson a round of applause.

Following the meeting, College of Business and Economics Representative Andrew Jirele said, “I wish Leigh the best in life and know that his intention on arriving at this decision is for the benefit of the Student Association.”

Senator Jayne Dalton said she hopes that the senate continues to build on the legacy created by Monson.

Written in the Student Senate bylaws, when the presidency becomes suddenly open, the vice president assumes the presidents role on an interim basis. Jason Keck, former vice president, took on the presidency at the Feb. 2 Senate Meeting. Ashley Goettl, who was a former senator, was then was appointed as vice president.

After hearing Monson renounce his presidency Jan. 25, Keck said he was shocked to realize that he would be acting as president for the remainder of the spring semester.

“I’m indifferent about it,” Keck said, “It will be a challenge and good learning experience.”

Monson said he is confident in Keck’s abilities to serve as president.

The direction of the Student Senate is unclear because their largest hurtle, the Falcon Promise, was settled at the previous senate meeting, Monson said.

Monson added, “there were a lot of internal conflicts and one of my main goals was to foster cooperation and I hope that is to be retained in the years to come.”