Vice President

Erin Durgin

The very first weekend I arrived at SUNY Cortland as a freshman I went to the club fair and inquired about SGA. Within the first week of starting college, I had received 100 student signatures and was officially a senator at Cortland. Becoming a senator was my first step in meeting tons of people and showing my smiling face around campus. I attended every senate meeting, running from my late math class to Corey Union, even when I didn’t feel as though I served a purpose at the meetings. Becoming a senator taught me responsibility as well as leadership skills because instead of staying in my room watching cable (although very appealing to me because I grew up with only 10 channels), I chose attending the meetings because I knew that was my duty. After being a senator for my entire freshman year, I was encouraged to apply for an Executive Board position. I received the job as the Vice Treasurer, assisting the Treasurer in many ways. I attended financial board every Sunday, taking the minutes and writing letters to the clubs that came in asking for contingency with the final verdict of our meeting. The Vice Treasurer position taught me budgeting and math skills. I attended the multi cultural retreat. For the 2011 Holiday Party, I dressed up as Mrs. Claus, handing out presents to children of Cortland employees, singing to them, and talking to them about what they were wishing for when the holiday arrives. After the first semester of my sophomore year, I switched into the Executive Assistant to the Vice President.  As Tara’s assistant, I learned exactly what the duties and roles of the Vice President are. Together we worked on a Senator newsletter and picked out decorations for the 2012 Leadership banquet. I attend faculty senate every other week, and am a voting member. I served on the search committee to find a new Dean of Education. I am a member of gospel choir and academic grievance tribunal. I play intramural sports as well. I decided to run for Vice President because I feel passionately about being a resource for the club members. I received a leadership award in 2012 by Women of Color, as well as remaining on the Dean’s List.