TROY, Ala. (TROJANVISION) — For 30 years, the Freshman Forum branch of the Student Government Association (SGA) has provided unique opportunities for all students, not just those in their first year.
The organization was first formed in 1996 and is designed specifically for freshmen to plug in to both student government and Troy University.
“Freshman Forum allows for new students to get tied into campus on a deeper level besides just going here and being a student here,” said SGA President Chris Hood. “As you look across campus at all of our different organizations and you look at the people running those organizations, you see most of them did Freshman Forum at some point.
“I think that really speaks to how Freshman Forum is able to develop leaders.”
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Every year, members of Freshman Forum develop those leadership skills by organizing annual traditions like the Freshman Run. One co-director of Freshman Forum says part of the achievement of reaching thirty years comes from continuing those traditions.
“Thirty years, that’s a big number,” said Josh Thompson, co-director of Freshman Forum. “To us that just means consistency.
“We’ve had a lot of good years behind us and we’re excited to continue the trends and traditions, and also give the new delegation a chance to have new traditions that they bring along as well.”
Freshman Forum has already welcomed in a new batch of members for the school year – a group that SGA has high hopes for.
“I’m so excited, everyone we’ve had in interviews has been incredible,” said Jaycie Smith, co-director of Freshman Forum. “I think the main thing we’re looking for is people who are willing to serve.
“We’re really preaching what you get is what you give and so we want people who are willing to give a lot and put a lot of effort into this organization.”
Smith and Thompson announced on Friday that 54 freshmen have found their place in SGA with the Freshman Forum.
SGA is celebrating more than just 30 years of freshman forum, too. It’s also celebrating its 100th president, as well as Troy University’s 140th birthday.
