The Student Activity Center promoted its two associate directors this week.
Peter Konwerski, associate director of SAC, will begin a new role as the executive director of the Marvin Center and SAC.
It’s a new position, Konwerski said. It’s sort of a merger of student activities and events conference with the Marvin Center.
Konwerski said his role will be to support the staff and create opportunities to support students.
I think we have done a lot over the last few months to bring in a staff of young, energetic people and we couple that with the talented people we have in SAC, Konwerski said.
Laura Finnegan, who has worked with SAC for five years, will serve as director of student activities.
Konwerski and Finnegan have worked together as associate directors of SAC since August of 1997.
I think we have a team approach this year, Finnegan said. With Peter working with both staffs, it will be a natural link.
Finnegan said she was excited about SAC’s plans for this year, which include the establishment of the Leadership Enrichment Achievement Development Center (LEAD), which oversees student leadership programs and Triple Play, a program that encourages non-alcoholic events.
I would like to have as good a year if not better than last year, Finnegan said. We are always looking for new and creative ways to program and get students involved.
Although she does not expect any major changes, Finnegan said she wants students to be as excited about the new activities as we are.
Mike Gargano, assistant vice president for Student Academic and Support Services, said Konwerski’s new position will fuse two positions by developing a greater focus.
Gargano also said that as the undergraduate population grows, the Marvin Center staff will face several challenges in order to provide additional services. Gargano said it might lead to the ground floor staying open 24 hours a day.
Our principle goal . is that we want to see students are served in their Marvin Center use, Konwerski said.
Konwerski said the Marvin Center staff will use student input to create better hours to establish itself as a location where students want to be.
As the University moves into the next phase of Marvin Center renovation, in refurbishing the ballroom and expanding the 21st Street atrium, among other tasks, the Marvin Center will continue to provide better services.
People describe the Marvin Center as a home away from home and our goal is to provide services to staff who can help assist students in any number of functions, Konwerski said.
