The Andrews University Student Association has turned 100 years old as of this year, and the future of Andrews and its student leadership is looking bright. In the present, the AUSA student government is sponsored by Dean Philip DeLeon, who also serves as the Associate Dean for Student Involvement, Leadership, and Activities. Student Association President, Aya Pagunsan (senior, nursing), has served as an officer for two years now. Along with President Pagunsan is a full cabinet of officers who work together on behalf of the general Andrews University student body. The fellow officers are:
Executive Vice President: Andrew Rappette (senior, information systems)
Religious Vice President: Meryen Gonzalez (sophomore, digital communications: public relations)
Financial Vice President: Joshua Deonarine (senior, finance)
Social Vice President: Hailey Prestes (junior, architecture)
Executive Secretary: Franky Paypa (senior, physical therapy)
Student Services Director: Loren Manrique (senior, animal science)
Public Relations Director: Jeannshy Erazo (junior, psychology)
CAST and Cardinal (Yearbook) Editor: Elizabeth Dovich (junior, communications)
Student Movement (Newspaper) Editor-in-Chief: Alannah Tjhatra (senior, biochemistry)
Graphic Designer: Taylor Humphrey (senior, graphic design)
Rec Center Manager: Timmy Duado (senior, marketing and communications)
Parliamentarian: Rock Choi (junior, exercise science)
In order to talk more about the history of the Andrews University Student Association, I was able to interview both Dean DeLeon and Student President Aya Pagunsan.
When exactly and why was AUSA established?
DeLeon: According to Andrews University Archivist and Records Manager, Kaleigh Buckner, “The first mention of the Student Association in the Student Movement was in the December 1922 issue.” As to why it was started, the 1942 Student Association Constitution states that “The objective of this Association shall be to foster student activities as manifested in various campaigns, spiritual and social edification and to give representation to the students in such forms of student government as may at any time be adopted.”
What were some of the early accomplishments and events by the first generations of AUSA?
DeLeon: Kaleigh Buckner writes, “One early accomplishment…was that the AUSA created a new school song for Emmanuel Mission College (EMC) in 1923. Some events that they put on in those first few years were the Harvest Ingathering, a College Building and Extension Fund Campaign, and Week of Prayers were also put on by the AUSA.”
How long have you been a part of AUSA?
DeLeon: I became the sponsor of AUSA in August of 2021. I also was a student of Andrews.
Pagunsan: As stated in our constitution, all undergraduate students are automatically members of AUSA that are enrolled in 5 credits or more. As an officer, I have served two years on the team. It has been an honor being able to serve the student body.
What is the significance of AUSA reaching this milestone?
Pagunsan: AUSA reaching 100 years means we have been doing our best each year to be the voice for the undergraduate student body. We have been improving each year and working our hardest to be representatives of each student on campus. Reaching this milestone means we will continue to work towards improving student life on campus.
What would you like to see AUSA doing 100 years from now?
Pagunsan: 100 years from now, I hope AUSA is still present in the student body and active among the clubs. I have made it my team’s goal to be seen in every way possible and I hope AUSA will continue that. I want the students to know that AUSA is available to reach out to. They can come to us with questions and concerns about the campus and AUSA will do their best to find a solution.
With several changes in Andrews’ administration, as well as other aspects of campus life going through changes, students can and will continue to depend on AUSA for stability and service moving forward.
The Student Movement is the official student newspaper of Andrews University. Opinions expressed in the Student Movement are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the editors, Andrews University or the Seventh-day Adventist church.