Student Body President Ashley Willems-Phaneuf bid adieu in a speech to the Student Senate Friday, at the Wishcamper Center in Portland, concluding her career as student body president.
“The state of the University of Southern Maine is entirely in the hands of you,” said Willems-Phaneuf to the group of senators, both veteran and newly elected, sitting before her. Also in attendance was her predecessor Maggie Guzman.
Willems-Phaneuf spoke about her confidence in the university’s student leadership for next year.
“I am excited to pass the torch to a new passion, new energy and new ideas,” Willems-Phaneuf said. She went on to explain how pleased she was to witness during her presidency a growing sense of community among USM’s diverse student body.
“Some changes I have seen taking place this year alone have been the friendships that have been formed with various student groups,” said Willems-Phaneuf.
She said that she hopes students who find community in one area at USM will branch out and explore others.
The president reserved a portion of her speech to recognize and thank Anastasia Alexis, undergraduate student representative to the Board of Trustees, as well as USM’s graduate student representative, Nathan Grant. “The University of Southern Maine has the most active and professional representatives and every time I see their work they shine above the rest,” she said
Willems-Phaneuf spoke about USM’s funding formula and her stance that it needs to be changed. She also shared her experience with feelings of inadequacy about the legislative process at the start of her term and gave credit to Senate Chair Alie Parker for encouraging the student senate to be active within the political climate of Maine.
Near the conclusion of her speech, Willems-Phaneuf urged new student leadership to set an example for the rest of the student body by being more aware of state issues that directly affect USM students.
“Please advocate for yourselves. And work hard to become a more politically active citizen,” said Willems-Phaneuf, who closed her speech by individually thanking student senators and leaders who she felt contributed greatly to the success of the student government over the past year.
Willems-Phaneuf expressed mixed feelings about the end of her tenure as student body president. “I am sad and I’m scared and I’m happy. These people become so close to you because you really truly work with them all the time.”
After her graduation in May, Willems-Phanuef said she will be working on the first mayoral campaign in Portland. She said she plans on moving to Washington, D.C. to attend graduate school in the late fall.
Willems Phaneuf feels just a bit sad reading this article. I could not have been more happier with this experience. I truly have to thank the student body of University of Southern Maine for allowing me to represent them.