End of the Year

As the end of the 2012-2013 school year comes to a close I can’t help but think back on all the great things that happened this year. With the student commons building opening it has brought a new life to campus giving students more space to hang out and study.  Not to mention how the SAO got some new digs to call their own.

With all these nice new things the one thing that really stands out to me is the rise in volunteerism in the school. There were lots of opportunities for students to get involved on campus, in the community, and around the world.  This was the first year that the SAO organized community projects. They gave students the chance to get involved in the community in an easy way. There were different projects every month ranging from planting garlic, to working with seniors, to packing food. 

Both the fall and winter semesters started with a bang at orientation. There was a great group of student leaders that helped introduce new students to Algonquin College along with the keynote speakers Jessie Cruickshank and Daniel Levy. A group of students also ventured to the Dominican Republic to volunteer at a school teaching English to children over reading week. 

To honor all of these great volunteers and the many more around campus there was a great volunteer gala with awards given for community impact, dedication and involvement, outstanding leadership, and volunteer of the year.

This explosion of volunteerism on campus is really great, and I really hope it continues next year.

With the last SAO events and graduation right around the corner I’m sad to see it all go but excited to move on. I will never forget my years at Algonquin College especially the last year with the SAO!

I have met a lot of great people working with the SAO and I wish them all the best! To any students returning or starting next year don’t forget to get involved and do things outside of school and work. There are tons of volunteer opportunities and events at the school, make the most of them while you can.

Signing off for the last time...

- SAO blogger Sarah Raphael