Student Union officials filled three positions during Tuesday night’s weekly Senate meeting, as Erik Dawson was sworn in as executive vice president, Andrew Wenn as a senator for Danielson Hall and Tessa Pechenik as a second Tribunal member.
Dawson, the former vice president of student affairs, was approved resoundingly by the Senate and his nomination was met with enthusiasm from many senators.
“I believe he is capable and selfless,” said Sen. Deon Provost (Myles Standish Hall).
“From my experience, Erik is one of the most capable members of the E-Board,” said Sen. Yonatan Matus (University Professors Program).
Dawson said he is enthusiastic about his new role in the Union and looks forward to the rest of the year.
“I’m really looking forward to taking this up and running with it,” he said. “I would like to take a more active role in the future of the Student Union.”
During discussion on the matter, Woog defended Dawson’s nomination after some senators questioned the move. Senators asked why Bresler, instead of Dawson, was appointed to the position in September.
“At that particular time, I needed his leadership,” Woog said of Bresler. “The number one qualification is enthusiasm. [Dawson is] the right man.”
Despite his new responsibilities as executive vice president, Dawson will remain head of the Senate’s Student Affairs Committee.
Pechenik was voted in as a new tribunal member with very little Senate opposition. She is the first woman on the Tribunal since Lisa Franchini resigned her position in September 2002.
Overall, Senate members were in support of the CAS sophomore.
“She hasn’t had the necessary experience to be qualified, but at the same time she has the drive, which is more than I can say for some people,” said Sen. Randy Diamond (West Campus).
Pechenik acknowledged that she lacks experience, but she assured members that she is determined to perform her duty with vigor.
“I don’t have any previous student government experience, but I’m hard-working and organized,” she said. “I believe in commitment to fairness and justice. I hope to really make a difference in BU.”
Woog said he based his nomination on Pechenik’s passion for government and her willingness to embrace the Student Union.
“I saw a number of people – Tessa most entailed. I liked the enthusiasm Tessa brought to the table,” he said.
Pechenik filled one of two open positions on the Tribunal, one of which opened up after Nayan Ranchhod resigned his post on the body last month.
Woog said he has “no timetable” for filling the judicial body’s third spot.
“If someone comes along I think is good for the job they get it,” he said.
Wenn, a College of Arts and Sciences freshman, filled Danielson Hall’s open S enate seat at the meeting. He said he was eager to get more involved in the university and saw the open Senate position as a great opportunity.
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