Despite a school-wide email and several signs posted around the George Sherman Union, no students attended Student Union President Ethan Clay’s first open dinner last night at the GSU.
In fact, only nine out of 40 undergraduates polled before the dinner last night said they knew who Ethan Clay was.
“I can’t guarantee a big response tonight,” Clay said. “I’d be happy if one person shows up.
“It’s just a matter of getting out there on the BU beach and talking to students and letting them know that we’re here,” he said.
According to Clay, the dinners are a part of efforts by this year’s E-board to increase the visibility of the Union around campus. Clay will eat dinner at the GSU every Tuesday night at 5:30 p.m. to allow students to approach him and express their concerns about the University, he said.
The dinners were advertised in the first edition of the monthly Union newsletter yesterday, which was emailed to every student on campus. Nonetheless, when asked who Clay was, many students responded with answers such as, “The name doesn’t ring a bell,” and “I haven’t a clue.”
Despite this, Clay predicted that 100 percent of the undergraduate student body would come into contact with the Union this year either directly or indirectly through its offices and programs.
“I think that everyone will come across the Union this year,” he said.
And if 80 percent of those people know what the Union is and why it is there, Clay said he would be satisfied.
“I’d be happy if 80 percent of the campus knew we were there and knew how to contact us,” he said.
According to Clay, he already has received dozens of emails from concerned students since he was elected last April.
“I have received just an overwhelming amount of personal emails about students who are interested in getting involved,” he said.
After waiting for 15 minutes, clad in a tie and cowboy hat, Clay began to circulate from table to table, introducing himself to students, distributing his card and materials for BU Free, a group Clay founded last year to change the guest policy.
Afterward, Clay said many students expressed concerns about both the guest policy and Chancellor John Silber. He also said a number of people were interested in getting involved in the Union.
“That was great to have people ask about the Union and what our goals this year are,” Clay said. “It’s valuable for them in the sense that they can speak their mind.
“I’ll be here every week regardless of the numbers,” Clay continued. “I cannot stop this campaign and if one student comes, it will be worth it.”
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