TRANSCRIPT

PRESIDENT ANNIE JOHNSTON'S ADDRESS AT THE WELCOME WEEK 2024 KICKOFF EVENT

27 August, 2024 

Good morning Augustana Class of 2028,

We are so excited to officially welcome you to your home for the next four years! I hope your move-in went smoothly, your futon is fully assembled, and your Pinterest-inspired dorm room turned out just as you envisioned! My name is Annie Johnston, and I am your Augustana Student Association President for this academic year. 

I remember my own move-in experience and my first official day as an Augustana Viking very vividly. If you’re anything like me, you’re probably thinking about how you just want to unpack your dorm room and chill in a nicely air-conditioned environment. But as you settle into campus life and enjoy Welcome Week festivities (which you definitely should attend all of the amazing events your welcome week committee has worked so hard on putting together), Prince and I wanted to introduce ourselves and tell you a little more about the Augustana Student Association as well as an opportunity to serve on ASA as a first-year senator. 

The Augustana Student Association is the student body government on campus and we serve an important role as the voice of the student body. ASA tackles tough issues from academic accreditation and policy developments to building and grounds issues. ASA oversees a substantial annual budget that funds on-campus organizations, Viking Days, club sports, concerts, guest speakers, entertainment, and so much more! If you are an individual who is passionate about being an advocate for your peers, who prides yourself on being a problem-solver, and who is seeking to improve your leadership skills, we would highly encourage you to run for ASA. 

We know that life is overwhelming right now, but just know that you will eventually settle into a groove of things. When I was first introduced to ASA as a freshman, I had no idea what I was signing up for. I was more preoccupied with mentally preparing for my 8am class and adjusting to the idea of communal showers. However, as I met more of my fellow peers and professors, I was introduced to the wonderfully rich and vibrant community here at Augie. A community composed of supporters, learners, innovators, and thinkers–individuals who will challenge you to be the best possible version of yourself: both academically and personally. I decided to run for ASA in the hopes of leaving a small impact on this beautiful community, and to uplift Augustana’s core values while living them out to the best of my ability. Regardless of whether you run for ASA or not, I hope that all of you recognize, appreciate, and uplift the wonderful tradition of Augustana: to be bold, and to pave a bold path for all those around you–including yourself.

Thank you! 

###