Once in leadership positions in the U.S. Army and National Guard, Seminarian James Parnell is transferring those skills to his new position as Student Council President. Elected in May 2011, he heads up a fresh team: 3rd-year representatives Sarah Johnson and Andrew Boyd; 2nd-year representative Anoop Thomas (Treasurer); and 1st-year representatives Nicholas Roth (Secretary) and James Wiegel.
"Going into our second year as a Student Council, we are very excited about the impact it has had on student life,” says Seminarian Parnell.
“Upon my election, I stated that our job as members of the Student Council is to serve our fellow seminarians,” he continues. “I thank my fellow representatives for their efforts in doing just that from day one in May 2010, when the council was created.
“They've continued to do great things and to ensure that students have an opportunity to voice their concerns and opinions as well as work closer with the staff and faculty than in years prior to the formation of the Student Council,” he remarks.
So far this year, members of the council have continued the work of Special Interest Groups, most notably the Environmental Interest Group, which is working with the administration to increase the storage capacity of campus recycling containers; and the Pro-Life Group, which is helping to organize the March for Life in January, as well as provide pastoral counseling training, so that our seminarians may help those whose lives have been affected by abortion.
“My vision for this year,” says Seminarian Parnell, “is one of continuing the programs that we've put in place and of increasing the role students play in utilizing their representatives.
“This semester, in particular, has been a time in which the Student Council has been able to foster an open and respectful dialogue on a number of sensitive issues and we are proud to be given this opportunity to serve our seminary community,” he notes.
“Finally, I'd like to thank all of the students and faculty who have shared their opinions and concerns with the Student Council,” he concludes. “I'd like to thank the Dean, Fr. John Behr, the Chancellor, Fr. Chad Hatfield, and the Dean of Students, Fr. David Mezynski, for their continued support and encouragement. They are always open to dialogue and cooperation with the students, faculty, staff, and all of their families, and that is a great blessing for us at St. Vladimir's Seminary.”
