February 24, 2026
2:15pm, Forum 3-130, Downtown Campus Room 200B, Zoom
In Attendance
Student Senators
- Senator Maddilyn Keech
- Senator Elle Reeves
- Senator John Breedy
- Senator Rusty Smetanyak
- Senator Charles
President
- Lisa Burno
Vice President of Governance
- Margherita Rizzuti
Student Trustee
- Parker Werven
Chief of Staff
- Abigail Pottinger
Office of Student Life
- Advisor: Jodi Oriel
- Faculty Advisor: Mark Sample
Visitors
- Chloe Allen (online)
- Christine Cormack (online)
- Ryan Messenger (online) – Academic & Student Affairs
- Veronica Chiesi Brown – Community Relations
- Ginny Geer-Mentry – MCC Association
- Courtney Weimar – Community Relations
- Dana Williams – MCC Student
Minutes
Call to Order (2:15 pm)
- Roll Call (see attendance above)
Vice President of Governance Rizzuti called for a roll call to start the senate meeting. - Land Acknowledgement
- Approval of Minutes
- Vice President of Governance Rizzuti called for a motion to approve the February 10, 2026, Student Government Association Minutes
- Senator Breedy moved, seconded by Senator Smetanyak
- A vote was taken
- Be it resolved, the Monroe Community College Student Government Association approves the February 10, 2026, minutes as written
Reports
- President Burno
Hello everyone, I hope you all had a restful and enjoyable break. On February 4th, I had the opportunity to attend Advocacy Day, where I was able to advocate for increased funding for important resources such as refrigerated lockers, daycare centers, and other critical matters that impact students daily at the SUNY level. This was an incredibly valuable experience, and I am grateful for the opportunity to participate. The following week, I also had the opportunity to conduct an interview alongside the Chief of Staff Pottinger and Trustee Werven. The interview went very well, and I am excited to welcome a new addition to our team as Athletic Senator. I am always eager to bring on passionate individuals who are committed to making a positive impact. Lastly, on February 12th, I had the opportunity to meet with Sspc and discuss a clothing drive alongside Vice President Rizuti. The clothing drive will take place on March 5th, where members of the MCC community can donate winter clothing to help individuals stay warm during these cold months. Overall, these experiences made for a very productive and rewarding week, and I look forward to continuing this important work together.
- Vice President of Governance Rizzuti
This week, I attended the Student Life Fair, which was a great opportunity to connect with students, engage with different organizations, and promote involvement on campus. It was energizing to see so many students interested in getting involved and learning more about the opportunities available to them. I was also very happy to begin meeting with President Burno, Chief of Staff Pottinger, Subia, and other faculty members, including the SSPC members, to start discussing a new initiative focused on organizing a clothing drive. These early conversations have been productive and collaborative, and it’s exciting to see the foundation of a meaningful project beginning to take shape. The goal is to create something that directly supports students in need while strengthening partnerships between student leadership and campus departments. I am really proud of the direction this project is going. Seeing the collaboration between student leaders and faculty gives me confidence that we are building something impactful and sustainable. It’s motivating to be part of conversations that turn ideas into action, and I’m looking forward to continuing this work and bringing the project to life in the coming weeks. Overall, this week reflected growth, teamwork, and a strong commitment to supporting our campus community
- Student Trustee Werven
On February 4th, I was honored to spend Advocacy Day in Albany, NY meeting with lawmakers and elevating student voices on issues that matter across New York State. Grateful to Assemblymember Patrick Carroll (D-96), AM Harry Bronson (D-138), AM Michael Fitzpatrick (R-8), and AM Jonathan Rivera (D-149) for taking the time to listen, engage, and collaborate. This was specific to additional funding for optics programs across the board, childcare, capital investments, etc. Also appreciative of the staff for AM Brian Maher (R-101) and AM Dana Levenberg (D-95) for their time and thoughtful conversations. A huge thank you to SUNY Student Assembly and everyone involved in organizing this experience and making meaningful student advocacy at the state level possible. Additionally, thankful for the ability to meet old/new friends that share their love/dedication with SUNY institutions. I am proud to be part of the process and excited to continue this work. With not much time in between, and from the generosity of the American Association of Community College Trustees, ACCT, I’m humbled to have the opportunity to also proudly represent Monroe Community College in the National Legislative Summit in Washington, DC from February 8th-13th. I had the pleasure and privilege to sit down with Congressman Joe Morelle, Senator Kirsten Gillibrand, and one of Senator Chuck Schumer’s staffers to discuss the ongoing efforts to bring affordability and accessibility back to community colleges. Specifically, TAP, TRIO, and Pell funding across the board. Advocacy for appropriate community college funding has always been a top effort being a Student Trustee at my institution. Especially since community college gave me a second shot in my academic career, why not aid in giving more students the chance I received. With that being said, I’m privileged and happy to contribute moving the needle forward little by little. Additionally, speakers at NLS included Manu Raju, Senior Congressional Correspondent, CNN, Nicholas Kent, Under Secretary of Education, U.S. Department of Education, Congressman Juan Ciscomani, Henry Mack, Assistant Secretary of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (ETA), Senator Bill Cassidy and many more. It was an unbelievable experience, so glad to run my collogues up to speed with what I’ve learned and advocated for this past week. Outside of SGA and BOT travels, the STS committee is still working ahead and meeting continuously every Friday. Personally, I’ve also prepped well ahead of schedule for coursework leading up to my trips, however it’s still hitting like a truck! After a well needed break we just had It’s almost time to take four exams spanning from Thursday to Friday. Like I say to many of you, I wouldn’t want it any other way. What some people may complain about, I embrace it. Having the opportunity to be stressed out from exams is a privilege in itself. So, I’ll say it again, bring it on. (I hope I don’t regret saying that).
At the end of the meeting Trustee Werven added that he had the pleasure of participating in the Special Olympics event at Bristol Mountain over the weekend and enjoyed his time. He found it amazing what the athletes are doing.
- Chief of Staff Pottinger
Hello everyone, I hope everyone had a great and restful break. Over the past week, I remained actively engaged in Student Government outreach and recruitment efforts. On February 11th, I assisted with tabling for Student Government during the Student Life Fair. This was a great opportunity to connect with students, share information about SGA, and encourage greater interest and involvement in student government. Engaging directly with the campus community helped promote awareness of the work we do and the ways students can get involved. On Thursday, February 12th, alongside President Bruno and Trustee Werven, I conducted an interview with Bodhi Blaska. I would like to officially welcome him to the team as our new Athletic Senator. I am confident he will do a great job in this role and look forward to the contributions he will bring to Student Government. Thank you.
- Public Relations Senator Keech
This week, I focused heavily on studying and keeping up with my coursework. I’ve also been preparing to volunteer with the student government association and get more involved on campus. I attended the Student Life Fair, which was a great opportunity to connect with students and support campus engagement. I’m really proud of all the SGA members who participated in Advocacy Day and represented us so well.
- Public Relations Senator Smetanyak
This week, I reviewed and approved the Volleyball Club’s SGA funding request for new equipment. The request was well put together and clearly outlined how the funding would improve the quality of their practices and weekly games. The new equipment will help create a better experience for current members and make it easier for new students to get involved in the club. In addition to reviewing funding requests, I also participated in SUNY Advocacy Day in Albany. While there, I met with representatives and worked alongside other SUNY students to advocate for issues that directly impact our campuses, including student funding, campus resources, and overall student support. It was a valuable experience that gave me a better understanding of how student voices can influence decisions at the state level and how important it is for us to be represented in those conversations. Overall, it was a productive week focused on supporting student organizations on campus and advocating for SUNY students at the state level.
- Student Relations Senator Breedy
In the last few weeks I’ve been more involved in tabling events. I helped promote the Campus Climate Survey at the student life fair, and also plan on doing another tabling event for that survey sometime within these next two weeks. As the Student Relations Senator, I feel that it is imperative to lead people towards having a better, safer, and happier experience on our campus, and filling out this survey will aid that.
- Clubs and Organizations Senator Reeves
No report for this week
- Diversity Senator Charles
This week, I participated in the Club and Organization Event as Diversity Senator for SGA from 12:00 p.m. to 1:40 p.m. I represented the Student Government Association and assisted students who were interested in signing up to join SGA. I provided information about SGA’s role on campus, answered questions, and helped guide students through the sign-up process. I assisted approximately eight students who expressed interest in becoming involved. Overall, I focused on making students feel informed and welcomed while encouraging greater participation in student leadership.
-
Student Life Advisor Oriel
No report for this week
Old Business
A. There was no old business.
New Business
- Natasha Chen – Middle States Prep Presentation
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Resolution to approve Bodhi Blaska as the Athletic Senator
Resolved, the Monroe Community College Student Government Association approves the appointment of Bodhi Blaska as the Athletic Senator
Vice President of Governance Rizzuti called for a motion to approve the resolution. Senator Breedy so moved, seconded by Senator Smetanyak.
Discussion: Bodhi Blaska has completed and met the requirements set forth by the Student Government Association and the Office of Student Life and Leadership.
A vote was taken, and the resolution passed.
Be it resolved, the senate present and voting hereby approves the appointment of Bodhi Blaska as the Athletic Senator, effective February 24, 2026 at Monroe Community College -
Resolution to approve the funding request of $400 for the ICT Club
Resolved, the Monroe Community College Student Government Association approves the funding request of $400 for the ICT Club
Vice President of Governance Rizzuti called for a motion to approve the resolution. Senator Breedy so moved, seconded by Senator Reeves.
Discussion: ICT Club has completed and met the requirements set forth by the Student Government Association and the Office of Student Life and Leadership.
A vote was taken, and the resolution passed.
Be it resolved, the senate present and voting hereby approves the funding request of $400 for the ICT Club, effective February 24, 2026 at Monroe Community College
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Resolution to approve the funding request of $450 for the Volleyball Club
Resolved, the Monroe Community College Student Government Association approves the funding request of $450 for the Volleyball Club
Vice President of Governance Rizzuti called for a motion to approve the resolution. Senator Breedy so moved, seconded by Senator Keech.
Discussion: The Volleyball Club has completed and met the requirements set forth by the Student Government Association and the Office of Student Life and Leadership.
A vote was taken, and the resolution passed.
Be it resolved, the senate present and voting hereby approves the funding request of $450 for the Volleyball Club, effective February 24, 2026 at Monroe Community College
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Resolution to approve the funding request of $408 for the ASL Club
Resolved, the Monroe Community College Student Government Association approves the funding request of $408 for the ASL Club
Vice President of Governance Rizzuti called for a motion to approve the resolution. Senator Breedy so moved, seconded by Senator Smetanyak.
Discussion: ASL Club has completed and met the requirements set forth by the Student Government Association and the Office of Student Life and Leadership.
A vote was taken, and the resolution passed.
Be it resolved, the senate present and voting hereby approves the funding request of $408 for the ASL Club, effective February 24, 2026 at Monroe Community College
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Resolution to approve the name change for the Esports club to the Video Game Club
Resolved, the Monroe Community College Student Government Association approves the name change for the Esports club to the Video Game Club
Vice President of Governance Rizzuti called for a motion to approve the resolution. Senator Breedy so moved, seconded by Senator Smetanyak.
Discussion: Esports Club has completed and met the requirements set forth by the Student Government Association and the Office of Student Life and Leadership.
A vote was taken, and the resolution passed.
Be it resolved, the senate present and voting hereby approves the name change for the Esports club to the Video Game Club, effective February 24, 2026 at Monroe Community College
Speak to the Senate
- There was no one registered to speak to the senate this week
Adjournment
- Vice President of Governance Rizzuti called for a motion for adjournment.
Senator Breedy so moved, second by Senator Smetanyak - Meeting was adjourned at 2:47 pm.
Respectfully submitted