By Peter Baugher
Distribution Manager
Franciscan University is expanding its $75 million capital campaign goal to a $100 million goal after far exceeding the former target, according to Franciscan University Student Government (FUSG) President Gabriel Denley.
FUSG convened officially for the first time of the fall semester on Sept. 20 at 11:00 a.m.
During the President’s comments, Denley said that the university asked FUSG to participate in a press conference officially announcing the campaign on Oct. 4 at 11:00 a.m.
“Some things for consideration would be whether student government would like to show their support for the expansion of the campaign, as representatives of the student population that would be based on what the students would support,” Denley told FUSG.
FUSG Co-advisor and President for Student Life Dan Dentino explained that the Office for Advancement asked FUSG to attend the conference and that a lot of the money raised is “going back to the student experience,” such as the construction of Christ the Teacher, the renovation of Christ the King Chapel and scholarship money.
“It’s really important that you all have a part to play in that press conference … the best part of our university is the students. The most important thing that we do as an institution is to graduate joyful disciples,” explained Dentino in his comments to FUSG.
The conference will occur on Oct. 4 at 11:00 a.m. in the seminar room of the St. Joseph Center.
In addition to comments concerning the capital campaign, Denley reminded FUSG that his presidential campaign goal was to “make beauty visible” and that plans are in process to put up art in classrooms, create a household adoptive bench program and a schola holy hour on Oct. 18 in Christ the King Chapel, as well as installing a Da Vinci Last Supper painting in the cafeteria.
Co-advisor David Schmiesing said that student government has around a $35,000 budget, but they also have a small budget deficit from last year.
As for legislation, Fall Bill 1, which allocated $1,000 to the Tolkien Society for the Bilbo Baggins Birthday Party, was passed with sophomore Sens. Veronica MacDonald and Maria Tortorelli voting against.
According to junior Simon Monsour, President of the Tolkien Society, the Exc!te office originally indicated support for the event but later only agreed to provide funds for decorations.
Denley questioned the date of the party, as FUSG was considering the bill only a day before the date set for the event to begin. Denley said that Monsour could have access to funds by late afternoon the same day, which Monsour accepted.
Finally, senators passed Fall Bill 2 without opposition, which reallocated $150 from Turning Point USA’s Speaker sub-budget to the club’s “drawing prize” sub-budget to encourage students to attend their first event.