If you have noticed student government at all this year, then their mission has been accomplished.

One of Cornerstone University Student Government’s goals has been to create a stronger presence of the student-led organization, said Simeon Brace, CUSG president. Joe Boston, VP of marketing, was instrumental in getting the word out.

“Joe is helpful in making CUSG known on campus, especially to freshmen,” Brace said.

Apart from directly working with student government, Brace also served a vital role in the university’s presidential search. Through the experience, Brace observed how board members interact in a decision-making process.

“I learned a lot of faces of board members, what they contribute to Cornerstone, how they are genuinely interested in the interest of students,” Brace said. “[It was] definitely insightful.”

In order to help with the presidential search, Katie Azkoul, EVP of legislation, helped poll students on what they wanted in the next president. Next, CUSG ran statistics from the results.

“Based upon that, [Simeon] brought [the results] to the advisory board,” Azkoul said. “So that was really neat. He got to share the opinions of students to the board.”

CUSG’s year was more than strictly business. There was plenty of time for the usual activities, as well as new events thrown in the mix.

Both MORP, a twist on the traditional prom, and the Roommate Game Show were introduced this year. Kayleigh Putnam, VP of student activities, came up with the new ideas.

The game show involved two roommates competing with other sets of roommates to see who knew each other better, Azkoul said. “Kind of like the ‘Newlyweds’ show.”

Brace and Azkoul expressed appreciation for Putnam’s work, as well as all the CUSG members.

“Kayleigh Putnam is amazing,” Brace said. “She is the model of success … as she applies herself in CUSG.”

“One thing is that people always go home on weekends and [Putnam] tried to do more on weekends to keep people here,” Azkoul said. “[It is] one thing she has done really well.”

CUSG also made great strides in legislative changes for students.

Azkoul said they amended the constitution so that legislation does not have to amend it every year. Previously, changing the constitution was a required yearly routine, Azkoul said.

Another change CUSG worked for dealt with adding hours to the open hall policy for student residents.

Azkoul said Brace was in favor of the proposition and encouraged her. “He said, ‘You have the stats, 70-percent [of students] want more open halls.’ I met with Resident Directors twice, the community council, Patrick Miller and the executive council,” Azkoul said.

From there, Azkoul and CUSG drafted a proposal and presented it to student development. “The RDs loved it,” Azkoul said. The decision to change the open hall hours had a purpose, Azkoul said.

“Here’s the thing: when I was thinking about it, you don’t want to change it just to please people but hopefully bring Cornerstone community together,” Azkoul said. “I didn’t just want to say open the halls for more hours. I wanted a purpose behind it. I was thinking about what could enhance the community more for it.”

Azkoul’s idea was that everyone could just go to one hall. “That was the purpose behind it. We want to meet the desires of students,” Azkoul said. “That has value as well.”

Through well-executed activities and changes in legislation for the student body, CUSG has continued to have a noticeable presence on campus. Brace has observed the friendly and professional interaction within the group, something he hopes will continue.

“We enjoy interacting together,” said Brace. “We have fun times and serious times. I am just excited about the future and the next group coming in.”