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From SA president to Mayor
BY ELIZABETH ENKE
STATESMAN STAFF WRITER
ISSUE: 78/20
The Student Association (SA) welcomed Don Ness to campus Monday afternoon to speak to students, faculty and staff about his transformation from a student leader at UMD to the mayor of Duluth. Vice Chancellor Greg Fox proudly introduced the mayor by commending him on his becoming mayor. Fox knew Ness when he was a student at UMD, and they have maintained a steady relationship throughout the years.
“He demonstrates creative thinking outside of the box and has high ethical standards for this city” said Fox. “Don will be a very strong mayor.”
As a former president of the Student Association, Ness said he was impressed with the number of students interested in leadership at UMD. He was also pleased with the overall atmosphere present on campus. “I started as a freshman in 1992,” said Ness. “UMD is a different place in terms of spirit and community.” Ness pointed out there was much need for improvement during his attendance at UMD. He was embarrassed by the way UMD was viewed in the community, so he decided to make a difference.
While growing up, Ness was rarely surrounded by the ideals of leadership. “My parents were Carter fans because he was a Christian and a good man,” he said. “That was my only connection to leadership.” Ness advocated three things during his presidency of the student body. He supported building a new library, creating an on-campus daycare and wanted to make sure the students interests were adequately represented with the schedule changes taking place (from quarters to semesters).
Even though he played a big role making these changes, he never got to experience them happen. “It is difficult for students to see the impact [of their work] on campus,” Ness said. “The greatest change that’s possible takes a long time to get there.” Ness believes that students who involve themselves in leadership programs, like he did, will become more connected to their personal sides, create friendships and become closer to the community.
The mayor emphasized the importance for students to get involved in leadership, whether it is on campus or out in the community. “It is vital that young people start stepping up the plate,” Ness said. “Without them, democracy doesn’t work.” Chair of Congress for the SA, Jason Wittrock, hopes that Ness’s address will create positive impacts on campus. “I think it’s good for people to look into leadership programs,” said Wittrock. “Hopefully it will bring more UMD students to get involved.”
Assistant Director of the Kirby Leadership Institute Joie Acheson commended Ness on they way he presented himself to his audience. “He motivated students to become involved, inspiring all of us to become involved in the community,” she said.
