The Collegian

Issue date: 2/21/08 Section: News

This week, the officers for the 2008 senior class requested $17,800 from Student Federation to co-fund this year's senior class gift, a small, multipurpose amphitheater behind Delp Hall, estimated to cost $60,000.

"In recent history, this is the largest amount of money ever requested from student fed," said Federation Secretary Ben Nygaard, a junior.

"The amphitheater would be an area where classes, concerts and plays such as Shakespeare in the Arb could be held," said senior Dan Burfiend, class of 2008 treasurer. "It would be an opportunity to develop the hearts and minds of the students and to support the instruction that already takes place at this school."

In the past, Student Federation did not have sufficient funds to meet a request of similar magnitude, Burfiend said in his presentation to the federation.

However, after working with Chief Administrative Officer Ken Cole about the use of recent student fees, the federation can now grant such a request if it chooses.

Burfiend said that the administration also backs the amphitheater plans.

"The administration is willing to pay $40,000 if the students can get $20,000," Burfiend said. "They even paid for the architects to draw up the plans."

The senior class has decided to contribute $2,200 to the project, which would cover the remainder of student cost if the Student Federation provided the funds.

Junior Christine Cheatum, federation treasurer, said that the federation finance committee met extensively on the issue and moved to table discussion on the proposal until they have more information.

Federation members said they will discuss plans with the administration.

"The senior class and the administration have given this a lot of time and thought, and it deserves our utmost attention," Cheatum said.

In other new business this week, Students in Free Enterprise requested $700 to defer costs for an upcoming convention, and Praxis requested $200 to bring in a speaker.

In old business, the Meal Plan Committee said they met with Saga, Inc., representatives and will survey students on what kind of meal plan they would like.

Student Federation meets Wednesdays at 5:15 p.m. in the Student Activities Office. They encourage students to attend and express concerns.

Student Federation can also be reached by e-mail at studentfederation@hillsdale.edu.

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