$1,800 request for hypnotist show allocated to senior class

A funding request for the senior class marked the most heated discussion at the Student Assembly meeting Tuesday night.

Senior class president Matt Gill asked for $1,800 to help pay for a hypnotist to perform at the Student Center. Finance Committee chair Brian Bobinski recommended allocating just $1000, citing a limitation of funds for upcoming events.

“Part of our situation is the amount of funding money available,” Bobinksi said. “But we also have to cover all the groups that are coming.”

Members of the Student Assembly pointed out that part of criteria for funding requests require money not be held for groups that have not made formal requests to the Assembly, but Bobinski said some events are already in the planning stages.
Student Body President Donnie Clemmenson was also concerned about the amount of money, citing that the senior class had previously raised more money than any other class.

Gill said the senior class planned on using all its money.
“We’re doing more then any senior class has ever done,” Gill said. “We’re planning on completely draining the budget, we may even go over budget.”

Gill said while the event had previously been paid for by the senior class, its availability to the entire student body meant it should be paid for with help from Student Assembly.
“It’s free to everyone and open for anybody,” Gill said. “It should be student fees that are sponsoring it.”

Senior Class Representative Dan Thomas made a motion to pass the bill, but Junior Class Representative Brendon McCarthy questioned if senior class representation on Student Assembly should be allowed to vote. Clemmenson said while it was their right, he advised against seniors voting. Student Trustee Justin Sadzewicz disagreed and said members of Assembly should vote if they believed in the motion.

“It’s our job as Student Assembly members to leave our own personal business outside the doors,” Sadzewicz said.

The full $1,800 was narrowly passed with an eight to five vote. All senior class members on Student Assembly voted for the allocation of the funds.

Three budget presentations for the upcoming fiscal year were also presented at the meeting. Jim Carley, associate director of residential life, presented the proposed budget for Residential Life, while Student Government Advisor Paul Striffolino presented budgets for the L.P. Young Student Center and the Zorn Dining Commons.

All three budgets were voted to be sponsored by Student Assembly. Funding requests for Student Government to host Keene State Carnival in the spring and catering for the Academic Excellence Conference were also approved.

Brian Anderson can be contacted at banderson@keeneequinox.com.