The Student Senate is an important student organization at SMCC, serving as the College’s student government and as an advocate for the student body.
The Senate’s mission is to provide responsive and effective leadership for the student body, promote the general welfare and the engagement of students in the life of the college and the community, and preserve a representative form of government. Open to all students, the Senate advocates for the rights and concerns of students and supports and promotes the free exchange of ideas.
Students this fall voted in a new slate of officers to lead the Student Senate. They are:
Andrea Atkinson, President: Andrea is a nontraditional student working on a Liberal Studies degree with a focus in art with a goal of becoming an art teacher. They are serving as president of both the Student Senate and the SMCC chapter of the Phi Theta Kappa honor society. Andrea grew up in the small town of Sanbornville, N.H., near the Maine border, and has lived in Portland for eight years.
Nadya Tripp, Vice President: Nadya is enrolled in the Health Science program with the ultimate goal of working in the medical field and becoming a surgeon. She volunteers at Pope Memorial Animal Shelter in Thomaston, plays the piano (barely), and has sung in a choir her whole life. Nadya recently got a rabbit, which joins the cat and dog she already owns.
Mya Gerry, Treasurer: Mya is a history major, and works in a nursing home with people who have dementia and Alzheimer’s. Mya loves to travel and has three cats named after European cities: Paris, London and Verona.
Zachariah Bower, Director of Records: Zachariah moved to Maine in 2017 from Leesburg, Fla., and came to SMCC in 2018. He’s an Education major and has plans to become a high school history teacher. “SMCC helped me discover who I am and helped me look toward a better future knowing I am valid. I hope everyone else can experience something similar during their time here.”
Nicholas Doran, Director of Public Relations: Nicholas is from Camden and is working toward a degree in Electrical Engineering Technologies. A lifelong Mainer, Nicholas enjoys being outdoors and can often be found fishing, swimming, hiking or spending time on Maine’s mountains and lakes. He came to SMCC for a fresh start after leaving a four-year university. “I wanted something more hands-on and focused so I turned my attention toward the community college system. It was one of the best choices I’ve made and I hope everyone reading this will take a chance and start new like I did.”