Latest news with #StudentUnion
Irish Times
24-06-2025
- Politics
- Irish Times
‘Learning is never wasted'
I studied Biological and Biomedical Science, with a specialisation in Zoology, and graduated in 2023. By the time I got to my final year, after all levels of Covid lockdown and a year out as a student union (SU) officer, I knew that it probably wasn't Zoology that I wanted to pursue. However, the analytical and problem-solving skills I learned through my degree opened the door for me to explore further new interests. Specifically, my degree exposed me to urban ecology and the intersection of nature and society. When I finished my undergraduate degree, I was lucky enough to be awarded a George Moore Scholarship to explore these interests further. It took me to London to do a Master's of Public Administration focused on Urban Innovation and Policy at UCL. Here, I learned the foundations of how our public institutions work and I got the opportunity to develop my policymaking skills, both generally and related to the development of science policy. READ MORE What stood out to me most about this experience was realising how the foundational knowledge I developed in my undergraduate degree benefited me in navigating this new academic and professional landscape. I would use the scientific knowledge, problem-solving and analytical skills from my undergrad far more frequently than I had initially expected. One of the most useful aspects of my Master's was getting to work in industry with a partner organisation on the thesis component. Here, I worked with a London-based urban design firm on a project which explored the use of unconventional policy tools to create 'feminist cities' – safer, equitable and more inclusive cities for women, girls and gender minorities. It was really important to me to be able to directly apply my learnings in the real world while still studying, and to build professional connections across diverse, innovative and creative teams working on salient, real-world challenges. It was a great privilege to have been able to do a fully funded Master's degree and tackle these challenges at a time when it is becoming increasingly difficult to be a student, especially when the cost of living and housing crises are considered. My post-graduation pathway is somewhat unconventional when the title of my undergraduate degree is considered. I'm back reviving my old passions for SU politics as I work on developing and increasing democratic participation at one of London's largest SUs. Even here, I regularly use the communication, administration and technical skills from both degrees. My biggest takeaway, I guess, is that the learning is never wasted. My time at university was worth so much more to me than what was written on my degree in the end – from skills, to personal and professional development, I know that wherever I end up in my career, that these opportunities to learn so much, pivot and change my interests, and to work with so many diverse and interesting groups of people, are going to stand to me massively.
Zawya
06-06-2025
- General
- Zawya
South Sudan: Peace begins with clean and healthy communities
"Peacekeeping today means more than protecting civilians from conflict. It means standing with communities to tackle health risks, improving living conditions, and showing we care." This simple message from the Head of the United Nations Mission in South Sudan's field office in Wau, Sam Korutaro Muhumure, captured the essence of the commitment of peacekeepers and the impact of their work on those they serve. He was speaking during a new clean-up campaign to protect the environment and foster a sense of community pride and unity alongside local authorities, university leaders and students, as well as peacekeepers serving in the Western Bahr El Ghazal region. The activity was conducted under the theme – Peace Begins with Me – which promotes the importance of each and every person taking action, not matter how small, to contribute to a powerful, collective movement for peace. When gloves and shovels go hand-in-hand with determination and dedication, a meaningful difference and new ambience became a reality for the local university, which was the focus of the clean-up campaign. "For us students and the wider community, this means a great deal, we learn the importance of how a simple action can forge unison," said William Wolwek, President of the University's Student Union. From the female dormitories extending to the main assembly area, the scrape of shovels mixed with the beautiful sound of laughter as students and peacemakers toiled away side by side. Blocked drains, scattered litter are no longer a concern; swept away by hard work, unity and pride. Talk of perfect timing too. With the rainy season well underway, Western Bahr El Ghazal, like other regions across South Sudan, is at great threat due to rising cholera cases. The work to unclog sewage pipes and improve sanitation and hygiene will help reduce this risk. "There is a real difference now,' said William Wolwek. "The places that were once full of waste are now clean. It shows what we can achieve when we work together to protect our communities." By supporting grassroots initiatives like this one, UNMISS is fortifying its broader commitment to peace, health, and dignity. With simple tools and a shared common goal, this clean-up campaign reminded everyone involved that peace is, not only in the political sphere, it's about people working together to build safer and stronger communities. Together for peace. Distributed by APO Group on behalf of United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS).
Yahoo
05-06-2025
- Yahoo
Prosecutors will seek the death penalty against accused Florida State mass shooter
State Attorney Jack Campbell confirmed that he intends to seek the death penalty against the man accused of killing two people and injuring five others in the April 17 mass shooting at Florida State University. Phoenix Ikner was indicted by a grand jury May 14 on two counts of first-degree murder and seven counts of attempted murder, which include counts for two people he fired at but didn't hit. Campbell told media outlets that Ikner will face the ultimate punishment a day after the grand jury issued its indictment against him. When asked to elaborate why, he told the Tallahassee Democrat he couldn't ethically discuss the facts of the case. "I believe it's the right thing to do based on the facts and the law," Campbell said. The grand jury also released a true bill presentment detailing the crimes Ikner is accused of committing and clearing the actions of FSU Police Officer Cody Poppell, who ended his rampage when he shot him in the jaw from his moving motorcycle. Robert Morales, a 57-year-old dining coordinator at FSU, was shot and killed in the food court inside the Student Union. Tiru Chabba, a 45-year-old Aramark employee from Greenville, South Carolina, was shot after the gunman exited the main entrance on the west side and fired at multiple people. Five students also were shot and injured and later released from the hospital. Under Florida law, prosecutors must file a notice of intent to seek the death penalty within 45 days of arraignment. Campbell said he anticipates filing notice in the near future. "I'll file a notice of intent to seek death, which will lay out the statutory aggravators," he said. "There are some statutory things that are listing the fact that there were multiple crimes and lots of people were in danger." The last defendant who was tried, convicted and sentenced to death in Leon County was Gary Michael Hilton, a brutal serial killer whose victims included Cheryl Dunlap, a nurse from Crawfordville. Sentenced in 2011, Hilton remains on Florida's death row. Contact Jeff Burlew at jburlew@ or 850-599-2180. This article originally appeared on Tallahassee Democrat: Prosecutors will seek the death penalty against accused FSU mass shooter
Yahoo
28-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Iconic UTEP Student Union to be torn down, replaced with updated building
The UTEP Student Union — an iconic building that reflects college life — is being torn down to make way for a more modernized student facility. The change will also raise the student union fee to help finance the construction project. The Texas Senate has passed House Bill 2853, sponsored by Sen. César J. Blanco and authored by Rep. Vince Perez, to support the expansion and modernization of the Student Union at The University of Texas at El Paso. In a news release issued Tuesday, May 27, Blanco said the bill raises the cap on the student union fee, last set in 1987, to help finance the demolition of UTEP's current Student Union and the construction of a modern facility designed to meet the needs of the university's growing student population. The student body approved the incremental fee increase in a campus-wide referendum held in September 2024. The Union fee paid by UTEP students will increase incrementally over the next three years: 2025-2026: $70 per semester, $35 summer 2026-2027: $120 per semester, $60 summer 2027-2028: $150 per semester, $75 summer House Bill 2853 now heads back to the House for concurrence. If that occurs, the bill will be sent to Gov. Greg Abbott for consideration. The Student Union is the heart of the campus, but has remained outdated for many years, Blanco said. "When I was a student at UTEP, the Student Union was where we crammed for exams, organized student events, and grabbed a bite between classes. But even back then, it felt outdated. It's always been the heart of campus, but now it's finally getting the investment it deserves," he said. He added, "UTEP is one of the fastest-growing research institutions in the country, and its facilities should reflect that momentum. I'm proud to help bring to life a vision that is shaped by student voices that honors the past while building for the future. This new Union will be a hub for connection and Miner pride for years to come." The El Paso Times has reached out to UTEP officials for the timeline of the project. Officials said they do not have a construction schedule at this time. Rep. Vince Perez said, 'The student union facility was built shortly after World War II, and generations of UTEP students have walked its halls, studied in its spaces, and built lifelong memories there. At that time, UTEP was a small institution of just 3,000 students: today, it's a nationally recognized university with an enrollment exceeding 25,000. "This bill will deliver the modern, state-of-the-art facility our students need and deserve, supporting their success for generations to come. I'm honored that this was my first bill in the Texas House, and I'm proud to see it successfully through the legislative process. I'm also tremendously grateful to UTEP President Heather Wilson, whose tireless advocacy was instrumental in this bill's passage, and to Sen. Blanco, who skillfully shepherded it through the Senate," Perez added. UTEP Student Government Association President Edgar Loya said the UTEP Student Union was in dire need of an update. "I am so thankful for the support from our elected officials to make this happen, and especially the leadership from Sen. Blanco and Rep. Perez," Loya said. "We are glad that the Texas Legislature supported the outcome of our student vote to improve this important student resource." In September of 2024, the UTEP student body voted in favor of replacing Union West and renovating Union East. UTEP Miners asked for a more modern, accessible student-centered facility that would include the following: A new, modern, multipurpose Union West building, showcasing UTEP pride. Lounge, study and collaborative spaces with ample seating. Student organization work and meeting spaces. Space for a pool, ping-pong, and other tabletop games. Area for e-sports and PC gaming. New dining venue with healthy food options, accessible after hours. Space to host programs such as career fairs, speakers, comedy nights, open mic nights, poetry slams and karaoke. State-of-the-art technology and plenty of electrical outlets. Large ballroom for hosting events for 600-800 people. Shaded outdoor plaza area (between Union West and East) for live entertainment and other events. Sustainable features include solar panels, LED lighting, and water efficiency. More: UTEP discus thrower Esther Osisike breaks through to win a title María Cortés González may be reached at 915-546-6150; mcortes@ @ on Bluesky, and @eptmariacg on TikTok. This article originally appeared on El Paso Times: UTEP Student Union to be torn down, replaced with updated building
Yahoo
27-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Texas Senate OKs modernization of student union at UTEP
EL PASO, Texas (KTSM) — The Texas Senate passed a bill that supports the expansion and modernization of the Student Union at the University of Texas at El Paso. House Bill 2853 was sponsored by Sen. Cesar J. Blanco, D-El Paso and authored by Rep. Vince Perez, D-El Paso. The bill raises the cap on the student union fee, last set in 1987, to help finance the demolition of the current facility and construction of a 'new, modern building better suited to meet the needs of UTEP's growing student population,' Blanco's office said. The student body voted to support the incremental fee increase in a campus-wide referendum in September 2024. Blanco issued the following statement: 'When I was a student at UTEP, the Student Union was where we crammed for exams, organized student events, and grabbed a bite between classes. But even back then, it felt outdated. It's always been the heart of campus, but now it's finally getting the investment it deserves. 'UTEP is one of the fastest-growing research institutions in the country, and its facilities should reflect that momentum. I'm proud to help bring to life a vision that is shaped by student voices that honors the past while building for the future. This new Union will be a hub for connection and Miner pride for years to come.' Perez issued the following statement: 'The student union facility was built shortly after World War II, and generations of UTEP students have walked its halls, studied in its spaces, and built lifelong memories there. At that time, UTEP was a small institution of just 3,000 students; today, it's a nationally recognized university with an enrollment exceeding 25,000. This bill will deliver the modern, state-of-the-art facility our students need and deserve, supporting their success for generations to come. I'm honored that this was my first bill in the Texas House, and I'm proud to see it successfully through the legislative process. I'm also tremendously grateful to UTEP President Heather Wilson, whose tireless advocacy was instrumental in this bill's passage, and to Senator Blanco, who skillfully shepherded it through the Senate.' House Bill 2853 now heads back to the House for concurrence. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
