University Honors Program

By Emma Kapp

If you told senior Jamie Vieson at the beginning of her college career she would be president of the Student Government Association, she would have laughed.

“I would definitely consider myself more of an introvert,” Vieson admitted.

Vieson is a human rights and philosophy double major with minors in political science and women’s and gender studies. She didn’t become involved in SGA until fall 2016, where she was the only female senator. It was her friend and current SGA vice president, Allen Bruce, who convinced her to run for higher office.

“We were friends from Camp Blue and always joked about becoming president,” Vieson said. “After talking more, we realized we shared a similar vision for inclusivity on campus and decided to run.”

In her first semester as president, Vieson has changed the way SGA senators develop their advocacy projects. Instead of individual projects, senators now work in groups to widen their reach and impact. Vieson’s administration also has implemented Tough Talks, an event focused on bringing the students together to discuss important issues facing the UD community.

“Tough Talks are a great way to have productive conversations, which we don’t always see in today’s world,” Vieson said.

In the upcoming semester, Vieson is looking forward to delivering more tangible benefits to the student body and providing more opportunities for students to know SGA beyond its funding opportunities. She has enjoyed meeting students, faculty and staff and hopes to make students more aware of their resources on campus.

“I’ve had the chance to see how UD operates in a different way because of my position,” Vieson said. “I want to share this knowledge with students so they know who to approach if they have questions or problems.”

After graduation this spring, Vieson will join Teach for America and assist students in either Dayton or Cincinnati. She then wants to attend law school and focus on public interest and education law. Vieson credits the development of this direction to her participation in DC Flyers and the Honors Program.

“The Honors Program is a place where the staff is always looking out for your best interests and challenging you to be the best student you can,” she said. “I have made my goals and know I can see them through, thanks to the support of the Honors Program.”