A lot has been going on around campus since my previous post. The spring semester is now in full swing, and midterms are looming large in the coming week. I can speak for most students when I say that spring break will come as a welcome respite from our respective course loads.

That being said, the past few weeks have been filled with a multitude of events. On Saturday, February 26, nearly 200 Whittier College students, staff, and alumni participated in the annual Helping Hands Day celebration, myself included. I joined my fellow Lancers at St. Mathias church, where we organized the donation pantry, cleaned the kitchen, and picked up trash around the grounds. It was a great opportunity to give back to the local community and spend a few hours helping out those in need. 

Luminarias, Whittier’s annual formal dance, took place that evening, making for a full day of fun. This year’s event was held on Rodeo Drive in Beverly Hills, and Program Board really outdid themselves. The catered food was delicious, the location was ideal and the execution of the event was flawless. A great time was had by all.

Looking ahead, there will be even more exciting happenings on campus. The ASWC Senate has partnered with Campus Safety to purchase two new electric carts, which will serve a dual purpose. Along with alleviating foot traffic during special events (graduation especially), the new carts will be used as shuttles to support the growing student need for quick transportation around campus. A shuttle route is currently being planned, and will serve high-traffic areas at specific times throughout the day. Look for me to be driving one of these shuttles every Friday.

With that, I leave you with the following quote from legendary football coach Lou Holtz:

“10% of life is what happens to you, and 90% of life is decided by how you respond.”

Until next time,

Tyler Zickel

ASWC President

My name is Tyler Zickel, and I am the current President of the Associated Students of Whittier College (ASWC). As this is my first post, I would like to formally welcome you to the ASWC President’s Blog. Here you will find all sorts of information pertaining to Whittier College, the ASWC Senate, the student body, and much more. My goal is to post at least one entry per week, with smaller posts or photos added as I see fit. 

Let me tell you a little about myself. I am a junior from San Diego, CA, and I am majoring in English with a Philosophy minor. I am a member of the Lancer Society, and through my experiences as a Lancer I have become quite fond of student life here on Campus. I’m a sports fanatic, and my favorite team in any sport is the San Diego Padres. I played 1 year for the Whittier baseball team, and have written for the sports section of the Quaker Campus as well. I also spent the Fall semester working for Quaker Campus Television (QCTV), the College’s own TV news station, and hosted a radio show for KPOET my freshman year. 

I am incredibly excited for what 2011 has in store for Whittier College. Through the combined effort of the ASWC and the administration, student life on campus couldn’t be better. Enrollment is rising, WC’s athletic teams are improving, and the variety of programs and events on campus is unmatched anywhere. Prior to starting my term, I outlined three major goals I want to accomplish while in office. They are:

1. Increase school spirit

2. Promote effective programming

and perhaps most importantly:

3. Streamline the environmental initiative at Whittier College

Whittier is at the forefront of the collegiate “Going Green” movement, and in my 2.5 years here, student environmental awareness has come a long way. I look forward to furthering that effort.

Whether you are a current Whittier student or faculty member, an alumni, a prospective student, or a parent, I would once again like to welcome you to the ASWC President’s Blog. Here’s to a successful year!

Go Poets!

Tyler Zickel

ASWC President

“Success is related to standing out, not fitting in.” -Don Draper 

*Editor’s note* 
I love thought-provoking quotes, and have filled notebooks with them. Each week, I will end my post with a favorite, and hopefully they will enrich you as they did me.