Not only is Tommy Wrenn an active member of a wide variety of clubs on campus, but he is a dedicated officer of four different organizations! As if serving on SGA wasn’t enough, Tommy has also taken on roles as Vice President of SAGA and his fraternity. In addition, he serves on several committees and clubs that are devoted to promoting campus diversity. Somehow, he still finds time to take a full semester of classes and pursue his hobbies in music. Tommy is potentially one of the most involved students on campus who makes a huge difference in our community. Not to mention he’s so friendly and a blast to talk to!
Major: Political Science with a concentration in American Politics
Minor: Music
Hometown: Greensboro, North Carolina
Clubs/organizations: Director of Cultural Affairs for Student Government Association, Vice President of Community for Sexuality and Gender Alliance (SAGA), Vice President of Delta Sigma Phi Fraternity, Desk Shift Volunteer & Event Coordinator for LGBT Center
Q: Why did you decide to join SGA?
A: My decision to join SGA was an opportunity that my position, Director of Cultural Affairs, provided. After being heavily involved in the LGBT Center and SAGA my sophomore year, I really felt like it was the next step in how to help promote diversity on our campus.
Q: What exactly does the Director of Cultural Affairs do?
A: In my position, I oversee a committee of senators that represent various diverse groups on our campus. I help to assist them in writing effective legislation for our SGA. I also have had the opportunity to be involved with the Multicultural Presidents Round Table where I have been able to form better relationships between SGA and multicultural clubs. I also serve on the newly formed Chancellor’s Commission on Diversity and the Diversity Celebration planning committee.
Q: What are some of the events your office puts on?
A: Through SGA, I have sponsored the Tunnel of Oppression which brings together 10 + multicultural clubs for a powerful night of awareness surrounding issues of oppression. I have also sponsored a Concert for Justice, the kickoff event for Social Justice Week at Appalachian State. I am currently working with other Multicultural Clubs in planning a Multicultural Club Mixer. I have also been able to utilize my position in SGA to promote and co-sponsor events held by other organizations.
Q: What is a typical day like for you?
A: It’s pretty hectic. Currently I am taking a 17 hour semester, private voice lessons, working 15 hours a week with SGA, working 2 hours a week in the LGBT Center, and dedicating around 2 hours a week to SAGA. Additionally, my work as Vice President of Delta Sigma Phi has added some more time commitments as we work towards chartering and establishing a presence as founding fathers at Appalachian. I also attend meetings weekly for the various committees that I serve on.
Q: How do you manage all your commitments?
A: I’ve got a lot going on, and I consider myself really lucky to be able to do everything I can. It does get overwhelming sometimes, but what I think helps me is making time for myself. Whether it’s just an hour of listening to the music on the 3rd floor of the library or coming back to the room to watch Netflix (House of Cards is really good, by the way), making sure I take care of myself is how I manage.
[pagebreak]
Q: How has working with SGA changed your college experience?
A: The opportunity to serve on SGA cabinet has opened so many doors for me. It has helped me to grow from a heavy involvement in one community, to the ability to learn so much about other students and our campus as a whole. I have had the pleasure of working with my fellow cabinet members who never cease to impress me with their dedication to our school and to supporting those around them. I also am so grateful for the opportunity to work under our current President and Vice President of the student body. I consider Jake Cox and Eric Barnes not only good friends, but two men who stuck to their word and stayed dedicated to SGA and Appalachian State throughout this entire year.
Q: What has been most rewarding part of being Director of Cultural Affairs?
A: I have had so many amazing opportunities to work with our Multicultural Organizations and really get to know their leaders. The most rewarding part is watching these organizations grow and watching them grow together. The ability to watch diverse groups come together and make things happen has been extremely rewarding.
Q: What is something many people don’t know about you?
A: Many people may not know that I am a Quaker! I don’t make oatmeal, I just love Jesus and peace and equality.
Q: What are your plans after graduation?
A: After I graduate I really hope to work in Washington DC before furthering my education. I am excited about an internship I have this summer with a Quaker lobbying group, and am hopeful that it will create connections for possible jobs following graduation in May 2014!