It was a long day for the new Student Senate treasurer

As the sun began to dim and the afternoon grew near, Student Senate Treasurer Kate Bond ran into her sorority house to change out of her work clothes. She quickly ate a "late plate" that the cook saved for her, leaving herself 10 minutes to jog up to the Memorial Union and arrive at the weekly Senate meeting just in time for the opening procedures.

Senator Kent Stepanishen with Kate Bond.

Bond, a political science major, served on the senate this year as Greek representative. Although she only recently was named treasurer, her responsibilities already have increased greatly. As treasurer, she is responsible for handling the budget the members of senate work with.

As an employee of Sunkissed Tanning and newly elected president of Alpha Chi Omega sorority, Bond says time management is the key to keeping her head on straight. She has managed to maintain a 3.9 grade point average while holding both of these leadership roles and working four times a week.

"I really don't mind being as busy as I am," Bond said as she headed up to the Union from the house on Route 138. "It gets stressful at times, but I love the responsibility . . . it keeps me on my toes."

After the senate meeting was called to order, Bond remained attentive while various groups spoke to those present in the chamber. Groups such as the Dance Club and Puzzle Club pleaded for financial assistance for various reasons.

Representatives of "Rhody Rides," a program developed by Ram Goals, voiced their disappointment that the referendum for funding for a safe ride program did not pass.

As the meeting came to a conclusion, Bond packed her things and headed for her next event of the evening: facilitating a Greek Week event. On her way out of the Union, she received a phone call from a senator who informed her that there was possible foul play in the Rhody Rides voting.

"Apparently, 21 votes were found hidden in the senate office," Bond explained as she paced back and forth, trying to decide if she should head back to the union or not.

"This is a huge deal," Bond noted. "It's going to look horrible on the people who didn't support it even if they weren't involved." As Bond continued her conversation with the Senate member, she noted that the hidden ballots were found a few days ago. "Whoever found it did not tell anyone for over 24 hours," Bond noted. "Guarantee this is all over the Cigar tomorrow."

While this mystery is yet to be resolved, Kate said she looks forward to the rest of the semester and the upcoming year as treasurer, regardless of stressful situations.

"I believe Pat and Neil will do an amazing job as president and vice president. I am happy to be working beside them and I know situations like this one and others that may follow will be handled correctly."

Rather than returning to the Union to get the rest of the scoop, Bond decided to head to Edwards Auditorium and the Greek Week "Dance-off."

-- Nicole Doucette