NORFOLK, NE - The Northeast Community College Student Leadership Association (SLA) has a new president for the 2017-18 school year. Allan Brenner, Cuiaba, Brazil, has assumed the president position for the current academic year. Previously, he was a freshman senator for SLA.
Members of the Northeast Community College Student Leadership Association serve on all major councils and committees on campus, boost student morale, and voice student concerns and opinions to the college administration.
Brenner said he sees campus leadership as serving both the student body and community as it works to make Northeast’s campus life even more enjoyable.
“We want to do something concrete, where you can actually see the improvement,” he said.
Brenner is a graduate of Nebraska Lutheran High School in Waco. At Northeast, he is majoring in Ag Business and plans to transfer to the University of Nebraska-Lincoln.
“I chose Northeast because I knew I could get a good, solid education that was affordable. I love all the small-sized classes. The teachers get to know you, they know your struggles, they know your goals. So they do their best to help you. I don’t feel like you could get that personal help from a bigger college.”
Brenner speaks both Portuguese and English and is currently learning Spanish. He said one of his career goals is working for a multi-national company in the agriculture industry.
Brenner said that because he is originally from Brazil, he brings an international perspective to the SLA president role.
“It’s always good to learn about different perspectives. You grow not only yourself but the community, which gains diversity. I feel like that’s very important nowadays.”
Other officers serving in SLA this year include Trelynn Morrow, Plainview, vice president, and Mika Bromwich, Valentine, secretary.
Eleven students serve on the current Student Leadership Association at Northeast.
SLA, formerly known as the Student Government Association, changed its name this fall. Carissa Kollath, director of student activities, said the change was made to avoid the appearance of any political affiliations.
Other student leadership opportunities at Northeast include resident assistants (RAs) - a team of student housing residents selected to assist with the daily operation of the on-campus residential housing facilities; student assistants - residents who assist the RAs; Student Activities Council – a volunteer group of students who help to coordinate and implement activities that are free for the student body; and student ambassadors - a team of 10-12 selected students who promote Northeast by hosting campus tours, hosting and participating in appreciation/recognition activities, speaking to civic organizations in their hometown and Norfolk, and sending thank you and other cards to prospective students.
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PHOTO CUTLINE - Allan Brenner
Student Leadership Association (SLA) President Allan Brenner, Cuiaba Brazil, meets with fellow students during an SLA meeting at Northeast Community College in Norfolk recently. Brenner has assumed the president position for the current academic year. (Courtesy Northeast Community College)