Religious studies and political science junior Howard Waldie IV poses for the camera. Waldie is the president for the 2013-14 academic year at ASU for the West campus. (Photo courtesy of Howard Waldie IV)Most people do not decide what they want to do with their life at a young age, but ASU Undergraduate Student Government West President Howard Waldie IV knew his path before he started classes at ASU.
"I am dedicating my life to service and looking to get involved in local government with a goal to become (a) state senator," he said.
The idea of leading a life of service came before Waldie, a political science junior, had attended his first ASU class, he said.
"I attended freshman orientation at ASU West and student government was tabling at the event," Waldie said. "I talked to them and, right before school started, I was appointed as a senator." Waldie said he felt previous USGW administrations were not as transparent and did not work with the students as well as they should.
Vice President of Services Kyle Lambros said he looks at Waldie as a mentor and teacher, and he is proud to be working with him in the new West campus government.
"I wanted to learn from him and be a part of what he was doing," he said. Waldie's goal for the West campus is to continue to help build and grow the campus to better the lives of students now and continuing for many years to come.
"I am working with deans on a 20-year plan to develop the West campus, so it can become the best it can become," Waldie said. "The plan will be passed on to future USG members to continue the work." Making a point to open communication and work together with other campus presidents is important to Waldie as he wants to help unify the University campuses while he is helping to revamp the image of student government.
"We are working to recreate the image of student government with students and are working on better communication with University officials," he said. "Last year, the organization fell, and this year, we are redesigning the idea of a student government with the students."
The one-University idea ASU officials have is being championed by Waldie as he works with other campuses, Lambros said.
"Howard really adopted the one-University idea and is continuing to work with campus presidents to complete goals," he said.
Vice President of Policy Aleksandra Grozic has worked with Waldie since their days in organizations at Barrett, The Honors College and is working alongside him to allow a more open government for students.
"We've been working faster than other campuses and have received a lot more student involvement this year," she said. "We are also providing more transparency than with past governments."
Grozic said Waldie will go far because she works for the students and has dedicated his life to one of service for his fellow community members.
"He is doing an amazing job and is one of the best leaders I have worked with," she said.
Reach the reporter at jshanco2@asu.edu or on Twitter @Joey_Hancock
