SGA’s Big Three share goals for this semester, and their future plans following graduation

The University of Louisiana at Lafayette’s Student Government Association (SGA) plans to continue the efforts they made in 2023 and bring new efforts to campus during the Spring 2024 semester.

The members of the executive branch, commonly known as the Big Three, are President Colby Hebert, Vice President Karessa De La Paz and Treasurer Gabe Cupstid. In addition, Chief of Staff Kate Hughes has tremendously helped with new plans and has been an integral part of their team as well. 

This semester, the Big Three are confident they will continue to provide for students and continue working on new and current projects that will improve UL Lafayette.

“Students can expect our continued efforts in being fierce advocates for their voice. We are excited to continue this work,” Hebert said.

De La Paz added, “We are not losing any momentum. We achieved a lot of goals last semester and we plan to continue.”

Hebert explains that SGA will continue their recent transparency efforts from last semester. 

“This semester we are looking forward to continuing our audit we began last year on self assessed student fees, ensuring students’ money is spent responsibly,” Hebert said.

In addition to their continued work on transparency, SGA has new efforts underway for this semester. 

“We also will be undergoing new initiatives regarding sustainability, safety, and wellness,” Hebert said.

Apart from these external efforts, these executive members of SGA are also preparing to leave office at the end of the semester. This semester is the Big Three’s last semester before graduating from UL Lafayette.

 “Internally, we are preparing our organization for smooth transitions between leadership,” Hughes said.

Applications for the Big Three closed Jan. 19, 2024. Election results will be announced April 4, 2024 at 5:30 p.m. The Big Three candidates that are running will be posted online to sga.louisiana.edu and the @ulsga Instagram in March. On the morning of the elections, links for voting will be posted.

After graduating from UL Lafayette, the senior members will move on to the next steps in their work and school careers. The senior members of SGA share their big plans for their future.

Hebert, a political science major, shared what is next for him after UL Lafayette. 

“After graduating, I will be getting married and moving to Washington D.C. to work at the U.S. Capitol.”

De La Paz, a major in environmental science, shared she will be pursuing a master’s degree.

 “I will be attending graduate school to continue my work in coastal restoration and pursue a Master’s of Science in Coastal Sciences,” De La Paz said.

Cupstid, an accounting major, said that he has accepted an accounting position to prepare for CPA exams.

“I have accepted a full-time accountant position at Thibodaux Hebert Deshotels LeBlanc CPAs and will begin studying for the CPA exams after graduation,” Cupstid said.

Hughes, a journalism major, shared she has accepted a new job and will continue her education to obtain a law degree.

“I will be working full-time at Broussard, David & Moroux as their Communications and Marketing Coordinator. This year, I plan to take the LSAT and apply to law school,” Hughes said.