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“I think public service may be a calling for me,” said Alan Rivera, a junior business student who muses about someday running for political office, possibly in his native Perú.

Alan Rivera

That would come as no surprise to those who know the College of Business Administration’s representative to the Student Government Association (SGA). Self-assured and articulate, Rivera exhibits a strong commitment to the idea that being involved is critical, and he expresses a passion for creating awareness among students about how they can influence the policies and operations of Florida International University.

 “I think it’s really important for students to have a voice and to represent their ideas and concerns to administrators and faculty,” Rivera said. “I recognize that many of our students are juggling work and family along with their studies, and so civic involvement becomes less of a priority. But I think it’s my job as a student representative to communicate why participating in student government is important.”

Rivera uses a variety of methods to encourage student input. At the January, 2007, BizFest, he solicited comments at the SGA table. He has sent out surveys, emails, and letters to gauge students’ perspectives on a range of issues. He draws on what seems like a boundless store of energy to promote the virtues of participation in public life.

Rivera wants to influence change.

Rivera likes to point out examples of change brought about by students expressing their viewpoints. A recent one involved the designation of a tutoring lab in the new business building complex, in the undergraduate professional development center, which will provide services for free. Rivera thought the need was there and confirmed it through a student survey. When he presented the results to the college's administrators, they lent their support.
 
“Our ability to get that done is something about which I am really proud of,” Rivera said. “It feels good to be able to make a positive contribution to the school and to the students.”

In his position, Rivera has enjoyed developing relationships with Executive Dean Joyce J. Elam and President Modesto A. Maidique, both of whom he describes as “welcoming and responsive” to student issues and concerns.

“I have learned so much from meeting our school’s leaders,” he said. “It has given me a sense of what’s realistic and has helped me frame student input in a productive manner.”

His involvement in Alpha Kappa Psi, the Business Student Council, and the FIU Accounting Association (FIU-AA) may preclude a bid for another term. However, he remains determined to work closely with and support whomever is elected to the position. “I want to make sure that any new agenda builds on the current agenda and that ideas and initiatives are carried forward,” he said.

Rivera stresses his belief that the university is a positive force in South Florida and that the whole community stands to benefit from its continued success. With that in mind, he strongly encourages all students to email him at yourcbaideas@yahoo.com with their ideas and suggestions for making the university even better.

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