Anyone who has stepped on our campus knows how important the EMU is. It’s more than just the perfect spot to sit on the lawn and soak in some Vitamin D. It’s the center of student life, the meeting spot for most programs and the heart and soul of the University’s campus. I interviewed Kim Truong to get the behind-the-scenes scoop of who is responsible for making the EMU all that it is.
Kim Truong has been the EMU Board Chair for this last year, however she has been involved with the EMU community since the winter term of her freshman year. She started out interning for the Associated Students of the University of Oregon, our version of a student government, that works to make the university as in sync with its student’s needs as possible. Here, her love for student involvement began and led her to run for two different slates over the past four years, Duck Empowered and Ducks for Change.
The EMU Board is made up of two committees: finance and housing. The finance committee is responsible for reviewing and recommending the EMU’s budget, helping save students money and making any necessary improvements for the future while the housing committee reviews and recommends the rules and policies for the EMU as well as organizes space for each student and program. As the EMU Board Chair, Kim is responsible for overseeing both these committees. She coordinates the committee’s access to resources, makes agendas and is a first point of contact for ANY and EVERY thing having to do with the EMU.
Since joining the EMU community, Kim has seen a lot of growth within herself. Not only has she gotten more confident in her ability to lead a team, she feels a deeper connection to the network on campus and the University.
“Students can actually have a big impact on campus and it is important for us to be a part of these conversations. Being present and understanding what’s going on and that we can actually change things for the better. We have the power to advocate for ourselves instead of just waiting for someone else to advocate on our behalf.”
If there is one thing Kim wants you to take away from this blog post it’s to APPLY! The EMU is currently recruiting for both the EMU Board and other positions throughout the building. Take a page out of Kim’s book and consider the opportunity to play a bigger role in your campus!