Lindenwood’s Student Government Association is planning to branch out by working with the local non-profit organization Youth in Need, according to an announcement made during the LSGA Black and Gold Gala on April 12.

LSGA President Regan Cole said that she is excited for the organization to step out into the community, and is looking forward to the new opportunity.

Cole also announced that Lindenwood junior advertising/public relations: corporate communications major Nick Stone would be taking over as the LSGA president for the 2017-2018 year.

Stone said that the idea to partner with a charity organization came from Cole to help give LSGA a “bigger name on campus.”

“Part of the way she wanted to do that [was to] have a charity so we can work together with other student organizations,” said Stone. “Because it’s not just LSGA doing this; we’re hoping that other kids will do it with us.”

Youth In Need helps at-risk youth through emergency sheltering, counseling services, foster-care management services and more to “build on the strengths of children, youth and families so they find safety, hope and success in life,” according to the organization’s website.

Stone also wants to tackle the “suitcase culture” on campus by working to get students more involved on campus.

“I really want to push for more and bigger events on the weekends,” Stone said. “I want to try to make the dorms as comfortable as possible. And one of the ideas that I know is being talked about is longer visitation on the weekends; that way, people can spend more time with their significant other in the dorms.”

Joining Stone on the LSGA executive board are Posy Durr as vice president, Benito Luongo Vegas as secretary and Kelsee Davis as treasurer.

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