Student Body President Alison Mormino didn’t dwell long on Eastern’s financial troubles before commending fellow students’ efforts toward unity this semester.

In her State of the University Address, Mormino rattled off a list of Student Government accomplishments such as Unity Week programming and lobbying in the Statehouse.

“Student Government has been more active this semester than the last,” Mormino said, alluding to complaints that last semester’s Student Senate only passed internal legislation.

“Members have been actively researching several new programs and implementing new policies around campus,” she said.

Mormino applauded the work of University Board, whose chair, Caleb Judy, was named her successor later that evening. The UB has brought five major concerts to campus this school year, she said, enhancing the fabled “college experience.”

Early in her address, Mormino promised she and Marty Ruhaak, student executive vice president, would continue to represent the students’ interests when working with administrators on possible tuition increases.

“Vice President Ruhaak and I will strive to keep students at Eastern in sincere consideration when making decisions in conjunction with the university administration and Board of Trustees,” Mormino said.

Mormino didn’t reserve her praise solely for students. She thanked the various administrators serving as Student Government advisers and interim President Lou Hencken for “(keeping) students at the forefront of his decision-making.”

Mormino’s assessment of the state’s budget woes focused on the sacrifices all its public universities will make, namely accommodating more students with less money, cutting back on air conditioning and sending tuition revenue to the state.

“It is unfortunate that in a state so lauded for education and teacher production, those very values are threatened with the current budget situation,” Mormino said.

In her conclusion, Mormino left Student Government with encouraging words to face what she described as a challenging year ahead.

“Challenges await you, my friends,” she said. “Please meet them with the best interests of students in the forefront of your decisions.”