Boateng fills multiple student leadership roles

February 5, 2007

Ama Boateng was a member of almost every organization in her high school, so joining student leadership organizations was a natural step when she decided to attend Miami University Hamilton.

Boateng is a member of Miami Hamilton's Student Government Association, Minority Action Committee (MAC) and Campus Activities Committee (CAC). As current president of the CAC, Boateng says she wants to bring more activities to the Hamilton campus to make the campus more fun. “Not only fun, but educational as well,” she said.

 

(l-r): Betty Jo Unthank (member), Ama Boateng (president), two actors, Stacie Miller (secretary), and Mary Knauff (vice president) at the Sex Signals Improv Show. The two actors were part of the show.

 

Adding some S.P.I.C.E.S. to the Hamilton campus

When creating programs, the CAC concentrates on the acronym S.P.I.C.E.S., which stands for Social, Physical, Intellectual, Cultural, Emotional, and Spiritual. The group strives to provide a wide variety of programming that will benefit Miami Hamilton students and the community at large.

One of the most popular CAC-sponsored events in 2006 was the Sex Singles program, which explores how social demands, gender role stereotypes, and unrealistic hopes and desires can make dating a challenge.

“The Sex Singles program will be coming back, probably every other year,” Boateng said. “It was one of the most well-received and timely activities the CAC has sponsored. Non-stranger rape is a serious subject. But in addition to the serious educational value of the show, it also used a bit of comedy and audience interaction to bring awareness to the issue. While the program was definitely educational, it was also fun,” she said.

Making Spring Fling even more fun

Another popular event is the Spring Fling, sponsored by the Office of Student Services, which will offer some new activities when it takes place this year at 11 a.m. Wednesday, April 18, on the Campus Lawn.

“It was decided that we should make some changes, so we’re going to add an amateur talent show. It’s in the planning stages right now but we will announce audition details soon,” Boateng said.

In conjunction with the talent show, the CAC is also holding its annual Silent Auction, co-sponsored by the Organization for Wiser Learners (OWLS). In 2006, proceeds from the auction benefited the United Way. “This year, we plan to donate the money to St. Raphael’s,” she noted.

CAC works with several campus organizations

Besides the OWLS, CAC also works with other student organizations to promote cultural, recreational, educational and social events that benefit both the community and Miami Hamilton students. These joint promotional ventures include working on the Hispanic Fiesta with the Association of Latino American Students (ALAS) and the Thanksgiving Dinner with the MAC.

“Not only does the CAC co-sponsor activities, but we also help out in other ways, such as positing flyers and helping set up events,” Boateng said. The group organizes a variety of fundraisers to help offset their costs.

“Last year, we sold pizza on Tuesdays as well as Harrier wristbands and other merchandise at the basketball and baseball games. We’re always looking for ways to raise money,” she said

In addition to activities on campus, CAC members also have the opportunity to attend leadership symposiums throughout the country.

“In February, three of our members and one adviser will be attending a National Association for Campus Activities conference in Tennessee, which offers a wide variety of educational workshops as well as networking prospects and idea sharing.”

CAC membership is open to full- and part-time Miami Hamilton students. For more information, contact Corrine Carthell, CAC Advisor, 785-1892,or Boateng at boatenak@muohio.edu.