M embership on the Georgia College & State University Foundation Board of Trustees promotes creative leadership in service to our institution—both for regular members and its four student trustees including Ainsley Brown, Sebastian Nunez, Molly Robbins and Lauren Schroeder. 

We caught up with two of the student trustees to see how their service benefits them and Georgia College.

Senior mass communication major Lauren Schroeder has served as a Georgia College Student Trustee and on the stewardship committee for two years.

Schroeder began serving during her sophomore year after joining the Student Government Association.

“We meet every two months,” Schroeder said. “However, I interact a lot with the students on the board by just seeing them around campus.” 

Her service doesn’t stop there. After the foundation board of trustees’ meetings, she follows up by writing thank you notes and calling donors who contribute to scholarships. She tries to dedicate an hour after each meeting to connect with supporters of Georgia College.

What Schroeder enjoys most about serving as a student trustee are the connections she makes with foundation board members and fellow students who serve as trustees.  

“Everyone is always so friendly and helpful,” she said.

Schroeder knows why it’s important to serve as a student trustee.

“It gives students a chance to meet alumni, as well as understand different aspects of what happens at Georgia College,” she said. “I encourage new students to get involved with the board, because it’s a great way to make connections and learn some cool things about Georgia College, and how you can still be a part of the university after you graduate.”

Schroeder works in an internship where she encourages continuous learning across the company. She feels her experience as a student trustee will benefit her career.

“This experience will help me tremendously throughout internships and other jobs,” Schroeder said, “because it has allowed me to understand the importance of a simple thank you, as well as networking and connecting with others.” 

Junior business management major Ainsley Brown looks forward to making an impact at Georgia College too during her first year serving as a student trustee. She’s already a student assistant in member services at the Wellness and Recreation Center, where she interacts with faculty and students. Now, she’ll work with the foundation board of trustees to help strive for excellence. She will also serve on its fundraising committee. 

“As a student, being able to have a voice is really important to make sure that students’ concerns are heard,” Brown said. “I hope to add a significant perspective to important discussions.”

“Serving as a student trustee will allow me the opportunity to make meaningful connections with people who are influential at Georgia College,” she said. “I look forward to helping my college thrive and, hopefully, make it a better learning place.”