We see London, we see France, we saw Peter Grollitsch's underpants. Taking a behind-the-scenes look at this year's student government, Grollitsch's choice of under-roos will be exposed and examined, for the betterment of UB.
Our leader, with his heart-patterned boxers, has one goal in mind for the school year: aiming to please all UB students.
"I'm going to do whatever I can to make sure every student at UB is happy," said Grollitsch, a senior international business major. "We're really trying to improve things and make sure anyone who has any kind of concerns are addressed."
Grollitsch, backed by the support of the new student government, said that above all, he wants students to voice their concerns.
"We can't make everyone happy, but we're reaching out to students to see what they want," he said. "If they don't tell us, we won't know."
Grollitsch is no stranger to crowd-pleasing. As both bookkeeper and treasurer of the Student Association in previous years, he has taken great strides to improve on major areas of interest, and is now working to address some of UB's main concerns for undergraduates.
The SA president said that major areas of interest include more communication with both students living on campus and commuters, working with the Greek community, and providing more events and accommodations for South Campus residents.
"We need to speak more with the commuters," he said. "I, myself, am a commuter. Commuters make up a large percentage of the population, but we're still not communicating with them, and they're big parts of the Student Association."
In addition to working with large populations on campus, Grollitsch said there is a large effort geared toward strengthening club membership on campus. All on-campus clubs recently received a 10 percent increase in funding.
"If that's going to help them put on one more event or do something else they're inclined to do, then we're happy," he said.
Above all, Grollitsch plans to get more input from the UB community when the student government is making major decisions. Input includes polling to decide on favoriable musical acts to bring to UB's stages, different social activities and events that meet the needs and interests of the student body, as well as addressing major concerns like parking and housing.
"People need to just stop and tell us what they want and what they don't like," Grollitsch said. "We want to bring an act to UB that students are going to like, but we won't know unless you tell us."
According to Grollitsch, the Student Association has purchased tickets for many events being held at the Center for the Arts throughout the year. He is also working closely with both the Buffalo Bills and Buffalo Sabres to get more allotted tickets for undergraduates. Grollitsch also mentioned bringing a country show to UB, as well as musicals and other new programming, including The Producers, coming in Spring 2008.
"We're still working on keeping the programming new and interesting," Grollitsch said.
Grollitsch believes that the most visible change from last year's government is the on-campus presence that he and his fellow officers will have throughout the year.
"We're all going to be around a lot more. We're all in the office when we're not in class, and you'll see us out more, at different events," he said. "We're trying to actively work for the students and have them know that we're working for them."
Year and Major: Senior, international business
Relationship Status: Single, but don't get your hopes up ladies: "Girls are trouble," according to Grollitch
Astrological Sign: Leo
Hobbies: Skiing, sports and traveling - has been to Europe 16-17 times and is fluent in German.
Favorite Food: Veal Cordon Bleu
Pet Peeve: Tardiness
Boxers or Briefs: Boxers
Photo: Courtesy of SUNY
