In The Spotlight

“Impacting the Webster World: Mathias Jackson”

Jenn Christ
Senior media communications major

Maybe your son or daughter has seen him walking through the University Center, eating in the cafeteria or competing in the residence halls’ September Spectacular. Serving as the President of the Student Government Association (SGA) and as a Resident Assistant in the residence halls, in one way or another, he is going to make an impact on your student’s campus life. And to think this is only Mathias Jackson’s sophomore year.

Every spring, the Mark Govoni Emerging Leader Award is presented to a first year student for outstanding contributions to extracurricular life and emerging leadership skills. Through his campus involvement and proactive approach to leadership, it is obvious why Mathias Jackson was named the 2003 Mark Govoni Emerging Leader.

At the beginning of his freshman year, Mathias did not hesitate to become involved on campus. Through student employment, the athletic department, student organizations and the residence halls, Mathias found several communities in which he wanted to make his mark.

“I see so much of what I want to do in the actions of these groups and it makes me proud to attend a university with such a strong sense of dedication to the community around it,” says Mathias.

Mathias served as a lifeguard and swim instructor and participated with the Men’s Swimming Team and Men’s Tennis Team. With the desire to make a difference and to build common bonds between the student body and the university, Mathias also became an active voice in the Student Government Association (SGA).

“Mathias has quickly become a key member of SGA in only one year at Webster," says John Ginsburg, the director of the University Center and Student Activities. “He was elected At-Large senator, then took an empty Senator position from his School, and then filled the vacancy of Sergeant-at-Arms on the Executive Board. He chaired or served on several committees, and was one of the more visible and influential members of the governing body.”

Through his involvement with SGA, it is clearly recognizable that this student, majoring in International Relations/ Pre-Law, would like to run for a political office someday.

“The goal is not to reach the office but to help people. So many times we set our goals for things that can be easily taken away. I want to lead by the example of hard work, dedication, and resolve to help others,” says Mathias.

This proactive approach is based on his observations and experiences with other leaders.

“The people and things that seem to be the most successful are the ones who go out and make a difference. They don’t just sit by and let life run its course. They are out in front making the changes and helping those who need it,” says Mathias.

Mathias holds this same kind of dedication to the community he serves. Awarded an Energizer Leadership Scholarship, Mathias will continue working as a lifeguard/ swim instructor, leading the University Center Board as president and serving SGA as president. Starting a new kind of leadership experience this sophomore year, Mathias is the resident assistant of 3rd Loretto.

One thing is for certain: Mathias Jackson will not be taking a backseat while a student at Webster University. Encouraging all students to become involved on campus, Mathias emphasizes the need for student involvement to promote change:

“If you want something to change DO IT YOURSELF, or at least find a way to be a catalyst in the process! Apathy is the worst plague known to man.”