Meet SPB’s President and the Legacy She’s Leaving Behind at UB
By: Cristian Cuatzo
Waking up early at 7:00 on a Saturday morning is not necessarily the average college student’s idea of a perfect start to the weekend. But for Student Programming Board (SPB) President Daniela Gonzalez, (Dani, to friends and faculty), it is, as an eventful day awaits her.
This Bronx-native, graphic design senior at the Shintaro Akatsu School of Design (SASD) has dedicated the last two-and-a-half years to give University of Bridgeport’s (UB) student body the best college experience possible. The sincerity with which she does this work has won her the respect of students and professors alike. Curious to see Daniela in action for myself, I spent an entire day with her to learn more about her achievements.
It’s All In a Day’s Work
“I think she’s the greatest person ever.”
– Janice Ashton
Friend
Entering into Wheeler Recreation Center, my day with Daniela Gonzalez began bright and early with preparations for Accepted Students Day, which took place on April 11. She welcomed me with her customary bright smile as she set up her table to invite prospective students to join SPB. I was introduced to her friends and fellow SPB members who were delighted to see her. When asked about her first impressions of Daniela, Janice Ashton, her friend said, “I didn’t think that someone who does so much and has so little time to interact with people would be so nice. She’s hilarious and cracks me up all the time… I think she’s the greatest person ever.”
As the event kicked into full gear, I soon lost sight of Daniela, which came as no surprise to SPB’s Vice President Felicia Louis-Thomas who shared that “she’s known to often disappear out of thin air and reappear after resolving problems that come up during events.” When I finally got a hold of her Felicia was right, since Daniela was occupied resolving a seating issue. It soon became very clear to me that it was going to be a busy day of activity with Gonzalez, whose has a long list of responsibilities which include, but are not limited to:
- Controlling budgets with a CFO: Allotting every committee chairperson a specific budget to carry out events through campus every semester
- Leading RE board meetings: Making sure everyone in SPB is on point with their events and money
- Making sure her club members are okay on a personal basis: Ensuring they are not overwhelmed with their job so they carry it out their responsibilties
- Leading weekly General Board meetings with General Board members: They are the heart and soul of SPB that goes out and help during events, create new ideas and make them happen
With so many expectations and tasks to accomplish, Daniela still manages to maintain a friendly composure as SPB president. Demonstrating a genuine interest for future students, she went around the gym to inform them of the opportunities SPB and UB can offer them, while answering questions parents had. She even encouraged a reserved club member to get involved and speak with those present at the event as well. “She’s really cool and genuine hearted…there’s no words to really describe her kindness,” said friend and President of SLAM (Sophisticated Lovers of the Artistic Mind), Samantha Simpson, who also mentioned how she doesn’t have to attend her club’s events, but does anyway to help.
CONNECT: Follow SPB on Facebook for more information about events on campus.
The Heart That Keeps On Giving
“The programming SPB has put on this year has been beyond anything it’s done in recent years.”
– Dean of Students
Edina Oestreicher, the Dean of students, even stopped by to greet Daniela, who she’s worked extensively with her as president of SPB. Oestreicher laughed and chatted with Gonzalez about future events, and share that Daniela’s efforts “have been incredible in terms of enhancing campus life…the programming SPB has put on this year has been beyond anything it’s done in recent years. I think that’s a real credit to Daniela’s energy, creativity, and most importantly her ability to motivate the rest of SPB to work together.”
With the morning events over, I lost sight of Daniela again through the busy crowds of guests and faculty. Immediately, I received a message from her telling me she’s volunteered to help a student ambassador introduce future SASD students to the program; again out of her own will. It was at the ABC Building where Daniela encountered Prof. Emily Larned (graphic design program chair), who was briefing potential students. Prof. Larned invited Gonzalez to speak to them and she gladly spoke about how four years ago she sat in the same seats they were in and her growth since then.
When asked about her thoughts on Daniela, Prof. Larned stated, “She was always really attentive and hard working from the very beginning. I could tell that she was going to do great things…She’s always really helpful particularly to other students…Dani has always been really been focused on other people and is always full of suggestions.” After lunch, I saw these words in action when Daniela graciously took the time to help out with tours for prospective students, answering one student’s questions in particular about campus life as if she were a long-time friend, quelling her worries.
LEARN MORE: Check out Daniela’s design work on Behance.
Look at the interactive map below to view Daniela’s route around campus.
A Journey of Transformation
“Thank you to everyone whose helped me on this journey.”
– Daniela Gonzalez
One might say Daniela was born with a natural ability to lead and empower, but as we sat down for an afternoon chat she revealed that she wasn’t always that way. “I was a really shy person when I came to UB.I kept to myself. I didn’t really like public speaking… I could not be in a room of people and speak to them…I was really nervous when it came to things like that,” she explains.
But after joining SPB she was put at the “forefront”, interacting “with different people and became comfortable speaking to people she didn’t know and tell them about all the great things SPB does. With graduation only a few weeks away she looks back and calls it “a transformation.”Grateful to the school that saw her grow, she said, “Thank you to everyone whose helped me on this journey.”
Bringing my day with her to an end, Daniela decided to give moral support to her friends performing at the International Festival. Talking about her possible plans to move to the west coast, she invited me to join SPB and after a whole day of exciting events I understood the passion with which she does her job. She truly is the living embodiment of the UB spirit. To her, seeing the smiling faces of others at events and helping them is what motivates her to do amazing things. She can graduate knowing that she’s done just that, leaving behind an amazing legacy at UB.
Get Involved: Be active on campus. Click here for a list of clubs and organizations..