Southern Illinois University Edwardsville Student Government has selected Madeline McCune as the 2014 recipient of Senator of the Year Award. The award is presented annually to a student senator who demonstrates excellence, goes above and beyond their duties, and serves as a strong advocate and role model for students.
McCune, a sophomore in the School of Business, was selected for the award by Nasir Almasri, 2013-14 student body vice president and 2014-15 president-elect.
“I selected Madeline for Senator of the Year because of her outstanding dedication to serving the SIUE community,” said Almasri. “While she has done a great job serving as a voice for students, her main job as a senator, she has made every effort to go above and beyond. She has assisted with programming and events, asked pointed questions about spending student fee dollars, and was a leader among leaders in the Student Senate.”
McCune joined student government in her first semester at SIUE. In addition to her work as a student senator, the Bethalto native has served on the External Affairs and University Quality committees. Through her work with Student Government, she discovered her passion for fostering student life on campus.
“I absolutely love working as a student senator, because I get to be involved and continuously work to improve campus life.” said McCune. “I love making a difference, no matter what the size. I feel very fortunate to have had the opportunities that I have had along the way.”
She has grown within the organization and looks forward to continuing to serve the SIUE community next year.
“I was honored to have been selected for this award, and I hope I can continue my success with my peers here at SIUE,” said McCune.
“We are excited to have her returning as a senator next year,” Almasri added. “Even outside of Student Government, Madeline is a great role model and friend. She is someone everyone looks up to. She has given back so much to the SIUE community, and she will have great success in the future.”
McCune is a 2012 graduate of Bethalto’s Civic Memorial High School. She is majoring in business administration and considering a minor in mass communications.
As a member of the sorority Alpha Sigma Tau, McCune has held positions as parliamentarian and vice president of community relations. She has also served on the Sisterhood Growth and Development, Events, and Public Relations committees.
McCune is also a member of the women’s club soccer team, Phi Eta Sigma and the National Residency Housing Association Red Storm Chapter.
Fall 2013 marked the fourth-consecutive semester McCune was listed on the SIUE Dean’s List. She has been inducted into the Golden Key International Honor Society, National Society of Leadership and Success, and National Society of Collegiate Scholars.
McCune has worked as a STARS student tour guide and Preview Day guide for the SIUE Office of Admissions.
On April 30, McCune was also recognized by the SIUE Kimmel Student Involvement Center as a 2014 recipient of the Emerging Leader of the Year award during the Kimmel Leadership Awards.
Photo: SIUE’s Madeline McCune receives the Senator of the Year Award from Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs Narbeth Emmanuel.