By Ben Vanderhorst
SAB President

Throughout my involvement at the University of Kentucky I have been involved in many different areas of campus, including Greek Life, Leadership Development and Student Involvement. But in all of this involvement one organization stands out as having the biggest effect on my life. This organization is the Student Activities Board. I joined the Student Activities Board in the fall of 2005 as a freshman and expected it to be like most other organizations that I have been involved in. Now as a senior, I reflect back on my experience with the Student Activities Board with bittersweet emotions.

As a member of the Student Activities Board I came to realize that it was not just an organization but a family. A family where there was always someone to talk to or someone new to meet. By being involved in the Student Activities Board I built friendships that will last me a lifetime. But more than just relationships the Student Activities Board is a place where you can try new things, learn about yourself through success and failure, and grow as an individual. Overall my experience with the Student Activities Board has been phenomenal, and it has given me so many things that it is going to be hard to say goodbye. But I know that through the work of my friends and me, we have created an organization that will continue to grow and exceed expectations of all those involved.


By Callie Hanks
SAB Vice President

Not surprisingly, being involved with the Student Activities Board has allowed me to gain practical and relatable work experience in leadership, event planning and management. Beyond that, SAB has given me many other unique opportunities. Getting to work in an environment where progression is fostered and creativity and autonomy are encouraged has empowered me to not only express my opinions but allowed me take risks, try new ideas, and develop and implement new programs and practices. Not everything I have attempted has been a success, but around here failures quickly turn into learning experiences and opportunities to improve. Additionally on a day to day basis I get to see the creative process in action and see ideas materialize into actualities.

What has meant more to me than anything else though is the people I have gotten to work with and the friends I have made. We celebrate each other in the good times and carry each other through the difficult times inside and outside of the office. And we laugh a lot. I couldn’t have asked for a better place to spend 3 years of my life. I’ve grown exponentially as a leader and as a person. It has truly been a blessing to be a part of the Student Activities Board.