You’ll see some new faces at the Office of Student Activities and Campus Engagement (SAuCE) this year, as well as a familiar one in a new role. Dani McCalla is now the director of SAuCE after more than a year as an assistant director for the office.
As assistant director, she was instrumental in getting the SAuCE office up and running. McCalla introduced SAuCE to the student community as a resource for clubs and organizations, and volunteer opportunities.
McCalla said she her plans for this year focus on the development and sustainability of clubs and organizations, expanding community engagement through volunteerism, and assessing the outcomes of the office.
“We are committed to developing student leaders and creating student experiences that they can grow from and take with them after New College,” McCalla said.
Building community is also at the top of McCalla’s priorities. She hopes to continue expanding programming within the Cross College Alliance and to produce more events like last year’s International Student Banquet and the upcoming Downtown Get Down. These events are open to students from all member institutions and encourage collaboration between students from different campuses.
Joining the SAuCE team as assistant director is Lesley Nickels, who started her new role over the summer. Nickels hails from Indiana, where she received her bachelor’s degree in communication studies at Ball State University and was heavily involved in student activities. She graduated with her master’s degree in education this May from the University of South Carolina at Greensboro. She’ll be focused on working with clubs and organizations.
“Student clubs are a great way for students, especially new students, to transition to campus, help them find what they’re passionate about,and provide important spaces,” Nickels said. “They are so crucial to a college experience, and I’m excited to get to help with that.”
Also joining the SAuCE team as assistant director is Jada McNeill, who was previously the AmeriCorps VISTA Volunteer Coordinator on campus. McNeill will continue to focus on community service opportunities for students, but her primary focus will be on diversity and inclusion programs.
“I would like to create more spaces for different marginalized groups on campus so they have a space where they feel welcome, share experiences with each other, understand different cultural norms, and make the campus feel more inclusive,” McNeil said.
Lisa Bolduc is excited to continue her role as office manager. Bolduc is no stranger to working in student affairs. She’s been with the department for 17 years and enjoys interacting with students.
“I really love watching them grow and transform,” said Bolduc.
If you’re a student with an idea for a club, event, or volunteer activity, and you don’t know where to start, the SAuCE team encourages you to reach out or stop by their office in HCL 4.
To learn about student activities and events, download the CORQ app.
– Shane Donglasan is the marketing writer/project coordinator at New College of Florida.