Newly-elected Student Senate President Eric Ducommun is willing to take the position and bring Senate into a new year.

The sophomore Spanish major came to Missouri Southern for a couple of reasons, but one stands out in particular.

“I wanted to study Spanish, and my decision was based on how well the study abroad program is here,” Ducommun said.

Ducommun came from Central Christian College in Moberly, Mo.

After transferring, he became active in several organizations, such as Senate, International Club and Koinonia.

Ducommun also serves as president of Koinonia as well.

“He’s gained valuable experience as president,” said Adam Griffin, co-adviser to Senate.

Griffin said the experience to be Senate president is hard to come by.

“You just have to step in and do it,” he said.

Ducommun also served on several committees during his role as a senator. He is working with the scholarship committee to develop part of the Spencer-Bartlett award.

Griffin said Ducommun is one of the more active members of Senate.

“I think I have taken advantage of the opportunities to join several organizations on campus,” Ducommun said.

He said the organizations have helped him during his academic career.

“You get to meet other people instead of limiting yourself to the people around you,” he said.

Ducommun wants to see Senate possibly become more active with the students. He would also like to see the students become involved with events at Southern.

Doug Carnahan, dean of students and adviser to Senate, said he is optimistic about Ducommun’s role.

“We’ve checked him out, and we know he’s involved around campus,” Carnahan said. “He’ll move Senate forward.”

During the summer, Ducommun will be on call for anything involving the Senate officers. However, for one month, he will be studying biology through Southern in Costa Rica. On top of his roles in other organizations, Ducommun is preparing for a possible 20-credit-hour semester.

Before he officially pounds the gavel and opens a Senate meeting, Ducommun would like to give students some advice.

“Get more involved,” he said. “You’ll enjoy your education more, and it will be more meaningful to you.”