On Thursday, Student Government President Darsham Gonzalez gave his State Address, which reflected on SG’s accomplishments in the 2025-2026 school year, at the Marleen and Harold Forkas Alumni Center.
“This year and our term has been largely defined by progress, purpose, and a commitment to ensuring that every student at FAU has the opportunity to succeed,” said Gonzalez.
Gonzalez says that through lobbying at the state and local levels, SG has advocated for increased funding (a 1.2 million budget increase), expanded resources, and policies that impact students.
“Improving campus resources, enhancing academic opportunities, or improving university governance and policy, we’ve made sure every decision was made in the best interest of our student body,” said Gonzalez
Additionally, Gonzalez says that SG has contributed to Florida Atlantic’s overall growth, noting the University’s R1 status and its recent ranking among the top 100 public universities nationally.
“As we move forward, our focus is clear. We’ll finish this year strong and continue to benefit and do right by our students day in and day out,” said Gonzalez.
Kade Salzer, vice president of SG, also reflected on all the moments he’s grateful to have been part of in SG, both the good and the chaotic.
“I’ve learned how much work goes into things students never see sometimes,” said Salzer. “I’ve learned that real progress doesn’t happen all at once. It happens through a lot of small, intentional steps over time.”
About 20 students attended Gonzalez’s address, including Nicholas Silano, the Boca Raton campus treasurer.
Silano says he wishes Gonzalez’s speech had focused on more of what his role as president entails.
“I wish he gave more opportunities for students to, like, I guess, understand more what he does, because a lot of students don’t know what the president does,” said Silano.
However, Silano also says much of the work Gonzalez has done won’t be seen until next year because it was more on the “administrative side.” This includes increased funding for the Student Union and the Recreation and Fitness Center, according to Silano.
Silano also argues that state addresses should happen once a semester, and that events like this should be attended by students more often.
“They’re put on for you. They are meant for you to engage with other students. You’re meant to go there. You’re meant to talk to people. You’re meant to experience community here at FAU,” said Silano.
Isaiah Sewell is a Staff Writer for the University Press. For information regarding this or other stories, email [email protected] or contact him on Instagram @izayahx_.
