Cayuga Welcomes New Student Trustee

An Auburn area student who is already a member of an academic honor society and the National Society of Leadership & Success has been voted the new Cayuga Community College Student Trustee.

Alaina Bates, a second-year student at Cayuga who is pursuing a degree in Health Sciences with a concentration in Medical Technology & Medical Biotechnology, was sworn in as the 2020-21 student trustee at Cayuga’s Board of Trustees meeting on Tuesday, December 22. Bates, 19, enrolled at Cayuga in 2019 after graduating from Auburn High School.

 “I want to gain all the experience I can while I’m attending Cayuga, and being the Student Trustee is a great opportunity. I know I could focus on my classes and not participate as much in college organizations, but why do that? I want the leadership experience and want the opportunity to meet and learn from people,” she said.

During her time at Cayuga, Bates has proven a strong student who is interested in being involved in student organizations. She’s a member of academic honor society Phi Theta Kappa and the Cayuga Science Club, and has served as an officer in both organizations. She’s also a science and math tutor, and continues to tutor students in microbiology this year.

Bates is also the recipient of several scholarships, including the ACC/CCC Alumni Scholarship, the Leo & Elizabeth Curtin Fox Memorial Scholarship and the Holy Family High School Alumni Scholarship.

Her enthusiasm for the College and her commitment to helping fellow students succeed is part of what will make Bates an excellent addition to the College Board of Trustees, said Cayuga President Dr. Brian Durant and Board Chair Marian Brown.

“Alaina is everything we hope for in our Student Trustee — highly motivated, a leader in the classroom and in student organizations, and committed to helping her fellow students succeed,” said Durant. “We’re looking forward to working with her, and to hear her suggestions how Cayuga can continue finding ways to help our students achieve.”

“The Student Trustee is an important position that demands leadership and communication skills, and Alaina has demonstrated both qualities throughout her time at Cayuga,” said Brown. “She has a proven commitment to helping other students, and will share student concerns, ideas and accomplishments with our College leaders. We’re excited to work with her and are proud she’s representing our students.”

Originally studying Liberal Arts when she came to Cayuga, Bates found herself developing a strong interest in Biology and decided to switch her academic focus. She’s planning on eventually transferring to continue her education and earn her doctorate, though she’s still determining what biology-related degree she’ll pursue.

In the meantime, however, she’s looking forward to supporting other students through Cayuga’s Student Government Organization and as the Student Trustee.

“People look to our Student Government Organization when they need help with something, and that’s something I want to be a part of,” said Bates. “With the pandemic, I miss the connection with other students and campus members. Being the Student Trustee allows me to step in and help, even if it’s primarily in a virtual setting.”