The Messiah University Student Government Association serves as a bridge between University Administration and the student body, representing campus needs and interests through the Student Body President’s Cabinet, Student Senate, the Student Review Board, and the Diplomatic Corps of Student Representatives to University Committees. Join us as we work to change campus for the better!

What does it mean to lead, especially within the Christian context?

During my time at Messiah I have learned so much about different faith practices and have seen the beauty in the various styles of worship while learning to appreciate their differences. Through those differences I have noticed that love is at the center of it all, and it is this love that my own theology stems from. I, in general and through my leadership, show love to all people from all walks of life. I strive to learn their stories because I believe to truly love someone you need to know who they are and where they come from.

My faith is influenced by participating in social justice through practical action. I believe that as Christians we are called to meet the needs of the marginalized groups in our society. Luke 4:18- 19 says, "The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because he has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to set the oppressed free, to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor". Additionally, scripture describes compassionate action by using the Greek word “splagchnizomai,” meaning to be moved so deeply by something that you feel it in the pit of your stomach. I believe we should be so deeply moved by the injustices in our world and that should motivate us to do something about it. In my leadership, I have the opportunity to mobilize the necessary resources.

What does it mean to serve the student body?

The bridge is the symbol adopted by the Student Government Association because our aim is to act as a bridge, representing the student body as well as the institution. Serving with love means listening, caring, empathizing, and speaking the truth when and where it needs to be spoken, on behalf of those who do not have the same opportunity or privilege to do so. Serving with love means celebrating the stories of our fellow neighbors who make this community so diverse and rich. Serving with love means having difficult conversations with people of differing ideals and values because we want to get to know you, not just of you.

It is my hope that we will be able to serve you all faithfully for the next year. In love and in humility. That we may consistently lay down our lives so that His will may be done through us for those around us. We hope you will journey with us in striving to make Messiah a better place than it was yesterday. In fact, we cannot do it without you.

Your faithful servant,

Pauline Detucheu Tchouako

Student Body President