October 22, 2014

SVSU student Pedro Marin named National First Year Student of the Month

Saginaw Valley State University student Pedro Marin has been selected as the First Year Student of the Month by the National Association of College & University Residence Halls. The association represents 597 colleges and universities across the U.S. and select other countries, including Canada and Qatar.

A graphic design major from Grand Blanc, Marin received the honor after making an immediate impression on campus and showing extraordinary involvement.

“Pedro is an example of an outstanding student, going beyond what many juniors and seniors can accomplish, and he's only been in class for two weeks,” wrote Tyler Bradley, an SVSU resident assistant who nominated Marin.

Marin was selected as SVSU’s First Year Student of the Month for August.  He then was chosen as the top freshman residential student in the Great Lakes region, and ultimately at the national level.  

“ During orientation, we challenge the students to show up; Pedro is a first year student who took the challenge of 'show up' to heart, said Michele Gunkelman, SVSU director of Residential Life. “He has taken advantage of the opportunities at SVSU and has made strong connections with fellow students, faculty and staff as a result of showing up to events, classes and opportunities.”

Beyond mere attendance, Marin has joined the Student Affairs student staff where he designs publications and promotions. He also writes for the student newspaper, The Valley Vanguard, and had a role in SVSU's recent theatre production of “The Grapes of Wrath.” A member of the student-alumni philanthropic group Forever Red, Marin also became the first “first year student” member of the 63 Club, a program within Forever Red that raises money for student scholarships.  

Marin arrived on campus early due to his membership in SVSU’s Living Leadership Program, which focuses on developing rising leaders. He was also one of 90 incoming SVSU students selected to participate in Pathfinders, a three-day program before classes begin that helps students visualize what their college days will be like.

SVSU has 1,089 first-year students residing on campus this fall, representing 73 percent of the freshman class.