Ryan Daniel, current SGA president, is a senior political science student with a minor in history. He graduated from Columbia City High School and prepared to enter Anderson University as a music education major. At first, AU had been only a name on his list of schools to visit, but once Ryan came to campus, he was hooked. “As I walked around campus, met the professors, and some of the students, I knew I had found my home,” he remembers. “The atmosphere was welcoming, loving, and accepting. It had a great music faculty, I met some very nice people, and I just felt like I was home.”

Ryan started out majoring in music education. However, he began to recognize “a much stronger pull towards politics.” Soon, he had changed his major with the encouragement and help of Dr. Michael Frank. “He really has challenged me to think independently,” Ryan says of his now-advisor, “and to look at all issues from both a political and a Christian perspective.” Another professor Ryan credits with a positive influence is Dr. Virginia Chapman, the advisor for the debate team. “She has taught me how to quickly and logically debate someone in order to discover a real and beneficial answer to a question.” Ryan considers his academic experience to have been very positive.

Ryan’s involvement on Anderson University campus, however, extends far beyond his classrooms and schoolwork. He has been a member of University Chorale (for two years as chorale assistant), the AU Collegiate Music Education National Conference, and the debate team. He also served as president of College Republicans and as a Student Court Justice for SGA. Ryan encourages freshmen to find activities to be involved in. “I have received so many benefits for getting involved on campus. Not only do you meet new people and make more friends, but you can use your passion and gifts to help others,” says Ryan.

Of his time at Anderson University, Ryan says, “I have learned so much about giving (time, talents, treasures) to others and how it should be my main goal and mission to make life a better place on earth and help build the kingdom of God. I have discovered within myself a whole different person than the Ryan I knew in high school. Anderson University has been a place of growth in not only knowledge, but also in my own self-being.”

Ryan is now a senior and president of SGA. Elected to this post by his peers, he is working hard to make this a good school year for the student body while looking ahead to his own future. After graduating in May, he hopes to get involved in federal politics by campaigning and working with congresspersons or senators. Further down the road, Ryan hopes to see a position in Congress for himself so that he can continue to use his passion and gifts to serve.