He loves to mambo, listens to Avril Lavigne, and hopes to one day become the President of Iona College. Harrigan took some time from his busy schedule as GAB President, RA, and an Education major to talk to The Ionian about how the shy freshman in the skullcap became the student leader in charge of major organization and a floor of freshman.

 

What three words best describe you?

Probably unique, brilliant and mambo. I appear to be that weird quiet kid, and to an extent I am, but I’m unique from everyone else. I’m brilliant in my own right and everyone knows I like to mambo!

What’s one thing that might surprise people about you?

Pearl Jam is my favorite music band but I also have the early albums from Avril Lavinge and 78Violet (aka Aly and AJ). Bet you weren’t expecting that one, were you?

What’s your major and why did you choose it?

I’m a Secondary Education major with a concentration in social studies. I went with this major because I’ve always enjoyed helping people learn something new and helping them better themselves. The issue with the younger generations is leadership and hopefully I can be a stable leader that these kids can be positively effected by.

What is the purpose of GAB and what do you do as President?

The purpose of GAB is to provide some excellent events for the campus. This year as president I’ve taken on an initiative to have new and unique programming–things we’ve never seen before on this campus. Laser tag is a great example; we’ve never done it before and it was one of our most successful events we’ve ever had. My friend Jaclyn insists that she’s really the President of GAB and I’m just the chair, so as Chair, I’m essentially the liaison between the Office of Student Development and the students and the board. I oversee the big time events such as Homecoming and Spring Weekend and I still keep myself involved in the programming process.

Homecoming is this week! What can we expect from GAB in terms of Homecoming activities?

Homecoming is going to be awesome this year! We’ve got so many new events and activities for everyone to get involved in. That evening we have a Name that Tune/Don’t forget the Lyrics game show in the End Zone, which is perfect for practically anyone to go to. We’re going to have a good time this year.

This is your first year as an RA. Are you enjoying the experience? Is it everything you hoped it would be?

Being an RA has been phenomenal. I have heard from other RAs that it is usually difficult and time consuming but it has been really easy for me. I’ve got an amazing floor (floor seven represent!), staff and RHD. I really couldn’t have asked for an easier ride. Maybe I’m a natural already? The most difficult part about being an RA so far for me was doing those pesky bulletin boards, but I did do an awesome Judge Judy board!

What’s your favorite aspect of life at Iona?

My favorite aspect of life here at Iona is community. It was such a warm atmosphere and that is what drew me here. Everyone knows you and people seem to genuinely care about one another. The friends I’ve gained are some of the best people I’ve ever met.

Which faculty and/or staff members have made an impact on you while here at Iona?

Having Dr. Stratton changed how I thought about the discipline of history, time management and research. She, indirectly, taught me how to thoroughly think about something and how to build off of that.

Any advice for Iona students?

My best word of advice for the students is to be involved and to be consistent in building off of their goals. When I was a freshman, I was a nobody; I walked around in my skullcap and talked to no one. Three years and a dream later, I became chair of a major organization. So I would say to keep your mind set on a goal and work hard for it. It’s a cliché, but it’s the most legitimate piece of advice I could give.

Where do you see yourself in 10 years?

In ten years, Dr. Harrigan will have opened his fifth school by then and eventually becoming the President of Iona College. Mark it down, folks.