News

McCarthy takes office

New student body president eager to start

By Rhiannon Sawtelle

Posted on Jan. 22, 2009, at 12:00 a.m.

Patten, Maine has a population of nearly 1,000. Thirty-eight students graduated from the senior class in 2006. One was Owen McCarthy.

He credits this small-town sensibility for the interpersonal skills he runs his presidency on.

McCarthy, a third-year student majoring in biological engineering, won the vote for student body president in December and is executing his first weeks in office this semester.

“It was relieving,” he said about his win.

He credits the connections he has made on campus since his first year and said he has a knack for networking.

Dressed neatly in a button-up shirt and dress pants, McCarthy had a friendly approach to speaking to his peers. Sitting in his office, he made small talk and asked questions.

“Owen has no problem communicating with people,” said Ross Wolland, Student Government vice president.

McCarthy is eager to start his work as president.

“The campaigning thing wasn’t my style,” McCarthy said. “I like to do things rather than promote myself.”

With students back from break, McCarthy can begin executing his plans.

“I felt really excited and ready to move forward at my inauguration. I was proud to be surrounded by a key group of competent and motivated executives,” he said.

McCarthy may face problems with his campaign promises, for the same reasons the entire country is facing hardships in sponsoring programs – budget cuts.

A shuttle system, extended library options and leadership development are all on hold until a school budget is decided.

“These are things I should follow through with,” McCarthy said.

McCarthy met with several deans, executives and other officials during break to work these issues out. McCarthy plans to keep the student body updated with the progress. He plans to communicate with the student body through campus media sources and a possible Student Government newsletter.

“If people are informed, they’re much more accepting,” he said.

For now, he will concentrate his efforts on these plans and has stepped back from several activities to focus on his presidency.

In his time at UMaine, McCarthy held the offices of class agent for the Class of 2010, president of the Sophomore Owls, president of Sigma Epsilon, student ambassador and student senator.

“It’s a combination of coffee and a lack of sleep,” McCarthy joked about his busy schedule.

He explained that he is used to a busy agenda. In high school, McCarthy was the captain of three sports teams, earned 970 points in basketball and was president of his regional National Honors Society. He credits his home life for his motivation as well.

“My biggest influence would most certainly be my father for an unmatched work ethic,” McCarthy said.

Student senators have noticed his work ethic as well.

“Although I have not gotten a chance to get to know Owen personally, he comes across as a good kid,” said Peter Christopher, a new senator.

“I met him at his inauguration and he seemed very enthusiastic to work with me and the rest of the senate,” he added.

Former presidential candidate Rob Goodwin sees potential in McCarthy as well, but has some reservations.

“There is no doubt that Owen is committed to serving the students and the university, and he will continue to do so as president of Student Government. The question that I am asking to myself is what exactly is going to change,” said Sen. Rob Goodwin in an e-mail.

“Owen’s largest strength is his ability to foster great working relationships with the administration,” Goodwin said.

McCarthy agrees.

“I just want to make sure it’s a cohesive group,” he said of Student Government and the administration.

This entry was posted on Thursday, January 22nd, 2009, 12:00 am. You can follow any responses to this article through the RSS feed.