“Being a leader, to me, means devoting myself to others and making an impact on other people’s lives.” Though it may sound like a cliché to some, these powerful words serve as a constant motto for Bucknell Student Government’s new President, Thandeka Bango ’26.
Coming off many semesters as a member of Congress where he was chair of the Diversity Committee and authored an abundant amount of legislation, Bango yearned to make actual and more effective change for Bucknell. Now as president, he is prepared and ready to get to work.
“Being on the executive board gives you the ability and connections to be able to make changes that you would like to see actually enacted,” said Bango. “And not just changes in general, but larger changes that can make sustainable impacts.”
Bango has many aspirations and goals he’d like to see accomplished this year in Congress, which all have themes surrounding two words: sustainability and diversity. Growing up in a developing country has ultimately fostered Bango’s love for gardening and the environment, all of which will support his presidential goals of improving both diversity and sustainability on Bucknell’s campus.
“While most people think of sustainability, they think of the environment, but sustainability can mean anything in terms of time and human impact,” Bango said.
One of Bango’s endeavors is to create tighter connections between B-Eats and the dining halls in order to reduce food waste while simulatneously making it more accessible to students. He also hopes to increase awareness of recycling and how waste management is conducted at Bucknell with the hope to promote a cleaner campus.
As a student who lives far from campus, Bango is empathetic towards those who struggle with summer storage of their dorm amenities, and endeavors to make that better and easier.
Additionally, Bango also looks forward to navigating and respecting the dynamic between Bucknell University’s aAdministration.
“A large part of the role of President of BSG involves confronting the administration on behalf of the students”, said Thandeka. “We are looking forward to working with the administration to meet goals for the students”.
Bango also looks forward to working with a “great support system” of two new vice presidents, Amira Faden ’26, Executive VP of Operations, and Eliza Morris ’26, Executive VP of Administration, who will help manage the executive committee and congressional matters.
Above all, Bango understands that being BSG President can come with many challenges and will force him to make many decisions and stances throughout his term.
“Part of the work we will be doing this year will be making it known that the student government serves to represent student’s voices and elevate the student’s voices,” said Thandeka.
In overcoming those challenges, he believes that increasing awareness about global affairs could help increase diversity and inclusivity and spark a good conversation that can help BSG better serve the entirety of the campus, with while respecting the beliefs of all.
“There are going to be challenges, but it is always important to remain open and have a diverse thought, which should always exist on a college campus,” said Bango.
Bango hopes to embody empathetic virtues and lead by example throughout his term as President in his endeavor to make change. He hopes to make Bucknell a safer space for all Bucknellians to thrive, learn, and live.
