Getting to know your student senator, Dominic Giovanniello

From his hometown of Hershey, Pa. to Shippensburg University, Dominic Giovanniello has strived to be an active member in his community. Now he continues that streak as a Student Senator for the class of 2017.

When he first decided to attend SU, Giovanniello signed to play for the football team, but a career-ending injury prevented him from continuing in the sport. Undeterred from success, Giovanniello decided to run for Student Senate at the recommendation of his peers.

At Hershey High School, he was involved in Mini-THON and ran track. Giovanniello was also president of Young Republicans and an officer for the school’s Youth and Government group. “I feel like when I first got here I wanted to be involved in political groups on campus,” said Giovanniello.

Although gathering the signatures required to get his name on the ballot seemed daunting, Giovanniello was excited to learn that four candidates made it into the race. One of the more stressful moments of the campaign process was the question and answer session hosted by Student Senate President Luke Perry.

“I wasn’t expecting the type of questions they threw at us,” Giovanniello said.

“I think it was good for all of us and I think it really showed where each of us have our strengths and, you know, obviously our weaknesses as well.”

Giovanniello’s responsibilities in Student Senate include serving on at least two committees. He is currently a part of the Student Group and Activities Committee as well as Class Council, which determines the class gift.

“So far [Student Senate] is actually surpassing my expectations,” Giovanniello said, “We are the governing board for the student body here at Ship so we’re involved in almost every aspect of student life there is.”

Outside of Student Senate, Giovanniello participates in SU’s Adventure Club, College Republicans, Youth and Government, and is a member of the golf club. A political science major, the new Student Senator hopes to graduate from SU and continue his education at Georgetown University in pursuit of a law degree.