Esmeralda “Esme” Uribe of Lewistown will serve as the 2024-2025 student trustee for the Spoon River College Board of Trustees after a vote by her peers.
“I’m excited about being elected the new student trustee!” said Uribe. “I improved my communication skills after serving as a peer tutor for the college’s TRIO Student Support Services, and decided to run for the student trustee because I felt like it would be the perfect opportunity to gain leadership skills also, as well as get closer to the student body and the community.”
Uribe is a graduate of Lewistown High School, and is currently taking the prerequisite classes in preparation for completing the Associate Degree in Nursing at Spoon River College. After that, she intends to earn a bachelor of science in nursing degree.
During the fall semester, Uribe was a recipient of the Student Shout Out Award for exemplifying the SRC core values of caring, responsibility, integrity, respect, and fairness. TRIO director Jill Olson said that not only was Uribe a diligent tutor for TRIO, but that she also visited the math labs twice a week to assist students there, and other instructors noted that even when “not on the clock,” she was willing to help students in the classroom.
Besides TRIO, Uribe is also a member of Healthcare Enthusiasts and Leaders (HEAL), Phi Theta Kappa, Student Government Association, and Students for Environmental Action (SEA). She also works at her parents’ restaurant, “La Fogata,” in Lewistown. “By working there, my parents have given me the opportunity to learn about finances, but most importantly, they have influenced me to pursue the things I want in life.”
Uribe stresses the importance of being involved. “I always knew I wanted to be in the medical field, which is why I joined HEAL, and as a group, we have spread the word about mental and physical wellness. I also highly recommend TRIO, which helped me grow outside of my box.”
Uribe will be seated during the regular Board of Trustees meeting on April 24. Student trustees at Spoon River College attend monthly board meetings and represent the student body in the Student Government Association. Along with gaining leadership skills, trustees have opportunities to attend state trustee meetings and conferences. They serve one year, and receive a stipend towards their tuition and fees.
