Fry-Pierce Nears the End of His Term

An average college student fills hours of spare time roaming the Internet or watching MTV re-runs, but after the busy year Adam Fry-Pierce has had, it is hard to imagine free time anymore.
Adam Fry-Pierce spent his last year working as vice president of the Associated Students of Washington State University. He sat comfortably in his personal office in the Compton Union Building surrounded by lists, framed photos, important letters and business cards. Voting for the new ASWSU term starts this Tuesday, and looking back, Fry-Pierce realized how far he has come in the last year.
The Kenmore, Wash., native came to Washington State University with his mind on music, and his major in business. Later, he changed his major to advertising and opened up to the idea of student government.
Fry-Pierce hasn’t had his mind on ASWSU since he was a freshman, like other applicants have. He decided to run when the current ASWSU President Brandon Scheller proposed the idea. “I’m one of those people that feels they get more out of this than just school,” Fry-Pierce said, regarding the college experience.
Comeran Tileh is a junior accounting and management information systems major and is currently running for his second consecutive term as an ASWSU senator. “This year they both worked extremely hard to outreach to all students and work closely with the senate. Before, it was always seen that ASWSU executives and senate did their own things,” Tileh said. “After all, we are both there to serve the students.”
According to Fry-Pierce, their greatest accomplishment was getting WSU “back on the map.” They raised awareness with the student body, increased participation, worked on the controversial University District proposal, and initiated programs like the Student’s for Safety Fundraising Dinner and Safe Walk.
After looking back on his time in office, Fry-Pierce realized the amount of impact he and Scheller had on WSU. Fry-Pierce and Scheller focused a lot on awareness. At Call-A-Coug, an organization that solicits donations from past friends and family of the university, report builders include some of the Scheller/Fry-Pierce administration achievements.
“Adam and Brandon have really found a way to reach the students… and really get them involved.” Jay Hendrickson, 2009-2010 ASWSU vice presidential candidate, said. “They did a phenomenal job.”
Hendrickson, a senior biochemistry major, acknowledges programs like Wednesday’s weekly PB&J club, which encouraged students to connect with ASWSU to voice opinions and ask questions, while enjoying a free sandwich.
Fry-Pierce has a tough time picturing life without his demanding job next semester. Fry-Pierce said he is considering an additional five credits for next semester in order to be considered a full time student and stay involved. “Without ASWSU, I’m going to be so bored,” Fry-Pierce said.
According to Hendrickson, Scheller and Fry-Pierce had a great term “but there’s always room for improvement.” Fry-Pierce said he wishes that they had focused more on WSU’s presence at the capital in Olympia, and is interested in a lobbyist position for next semester to fulfill those goals.
Even an accomplished student like Fry-Pierce has the economy on his mind. He said he plans on walking in the graduation ceremony this December but is nervous about his life as a graduate. “I’ve heard this is the worst job market since the '50s,” he said, but added that he is working hard to sell himself to prospective employers.



CONTACTS

Adam Fry-Pierce
baxterfp at wsu.edu
Jay Hendrickson
jh214 at wsu.edu
Comeran Tileh
ctileh at wsu.edu

(Contacts did not want their phone numbers posted on the Internet, I'll e-mail them to you upon request)