President Donald Gerth spoke to the participants of the Sixth Annual California Higher Education Student Summit on Sunday. Fifteen Sac State students attended the conference, as well as other students from the CSU system. Almost every CSU campus was represented with students from various student leader organizations. California State Student Association Chair Shaun Lumachi introduced Gerth as the key note speaker Sunday morning.

“We have invited President Gerth here this morning to reflect on our past,” Lumachi said. “President Gerth is here to talk to us this morning about the role of students, the role of CSSA and its historical perspective.”

Gerth reflected on the impact and growth Associated Student organizations have made.

“Student politics at an intense level have been with us for a number of years now. Associated Student organizations did not exist until after World War II, and students wanted to impact on how the universities functioned,” Gerth said. “A long time ago, Associated Student organizations did not have a particular unity like they do now.”Gerth spoke about the CSU system and its early days.

“The University of California started as a branch, but the CSU schools came together and were founded as separate institutions. We came together and created this system (the CSU system) that is unlike any other university system in the country,” Gerth said.

Gerth?s speech also spoke about the importance of CSSA and the voice it provides for CSU students.

“My sense is that this organization [CSSA] is more effective than anybody realizes,” Gerth said.

“As we go about our work, it is important that we understand that we are dealing with what is an institution with a mission; a very unique mission,” Gerth said.

CSSA sponsored the conference and people who participated walked away with useful information.

“I hope that students gained self empowerment and the realization that as students we can and must mobilize to continue the progress of the CSU system,” said Kevin Greene, assistant CSSA representative. “The conference helped me get a better understanding of the issues the CSU faces.”

“Attending the CHESS conference has helped me get ideas for running for executive vice president. The conference has also helped me form relationships with University administration and those involved with ASI,” said Shara Perkins, chair of Lobby Corps. Following the conference, the participants attended a cocktail party and legislative dinner at the Sutter Club, Monday night.

The legislative dinner honored Assembly Member Rod Pacheco, Senator Charles Poochigian, Senator John Vasconcellos, and Senator Deborah Ortiz as Legislators of the Year.