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Source: Nate Spriggs, nspriggs@k-state.edu
News tip/hometown interest: Lenexa, Louisburg, Manhattan and Riverton. Also for Joplin, Mo.
Photo available: Download at http://www.k-state.edu/media/newsreleases/aug11/810spriggs.jpg
News release prepared by: Tyler Sharp, 785-532-2535, tmsharp@k-state.edu
Wednesday, Aug. 10, 2011
CIVIC IMMERSION: STUDENT BODY PRESIDENT ENGAGED IN COMMUNITY, UNIVERSITY AFFAIRS DURING SUMMER MONTHS
MANHATTAN -- Nate Spriggs has always maintained a busy array of school and community-related activities.
A one-time school board candidate in high school, where he compiled an impressive academic and extracurricular resume, Spriggs never hesitated to become involved. Similar results followed at Kansas State University, culminating in his election as student body president in March.
Few breaks have followed for Spriggs, junior in agricultural economics, Riverton. Summer has been no exception, including a part-time internship with the city of Manhattan and frequent preparation for the remainder of his presidential term at K-State.
Spriggs would not have it any other way.
"It's been a good summer, different every single day," he said. "I like whenever life is a little unique every single day."
Following an almost decadelong tradition, Spriggs is completing an internship with the Manhattan city manager's office. The internship is offered to the new student body president and vice president. But Spriggs didn't have to split the position this year because Kate Bormann, student body vice president and a senior in agricultural communications and journalism from Louisburg, is serving an internship with Fleishman-Hillard, an international public relations agency based in St. Louis.
Many student issues play a role in the different projects Spriggs is focusing on during his internship. He is helping with a review of Aggieville safety procedures, specifically regarding Fake Patty's Day. The day is fashioned after St. Patrick's Day and draws countless people to Aggieville and the surrounding areas for the party-like atmosphere. Many stakeholders in Manhattan have pushed for the event's removal, but Spriggs believes the event could not be removed entirely. He has been working with separate entities in developing a recommendation to improve the safety and efficiency of the event.
He also assisted with the recent furniture amnesty day. Sponsored by HandsOn Kansas State and other organizations, the day was an opportunity for community members to recycle old or unwanted furniture. Spriggs credits the event's level of organization to Justin Scott, junior in political science, Lenexa, a member of his presidential cabinet.
Economic development has played a prominent role in Spriggs' internship. He has worked with a city sales tax program that provides incentives for businesses to start or relocate to Manhattan and that aids existing businesses in the city. Reports are prepared for city commissioners to see the program's successes. Similarly, Spriggs has worked with a program that offers small grants for neighborhood improvements.
Spriggs also has been an advocate for K-State students. The city's recently disbanded rental inspection program was supported by organizations such as the K-State Student Governing Association. Spriggs worked with Jim Sherow, mayor of Manhattan and a professor of history at K-State, on alternatives to the program but none were approved. Spriggs and Sherow meet biweekly to discuss city and university issues.
Spriggs said he has enjoyed the work.
"A lot of times you read in the newspaper about what the City Commission or state Legislature is doing," he said. "It's neat to see the other side of that -- the administrative side."
But Spriggs also is active in his main job as K-State student body president, where he is planning for the start of the fall semester and preparing for the remainder of his term. A platform issue of his campaign -- a VIP program for student entertainment options -- is prepared to move forward. The program will feature special offers and enhanced seating options for McCain Auditorium and Union Program Council entertainment events.
Increased information about campus services will be more readily available as well thanks to collaboration facilitated by student government. Welcome back information is being made available to all students through the K-State residence halls and the K-State Student Union's upcoming Expo and Activities Carnival.
Spriggs also helped welcome many new K-State students to campus this summer through a variety of activities at orientation and enrollment and at Wildcat Warm-Up.
An ongoing project for Spriggs and student government has been tuition planning. Special fees associated with tuition will likely be reviewed for how they are benefiting students, Spriggs said.
Spriggs even managed to spend some time away from Manhattan this summer. He served as a counselor for the Youth Civic Leadership Institute at the University of Kansas and took a family vacation to Table Rock Lake in Missouri. He also volunteered for a week with his family in tornado-ravaged Joplin, Mo., which is less than 10 miles from the Spriggs' home.
At his fraternity's recent national convention, Spriggs was recognized for his efforts. He received the Order of the Sphinx, an honor given to an outstanding member of a chapter by Delta Sigma Phi, a national social fraternity.
Spriggs is a 2009 graduate of Riverton High School and is the son of Larry and Carol Spriggs.