Aquatics director Jorge Olaves spoke to the senate again during the Student Government Association 39th Student Senate meeting Monday about receiving funds to reopen the pool.
Olaves came again to the senate prepared with a presentation.
The Aquatics Center needs $71,000 to sandblast and paint over the walls and floor of the pool. Other repairs included in the budget are reconditioning the pumps and fixing holes that may be in the pipes.
After the pool is reopened, the aquatics center will need $30,000 yearly to keep the pool operating.
The Aquatics Center receives about 30,000 visits per year and Olaves said 99 percent of the center’s visitors are students.
Olaves also received a number of organizations requesting to use the pool but he had to turn them down.
“Navy Junior ROTC had a big event last year. I said no because we don’t have anything [for them to use],” Olaves said.
Olaves also said because the Aquatics Center does not have adequate funding, the FAMU swimming and diving team has to rent out facilities from Florida State University.
Eric Wright, vice-president of the FAMU chapter of Active Minds, also spoke to the senate in need of funds.
The organization addresses mental health issues within the black community.
During the Active Minds national conference next month, three students are scheduled to present a proposal on the health disparities between blacks and whites.
The organization said they are seekingorga funds to support their travel and hotel stay.
“We tell ourselves that schizophrenia and bipolarism and all these different problems don’t affect us,” Wright said.
The chapter was founded in the spring of 2009 and is the 200th chapter nationwide and the second HBCU chapter.
“We are the second HBCU to be a part of this honor,” Wright said. “We made sure that once we became chartered we would hit the ground running.”
New diplomat in residence, Miriam K. Hughes, spoke to students about opportunities within the U.S. Department of State.
“I’m here for a couple of purposes, one is to expand your awareness of America’s role in the world because we are truly connected today with every country … than we ever have been before,” Hughes said.
Hughes presented Senate President Asia McFarland with a seashell medallion from Micronesia.
“Micronesia is a very poor country of 600 islands, their culture is very rich and receiving a seashell medallion is a very high honor,” Hughes said.
Hughes thinks working for the Department of State is a good opportunity for students to get
“More than ever it is President Obama in my opinion who has led us to think outside of all boundaries,” Hughes said.
“I believe the state department can be a fantastic vehicle for your own success if your are interested in this.”
For more information on opportunities to get involved with the U.S. Department of State, contact Miriam K. Hughes in the Office of International Education and Development located in Perry Paige, Room 305 North.