Robert Hammarberg
Bethlehem, N.H.
Class Of: 2013

Campus: Old Westbury
Major: Management, B.S.

If there is one point that Robert Hammarberg wants to make to students as he begins his first term as president of the Student Government Association (SGA) at NYIT-Old Westbury, it's to get involved in campus activities.

"There's a sense of pride when you're with an organization and striving to make it better," he says. "It opens up your world socially."

He learned this firsthand after graduating from his New Hampshire high school's class of 40 students and enrolling at NYIT. He first got involved as a maintenance assistant for the residence halls at SUNY Old Westbury, a position he still holds. In his sophomore year, he accepted an offer to represent housing and residence life in the SGA.

"I don't have a political background, but I like listening to what students and faculty members have to say and working to fix an issue or concern," he says.

While campaigning for SGA president, he thrived on support from the NYIT community. "Dean [Michael] Burnett pushed me to go after this and realized I have the potential," Robert says. "That's what I love about NYIT. Everyone I've met has been warm and welcoming."

He says his goals for the 2011-2012 year include "building a bridge between resident and commuter students" and increasing awareness of the SGA. He also wants to fill every SGA senate seat so that each school is fully represented.

"SGA is collaborating better on behalf of resident students at SUNY Old Westbury," he says. "We definitely have made giant strides."

As the face of SGA, he is developing business skills, especially an ability to conduct meetings, and is making the most of all that NYIT has to offer.

"I'm glad I chose NYIT because it's small and you have more of a relationship with your professors," says Robert, whose father, Roger, graduated from NYIT in 1985 with a degree in physical therapy. "It's that sense of community that I really like."

Did You Know … As a high school student, Robert met and shook President Barack Obama's hand when he was still a senator campaigning for president in 2008 in Littleton, N.H. "It wasn't really a stiff, good handshake, but I still shook Obama's hand," he says.