Institute selects student director

SJU junior Sam Rengo is the new student director at the Men’s Development Institute (MDI).

After learning about issues on campus while studying abroad last fall, he applied for the position and was hired in early February.

“There was almost a constant stream of disheartening news on campus, including the Pat Hall incident, which really sparked the entire institution’s relaunch,” Rengo said. “When I heard about that—and I became more familiar with the MDI and what its done in the past—I thought it would be worthwhile to involve myself on campus.”

Rengo sees student feedback and engagement as key to MDI’s success.

“Johnnies and Bennies alike are going to have the opportunity to engage with MDI programming and events on campus that open discussion about issues like gender, intersectional identities and sexual misconduct,” Rengo said. “In these programs, I hope to hear the feedback of students and incorporate it into tangible policy change.”

On Saturday, Feb. 26, from 2 to 4 p.m., students can share feedback and thoughts with the MDI and Peer Resource Program (PRP) at the broomball event at the Tundra ice rink. The event will address concepts such as aggression and unhealthy competition. The organizations will provide snacks, and participants will be entered in a drawing for gift cards to local businesses.

In his new position, Rengo will be primarily in charge of coordinating between campus organizations to develop programming initiatives with the purpose of ensuring a sustainable program that will positively impact campus culture. After the Pat Hall incident, the institute was revitalized to respond to changing needs on campus.

“We wouldn’t have an MDI without Pat Hall, as horrible as that is,” Rengo said. “It’s opened up an opportunity for potential action that is now upon us.”

Rengo attributes the re-institution of the MDI to the outpouring of support by faculty and students in the wake of a fall semester full of campus-related issues. As a student director, Rengo also is focused on strengthening partnerships with other campus organizations, such as the Institute for Women’s Leadership (IWL).

“Another one of my goals is to develop a close working relationship with the IWL and work on joint programming that incorporates their ideas because we have a lot to learn at St. John’s,” Rengo said. “The administration is set on growing this organization as a parallel to the Institute for Women’s Leadership at St. Ben’s.”

The MDI will be hiring three additional student employees to improve the functionality of the organization.

The Student Inclusivity Coordinator will develop campus partnerships with the awareness of issues of diversity, equity, inclusivity and justice. The Programming Coordinator will focus on the implementation and logistics of event planning. The Student Communications and Outreach Coordinator will develop strategies to promote awareness of the MDI via digital marketing.