Being a general manager of a major professional franchise is very similar to being a president of student organization [SO]; a person is a leader of a team. Robert Lerner is at the front lines of this group; his time in SO is prepping him for the rest of his life. Lerner was born in Brooklyn, New York, though he was raised in Manalapan
"[I'm] responsible for seeing that the organization is successful and that it's running effectively and efficiently. We are making change on campus," Lerner explained about his presidency. He, as well as SO, strives on making a better life for students. As president, he wants the council more focused on committees and creating changes on campus. He wants to show the power of Student Organization and for the student body to believe in the elected students. "I want more of the student body's concerns heard and addressed," Lerner continued. Improving the popularity of SO is also a motivation for this year.
The Student Organization E-BoardRoselenaTwyneVoorhiesDarlenyKlinkGuiroSmithwrickZwatschka
In 2010, Robert Lerner ran for freshman class president. "It seemed like a great opportunity, a great chance to get involved while making a difference," Lerner said. Unfortunately, he had lost that election. But that did not stop him. He was determined to become involved. During Lerner's sophomore year, he ran for class president. But this time he won! From there he went on to run for president of Student Organization. Yet one of the most unique things about Lerner's presidency is that he already knew how Student Organization operated with him being previously involved as sophomore class president. He had already learned how necessary it is to collaborate with people and how valuable people are, as well as working with all the administration and professional staff.
It had seemed that the funded groups had grown distant from SO, but Lerner is determined to bring them closer. As president of Student Organization, Lerner wants to improve the overall image of the organization. He wants it to be a wanted part of Kean campus life. With Lerner's major in management, there are great tools and techniques that he has learned that can help to run an organization and it also teaches how to work well with others.
For Student Organization and for Robert Lerner, this year has seemed to been very successful. Lerner was very proud that Welcome Week was so outstanding. Homecoming was also a big hit with the pep rally and the tailgating. The Wale concert was also sensational. There were great giveaways and prizes! But one of the most fruitful events was the Relay for Life event, which raised over $11,000. This event was in collaboration with the Graduate and Part-time Student Council [GPSC
Interacting with the students and getting people to table/volunteer is helping many people become involved with Student Organization. Lerner wants the spring election to be highly competitive because he wants to see students' desire to be involved with SO. Lerner will also be running again. Robert Lerner and Student Organization are committed to make everyone's college experience the best it can be.
In his spare time, Lerner is an avid sports fan and enjoys playing fantasy baseball and football. He also plays baseball and basketball pick-up games with his friends. His deep-rooted love for sports has led him to want to become a team president of a professional franchise. He is getting a B.S. in management with a general business option and that will help him achieve his goals. But studying management is also helping him with SO. "[I'm] learning the best ways to manage and help from the classroom [and taking it and applying it] to Student Organization." What Lerner finds interesting is how diverse the aspects of management are and the process of understanding everything throughout it.
For any questions and/or more information, email Robert Lerner at lernrobe@kean.edu or visit the Student Organization office in University Center, room 321.
