FOR RELEASE
January 12, 2000

          Casper Fred Marcinak, a junior from Walhalla, S.C., has been elected governor of the South Carolina Student Legislature. He takes office in January. During his term he will administer a $20,000 budget, have the authority to sign or veto bills, appoint about 20 people to members of the cabinet and administration and present this session’s bill to the Governor at a legislative reception in February.

          Cadet Marcinak is a history major who has always been interested in politics. He serves on the Regimental Staff as a supply sergeant and presidential aide. He’s a member of Phi Kappa Phi with a 4.0 GPA. He was one of 25 people elected to be a member of the Roundtable (debate society). He has also been elected to the Inn of Court (an organization for law school aspirants).

          He’s the fourth person from The Citadel to serve as governor since the organization was founded in 1956.

          The Citadel sent about 20 students to the assembly including five freshmen. There are more than 100 delegates who meet in the actual House and Senate chambers in Columbia.

          The bills the South Carolina Student Legislature passed last year included one for lowering the speed limit for trucks and another (which won the best legislation award) for developing a system of school vouchers.

          One of Marcinak’s goals this year is to recruit new colleges to participate in the legislature. He’s intent on getting North Greenville College, Winthrop, and Wofford. He intends to delegate the paperwork to others and spend his time as governor.