Spartan Daily - Serving San Jose State University since 1934

Issue date: 3/12/08 Section: News

Benjamin Henderson, Associated Students president, stands in front of the steps of the A.S. House looking out over "his" campus.

It's Monday morning. The alarm rings at 9:30 a.m., and he wakes up with the peace of mind that justifies his late night sleep. He's ready to check events off of his planner. And by 10:30 a.m., as he walks from Campus Village to the Associated Students House, he prepares himself for the corollary course of his days: classes, meetings, duties and his expanding e-mail inbox.

A.S. President Benjamin Henderson's class starts at noon but so does a senate executive meeting today. Luckily, his professors understand. At 2 p.m. he walks into Room 285 in the Engineering Building for the academic senate meeting that lasts about two hours. In there, he never dozes off as the speakers present.

No laptop, no notebook, he listens attentively. He smiles with a nod whenever addressed, and he presents the A.S. efforts for the past week.

He believes in God, family and friendship. He values honesty, loyalty and knowledge. And he cheers for the Sacramento Kings.

Born in Hayward, California, Henderson, 23, is a considerate, genuine, compassionate person, said Anne Grabowski, who has worked with him closely on the board for two years.

"Ben is a joy to work with," said Grabowski, 22, the A.S. director of governing affairs. "He's really taught our entire board about taking time and being very determined and specific on what we're doing."

Associated Students is an association that has provided student services and leadership to SJSU students for almost 100 years.

"One thing that I really want to get across to students," Henderson said, "is that they have the power to affect change - positive change."

And Henderson, 23, is the epitome of positive change. Along with his board members, he has been working on a march for a year now, advocating for students to stand up for what they believe in, an affordable and accessible plan for California students, and quality education.

"I never thought I would be the president right now," he said. "I really enjoy it. I can't see myself doing anything else."

He said he has always been passionate about government and politics. In 2006 he was a mock Congress member representing the Tracy district in the United States Model House Representatives in Washington D.C.

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