With her presidency nearing its close, Alison Schwarzbaum '08 addressed students and friends in her second State of the Union address. Speaking to an audience of mostly Student Union officials Monday night in the Shapiro Campus Center Atrium, the Union president talked about her administration's accomplishments.A former senator-at-large who ran unopposed for the Union's top office last spring, her speech essentially brought three years of service in elected office to a close.

"Under my leadership, the Union has never rested from pursuing what we believe is in the best interest of our constituents, and after three years of service, I am very proud of all we have accomplished," she said.

Schwartzbaum pointed to the implementation of last year's club funding reforms, the reorganization of the club sports program and lobbying for upgrades of the campus landscape as some of the things the Union had accomplished over the last year.

She also touched on Union efforts to reform the University's policy for serving alcohol at campus events, a policy the Union has long said hinders social life. Following up on her State of the Union address last fall, Schwartzbaum said progress had been made to that end. She announced that at Saturday's Springfest-the annual outdoor music festival-beer will be served without the separation between drinkers and underage students that has defined large campus parties the last few years. [See story, page 1.]

"I hate beer gardens and feel that they separate the community . and this must change," she said.

Schwartzbaum also discussed the criticism she received after forming the Campaign for Peace, a committee meant to provide a contextual framework for Middle East debate on campus, one that will be dissolved after this semester. [See sidebar, page 7.]

"I came under some heavy criticism for this project, with some accusing me of creating a censorship board." she said. "This could not be any further from the truth."

Schwartzbaum addressed president-elect Shreeya Sinha '09 and other executive board members about their upcoming term.

"There is a lot of work to be done," Schwartzbaum told them. "But there is always a lot of work to be done, so don't be scared; rather, get excited for the chance to make a difference."

Sinha called Schwartzbaum's speech "heart warming."

Schwartzbaum thanked her fellow Union members, addressing the seniors in particular.

"Serving as your president has been a tremendous honor and really a privilege," she said.

"Thank you to all the members of the Union who have worked so hard with me to pursue a culture of respect, engagement and fun," she added.

Schwartzbaum was the first president in four years to deliver the address in both of her semesters in office, as is required by the Union constitution.

"I have a tremendous feeling of accomplishment," Schwartzbaum said in an interview after her speech.

"It's not often that you get to sit down and list your accomplishments," she added. "I feel like I am finishing on a high note.