From Freshman Class SGA President to BSU Activist, Berube Gets Involved
Megan Robinson
Staff Reporter
Opportunities and friendships, these are what freshmen political science major Matthew Berube feels McDaniel offers to him. It’s hard to imagine that he called his first day here in “the worst day of [his] life.” This freshman better known as Boobie (“it’s a stupid nickname and a long story,” said Berube) has since made a name for himself, serving as Student Government Assembly freshman class president and a member of Black Student Union.
Berube’s election for freshman class president made as big an impression as his time on SGA. After announcing a three way tie among Berube and fellow freshmen Erica Emmelhainz and Joey Steinberg, SGA discovered the election had been flawed. SGA scrambled to add two more days of voting to meet the constitution’s guidelines which secured Berube’s place as freshman class president.
Dave Castle, president of SGA, spoke about his first meeting with Berube. Castle first met him at the polls for class officer elections, where an excited Berube slapped his ballot down on the poll table. Castle asked him who he was, and Berube’s response “I’m Matt Berube a.k.a. Boobie, and I’m gonna win this election.”
Since his first encounter Berube’s made quite an impression on Castle. He described Berube as responsible and impressive. “He sees where things need changing, and changes them.” aAccording to Castle “he pushes the envelope.”
Castle shared a time when Berube may have pushed the envelope too far. Berube had requested to go on a ride along with a Campus Safety officer. Berube told Castle he wanted to have a better understanding of what an officer’s job entailed in order to better communicate about Campus Safety to the student body. Campus Safety apparently didn’t feel it was such a good idea, as Castle found out when he got a call from Dean Gerl.
However, this negative incident doesn’t mean Dean Gerl or the administration have a bad relationship with Berube. In fact, Berube serves as not only freshman class president, but also as SGA president of college services. He works as the liaison between the student government and the administration.
This position was created under the new SGA constitution, which Berube helped create. Castle, Berube, and other SGA officers Ben Cowman, Scott Camuto, and Yemi Kadijit worked on the constitution throughout the school year which was adopted in mid February. According to Castle, Berube was a big part of rewriting the constitution.
Berube has made a similar impression on the BSU; he’s far from your typical member. BSU president Lia Snow talked about her first encounter with Berube at a BSU meeting. She said he stuck out as “one of only three white people in a sea of African American students.”
Berube said BSU made quite a first impression on him too. He said he first started attending with an African American friend, who later stopped going. However, he continued going because he was impressed by how accepting they were of him, despite his Caucasian ethnicity and they struck him as loving people.
Snow said he was very active member of BSU, even participating in the BSU fashion show as a model. She said he was a big hit, especially among the ladies.
This isn’t too surprising considering his past modeling experience. Berube revealed that he modeled for a Sears in Exton, PA. According to his girlfriend, Megan Jennings, his photos are still on display at the photo department of the Sears at Exton Mall. However, Berube contributes more than his modeling expertise to the BSU. According to Snow he also brings his excitement and confidence.
These were traits he most likely learned in his hometown, Honey Brook, PA. His mother, Kathleen Berube, talked about his involvement in school activities in primary and high school. She said he was always active in sports, especially football, and that he was also in student council, history club, lions club, and some theater.
His mother described Berube as outgoing, quiet, and very kind. She recounted a time when Berube was about four years old, and accidentally stepped on a frog and killed it. He was so upset that he and his family had a funeral for the frog.
She thinks his involvement in school activites has to do with his upbringing. His mother emphasized the importance of helping others. Berube described his mother as always willing to help anyone, and said she had an extremely hard work ethic.
He also described his father as a gentleman, but troublemaker at heart. Kathleen Berube said that Berube probably did get into trouble in Honey Brook, but she didn’t hear about it.
Berube revealed his greatest fear is to disappoint his parents. He certainly hasn’t disappointed his mother. Near tears, she spoke about Berube moving to McDaniel. She said it was very hard to move to a new place, and she was very proud of the good things he’s done at McDaniel so far.
It seems Berube certainly has done many good things so far at McDaniel, and he may have more good things ahead of him if his closing statement is any indication: “Berube for President [of the United States] 2036.”