Rose adds chapter to book on politics

Although former Michigan Student Assembly President Fiona Rose is out of the spotlight on campus, she has attracted national attention recently. Rose's term and election as MSA president are highlighted in a new book and in Glamour magazine's October issue.

Rose wrote a chapter in the book "So You Want To Be President" published by Oxendine Pulishing. The book features a compilation of articles by 25 student government presidents at college campuses around the country, pinpointing the strategies that helped them get elected.

WARREN ZINN/Daily Former MSA President Fiona Rose, who has recently written a chapter for the book "So You Want To Be President."

"A big school like yours should be in a book like this. Your MSA races are heated ... (Rose) is an atypical MSA leader," said Oxendine Publishing President Butch Oxendine. He said Rose is different from the other student leaders in the book because she ran as a sophomore and wasn't expected to win.

Glamour magazine also recently chose Rose as one of Glamour's Top Ten College Women of the Year. Judges narrowed a field of 1,000 candidates to 10 winners who received a $1,000 cash prize and a weekend trip to New York to meet successful females in a variety of careers. The winners also attended a taping of the Rosie O'Donnell show and met O'Donnell and her guests, actress Brooke Shields and athlete Martina Navritilova.

"The best part of the weekend was meeting women both who have established their careers successfully and young women who are just starting on their careers. It was an encouraging and inspirational weekend," Rose said.

Lisa Cohen, Glamour editorial coordinator, said she selected Rose because, during her MSA term, "she had a crusade for college financial aid reform ... and a strong presence on campus."

Rose's MSA running mate, Probir Mehta, said it was natural to include a piece about the University's student government in the book.

"We're one of the most highly regarded schools. They're going to want a chapter from us ... (Our campaign) was a different, mold-breaking, sophomore campaign," he said.

Mehta said the Michigan Party campaign emphasized "working harder, not with more money."

University Regent Rebecca McGowan (D-Ann Arbor) has worked with Rose on various issues, including child care resources on campus and student financial aid.

"I have nothing but enormous respect and affection for her. Every time that a Michigan student is acknowledged in their field, I think that's terrific. It's another fantastic day for Michigan."

Rose starts her chapter by talking about losing a bid for MSA vice president during her first year at the University. Rose advised student leaders to network because many people run for student government president late in their college career when "trial and error doesn't work."

Rose also describes various methods she used to get people to pay attention. Using creative slogans such as "At the University of Michigan, Roses are Blue" and techniques that reach all kinds of students are most effective, Rose said.

Law second-year student Josh Ryland said Rose's recognition is beneficial for the entire University.

"Any time that someone does something positive on a national scope that's associated with a school, like writing a book, it's good for the school. Not only for the publicity, but it also shows the caliber of the students at the school," Ryland said.

University Vice President for Student Affairs Maureen Hartford frequently worked with Rose during her time on the assembly. Hartford complimented Rose's abilities and recalled Rose's trip to the White House last winter where she met President Clinton.

Rose "spoke in the Oval Office off the cuff about financial aid for students. It was picked up on cameras and broadcasted by CNN. A lot of 20 year olds would be intimidated (speaking on national TV)," Hartford said.

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