Furman’s SGA President Mariam Nguyen ’26 encourages Early Decision

While the Class of 2029 is settling into their first year at Furman University, the president of the Student Government Association Mariam Nguyen ’26 has advice for prospective students: Apply early.

“I would definitely recommend applying early decision, especially if you’re confident you want to go to Furman.” She found Furman’s application process easy, and this year there are incentives for students accepted through Early Decision, with a Nov. 1 deadline.

Students applying Early Decision receive priority consideration for merit scholarships, an early financial aid estimate and the peace of mind of hearing back sooner, by Nov. 15. If admitted, Early Decision students get the chance to register early for first-semester, first-year classes and get placement in one of their top-three preferred first-year residence halls, as well as preferred placement in a first-year writing seminar course.

President Elizabeth Davis and Mariam Nguyen ’26, president of Student Government Association, dapped each other up during Convocation in McAlister Auditorium on Aug. 25.

Students are Nguyen’s constituents, and she takes her responsibility seriously, with a bit of fun. After an elaborate dap on the stage of McAlester Auditorium with Furman University President Elizabeth Davis, Nguyen, a politics and international affairs major from Charleston, South Carolina, welcomed the incoming first-year students at Furman’s Convocation ceremony Aug. 25.

“Whether you came here from down the road in Greenville, across the country, or across the ocean, you’ve made it,” she told them.

Welcome (back) to Furman

Nguyen has certainly made her mark at Furman, participating in engaged learning that’s available to every student. Prior to greeting the first-year students, Nguyen had a busy summer. She joined a MayX study-away trip to South Africa to learn about the history of apartheid and its dismantling, then spent time in Nairobi, Kenya, where her mother teaches as a professor. She also worked as a legislative intern in the U.S. Senate in Washington, D.C., writing policy co-authored with numerous senators.

Mariam Nguyen ’26, president of Furman’s Student Government Association, speaks during Convocation in McAlister Auditorium on Aug. 25.

When she came back to campus, she worked for her third year as part of the orientation staff helping students make the most of their first moments on campus.

“I find the experience deeply gratifying, and this year I worked directly with international students by picking them up from the airport and helping direct them around campus,” she said.

Nguyen wants the Student Government Association to feel like an accessible governing body that’s capable of taking student-driven ideas and developing policy responsive to their needs and desires. She wants more students to feel like they can communicate directly with SGA representatives to build a better campus community.

“We’re the bridge between college administration and the student body, and I take that responsibility seriously,” Nguyen said.

For information on how to become a Furman University student, and more on the benefits of applying Early Decision, visit furman.edu/admissions-aid/early-decision-at-furman.