Logan's Andrew Erbes Elected Speaker of the House at
Model Illinois Government

John A. Logan College's Andrew Erbes, a sophomore from Murphysboro, was voted Best House of Representatives Member by his peers and elected the 2009 Speaker of the House at the 2008 Model Illinois Government (MIG) simulation in Springfield on February 28 through March 2. MIG is a statewide, student-operated organization that coordinates and manages an annual governmental simulation. Approximately 300 students from over 20 colleges and universities attend the event each year.

"This was the third time I went to MIG, and it's the most involved I've ever been," Erbes said. "I served as the minority floor whip, and I was surprised and thrilled that I was chosen Best House Member. I hadn't planned on running for the position of Speaker of the House, but another student suggested that I do it, so I decided to give it a shot, and I won."

One of Erbes duties as Speaker of the House is to serve on the MIG Executive Board and help plan next year's simulation.

"I'm really excited about working with the other students on the Executive Board," Erbes said. "My responsibility is to oversee the organization of the House of Representatives and make sure it is run correctly and according to the rules. I'll attend my first board meeting in April, and I'm planning to host a meeting here in September."

Erbes says MIG has been a fun and rewarding experience.

"This is the best organization I've been involved with," he said. "I've met a lot of interesting people and learned so much about how our state government operates. I'm majoring in political science and want to pursue a career in politics and public service."

Jane Bryant, political science instructor and MIG faculty sponsor at Logan, helps the student delegates prepare for the simulation and believes it is a great learning opportunity.

"All the students who attend have a role in MIG," she said. "It is a very realistic simulation of how our state government functions and allows the students to have a hands-on experience in the political process."

For more information on MIG, contact Jane Bryant at 618-985-2828 or 618-457-7676, Ext. 8271, or visit the MIG website at www.modelillinoisgovernment.org.