Loren Filson resigned last night from her position as Undergraduate Student Government Academic Assembly president.

She attributed the decision to undisclosed health reasons, which have caused her to withdraw from the rest of the semester.

However, Filson is planning to come back in the spring as a part-time student.

"I had been ill over the summer and had been in treatment," Filson said.

She explained that the this semester took a toll on her "health and continued recovery."

"Now faced with the battle of personal pride versus personal needs, I now have to choose the latter," Filson said. "I know it is the right decision for my health and future, but the right decisions are often not the easiest."

The announcement was met with tears and sadness from her mother and a packed room of assembly members.

Paul Ricciardi, in his third year of assembly, was promoted from vice-president to president and senator Robyn Ricketts was elected as the new vice-president.

"I know they are going to be great," Filson said.

She explained that from the start of her presidential term she has been impressed by the assembly members' immediate "enthusiasm and interest."

In particular, she commended the group for their treatment of controversial issues such as the calendar changes.

"I want you to realize how great you are, individually and as a group, and how much of a difference you have made already, and how much more you can do this year," Filson told the assembly while presenting her resignation.

She added that the three goals set at the start of her term, to encourage assembly interest, get more student body involvement, and for herself, to be an effective leader have all been met.

"Loren took a young group and got them acquainted with other assembly members and their constituents," said USG President Justin Zartman.

Ricciardi agreed that Filson's involvement with new members contributed to assembly's progress this semester.

He added that, "Loren definitely brought great leadership skills to this position."

Ricciardi also plans to continue to work on the goals that both he and Filson set at the start of the semester.

"I believe that the assembly will always be a strong group, as long as we continue to address issues and problems by working together," Filson concluded.