Meet Your Student Government
Lewis Hogan
Student Government Speaker of the Senate
Student Government Association Speaker of the Senate Lewis Hogan, a 39-year-old student who was enrolled solely in online classes last year, brings a unique perspective as a student representative. In fact, he ran for office to specifically advocate for online students.
"I felt we were excluded from many campus activities. There were no initiatives to help us thrive, improve, or work harder, and it seemed like there was no outreach to encourage us," he said. “Many people assume that studying online gives you more freedom, but the truth is that while you may not have a set class schedule, the workload is often three times as heavy. Balancing personal responsibilities such as work, family, and extracurricular activities can be challenging. Feeling unsupported by the faculty can be discouraging. That's why I chose to run for SGA—to be a strong voice for online students because I truly understand their experiences.”
The first in his family to attend college, Lewis will be the holder of two degrees come June, having already earned an associate degree in criminal justice after graduating high school. He initially chose to enter college to inspire his younger brother. “He’s been my motivation to strive for greatness for many years,” admitted Lewis. “I want him to know that he can achieve whatever he wants in life. With determination and hard work, nothing is out of reach! I want to always be his mentor and someone for him to look up to, no matter how old he gets.”
The Mississippi native worked with the Department of Corrections before transitioning to healthcare. He relocated to New York almost a decade ago to join his now-spouse and advance his career. “He encouraged me to explore other departments within my company. When we decided to take our relationship to the next level, I made the choice to make New York my new home.”
Lewis is finishing up a degree in liberal arts, balancing his studies with a career as a business analyst for a healthcare company, where he handles quality control and HIPAA compliance. “Returning to school made me a bit nervous, especially being surrounded by so many younger students. I felt a little self-conscious and even like a failure for wanting to start over. However, I quickly realized I wasn’t alone; many others my age—and even older—were in similar positions, established in their careers but eager to branch out and pursue something new,” he shared. “I immediately felt welcomed and made many friends here, which encouraged me to come to campus more often and get involved. Over time, I became a mentor to other students, and many now see me as someone they can turn to in times of need. I’m always here with an open ear, free of judgment, and ready to help them find solutions to their challenges. This experience has made my return to school incredibly fulfilling.”
While in office, his goals include creating better connections between in-person and online students and ensuring virtual learners have representation in campus decision-making. “I aim to bridge the gap between synchronous and asynchronous classes through outreach and collaboration that regularly provide feedback. Most importantly, I want to create an avenue for online student representatives to join student councils or other decision-making bodies to ensure their voices are included in planning events and academic strategies.”
In addition to working, taking classes, and serving on the student government, Lewis is an active honor student, maintains spots on the Dean's List, and memberships in Phi Theta Kappa and the National Society of Leadership and Success. “I believe that student involvement is critical to the change and personal growth of any individual, no matter their background, major, or experience level. When students engage in activities beyond the classroom, whether it's student government, clubs, volunteer work, or research, they develop a range of skills that are invaluable in both their academic and professional lives.”
After graduating next semester, Lewis plans to pursue dual BA and MBA degrees in health service management at Berkeley College. “My career choice is to remain in healthcare. With an MBA, I wish to manage a healthcare facility of my own and eventually enter the field of social work, where I can work with nonprofit organizations that provide social services, including mental health, substance abuse counseling, or services for underserved populations.”
To anyone considering whether to start or return to college, Lewis emphasizes that it’s never too late. “Initially, I had doubts about starting over, given my established career and age relative to my peers. However, encountering such a diverse and inspiring group of individuals of all ages has been incredibly empowering. I want to reiterate to everyone: do not let your age hinder you from pursuing your dreams! It’s never too late!”