Daniel Gai said he plans to resign as president of Fresno City College’s Associated StudentGovernment at the end of the fall semester.
Gai explained that his decision stems from recent events in his private life which are making it difficult for him to stay in this elected position and in college.
“I’ve been caught between two worlds,” Gai said to the ASG staff during a meeting on Oct 26. He said he wants to spend some time helping his younger brother, Robert Gai whom he helped get his brokerage license. Now, Robert has started his own brokerage company and needs his older brother’s help in getting the business off the ground. For Daniel Gai, it means taking time off from school and resigning the ASG position he loves.
“It came down to the point where I had to make a decision,” Gai said. “Unfortunately, I have to go back to my original family. I say unfortunately because I have to leave my adopted family of ASG.”
Gai had originally sent an email on Oct. 19 to the ASG faculty, announcing his resignation.
“I felt saddened reading President Gai’s resignation email because he’s an essential leader and has brought ASG together for the common goal to be the voice of the students,” said Legislative Vice President Rebecca Ashjian.
ASG refused to accept Gai’s resignation because of an ASG rule that all resignations must be in a written letter, with a real signature.
Gai said he will stay in office until the end of the semester in order to help the ASG shift into new leadership and go through with plans such as the smoking issue on campus.
“The service we provide to the school can’t be hindered by this,” Gai said. “We have to continue to provide that service. My task at hand is to help that transition.”
Part of that task will be finding a nominee to take Gai’s place after his resignation. Normally, the legislative vice president is next in line. However, Ashjian has stated she would not take the position.
“I just have too much on my plate right now,” Ashjian said. “I’m pre-occupied with various organizations I’m a part of.”
Sean Henderson, director of college activities and ASG advisor, says that the ASG’s constitution and by-laws outline the process of transitioning into new leadership.
“[Gai]’s going to be sorely missed,” Henderson said. “His leadership and commitment to the students at Fresno City College has been just amazing.”
