By MACKENZIE WRIGHT
Contributing Writer
There are students that go above and beyond during their time in college. These students are exceptional in that they are incredibly involved on-campus and within their school’s community. They are the students that hold leadership positions, work at local stores, and make it their mission to make their university their home. Students at the College of Saint Rose that have seen a Crate of Apes comedy show, frequently shop at Market 32, or participate in ALANA, know Brandon Mason. Mason is a member of the Saint Rose community who truly encompasses the traits of a college student who does it all.
Mason is enrolled in the five-year Master of Business Administration(MBA) program with a concentration in marketing. His future plans are to be, “living my best life,” Mason said. When Mason is not working his part-time cashier position at our neighborhood Market 32, he serves as an intercultural ambassador for the African Latin Asian Native American group on-campus, ALANA. The junior business administration major has worked towards gaining this position for years. It is something that he is incredibly proud of.
This group has led Brandon to become a better leader, and to move past his comfort zone. Whilst talking about his time in ALANA, Mason said, “over the three years, you can see the growth I’ve had in the program.” Mason is an integral part of the Saint Rose community, and his leadership roles on-campus extend beyond ALANA.
Mason is also the current Vice President of the Crate of Apes comedy club. “Brandon as a Vice President for Crate of Apes has been incredibly valuable. He’s been right by our side while we have been working to make changes to the club. He’s brought happiness and opportunity to us all. As our friend he’s very much happy-go-lucky.” said current President and long-time member of the group, Marc Tabales.
Mason’s time in Crate of Apes began during his freshman year. He knew he wanted to participate in on-campus clubs, and found an immediate niche with the Crate of Apes. Through this experience, Mason has been able to make several strong friendships and bonds. “Brandon Mason has always been a good friend and a generally great person to be around. He is a little guy with a big heart and I am glad to have him as both a friend and a colleague.” said Riain Flynn, another member of Crate of Apes and a former hall-mate of Mason.
Before coming to Saint Rose, Mason played a tremendous role in his high school’s community. Mason is a proud graduate of Cohoes High School. He was the president of his school’s National Honor Society, participated in a variety of musical groups and dramatic productions, and was frequently involved in doing community service projects. Mason talked about his past and his future with great passion.
Something Mason said, that shows both his warmth and optimism was, “Life is crazy, you don’t expect what’s going to happen. What you do now, you might think it’s great, but something else could come along that could be much greater.”
Mackenzie Wright is the current Events Coordinator for the Crate of Apes.
