Growing up just minutes away from UA’s campus, Lucy Bonhaus has always been proud to call Tuscaloosa home. Now a rising senior majoring in cybersecurity, it is evident that Lucy’s deep roots in this community have shaped both her educational and leadership journey.
Lucy graduated from Tuscaloosa Academy, a school that equipped her with the tools to thrive wherever she chose to go. But in the end, her answer was right in front of her the entire time. The University’s newly established cybersecurity program aligned perfectly with her interests from high school, and watching her two older sisters flourish at UA gave her a front-row seat to what success could look like.
“I realized that The University of Alabama had the best resources and the best faculty and staff, and the best all-around to equip me to succeed in my future endeavors,” she said.
Building a Foundation Through SGA
Leadership has always been part of Lucy’s story. From her time as student body president in high school to her involvement in the Alabama Independent School Association’s Student Government Association (SGA), she knew she wanted to carry that into college. Inspired again by her older sister’s experience in SGA at UA, Lucy applied for First Year Council (FYC) even before starting her freshman year. Despite knowing it was a highly selective group, she took a chance— and earned a spot.
“From there, I really made SGA my main priority. I think that one of the best things I did was focus on that. I do have many other areas of campus that I’m involved in, but finding that one place where you have your community and your people is something that’s really important coming into college.”
The impact of SGA at the Capstone has been a powerful source of inspiration for Lucy. Whether it’s the joy of spotting a student wearing a Hi, Tide Day t-shirt she helped design, or the sense of pride that comes from the late nights and dedication poured into initiatives like block seating on game days, it is reward to know their efforts create lasting change for years to come.
“We’re able to actually make a tangible impact on the students around us is something that has really stuck out to me throughout this journey,” she said. “I know that we were able to reach these students and let them know who we are and let them know what SGA does.”
Leading with Vision and Purpose
Now, as SGA President, Lucy is focused on making an even bigger impact. One of the things she’s most excited about is helping students see more of what Tuscaloosa has to offer beyond campus. This summer, she’s been working closely with Visit Tuscaloosa and the Chamber of West Alabama to highlight local spots and hidden gems around the city. At the same time, she and her team are striving to better promote campus resources— from athletics to transportation— with the goal of making every student’s experience the best it can be.
“As an SGA, it is our job to promote these things for our students, and we’re going to do a very good job this year at ensuring that every student knows what’s going on around them,” she said. “This is all about the student experience for all our students on campus, improving that, ensuring that, and making sure that every student feels welcomed and heard during their time at UA. That’s something that’s really important to me.”
Lucy’s leadership extends beyond policy and programming. She takes pride in mentoring others, especially the vice presidents who are now walking the path she once did. She says she has already seen so much growth in them and looks forward to being their biggest cheerleader.
“Watching them grow as leaders and having their own ideas while building on past ideas, is something that is really important to me, knowing that I can be a part of their journey in a way,” she said. “I know that this opportunity is one that is full of honor and hard work and really making sure I’m putting my best foot forward for our students, listening to them, and making sure they always feel heard is something that is a privilege.”
Balancing Academics and Advocacy
Her passion for leadership is matched by her commitment to academics. As a cybersecurity major, Lucy’s schoolwork demands critical thinking and persistence— skills that also serve her well in SGA.
“There’s always a solution. It can be tricky to get there, but you can get there. That is something I translate into my everyday life,” she said.
Despite staying busy with SGA, Lucy has achieved her best GPA the past two years. She says it is important for her to prioritize her role as a student.
“You can’t be a student leader without being a student. That is something I tell all our teams,” she says.
Creating Space for Future Leaders
As Lucy enters her final year at the Capstone, she continues to lead with a clear dedication to helping every student feel heard, supported and empowered at UA. She is also focused on helping more students, especially freshmen, get involved in SGA.
“If someone is not selected for FYC, they immediately think their journey with SGA is over, and that is so far from the truth. Whether it’s a board, committees, there are so many things you can get involved In,” she said. “[Being in SGA] truly shaped my freshman year and the rest of my college experience.”
With new positions like the vice president for communications and initiatives to increase visibility and transparency, SGA is working harder than ever to welcome students into its many branches.
“There’s no traditional route into the SGA. Everyone has their different walks, and they do different things within SGA,” she said. “Showcasing that to students is a good way to get them involved.”
Inspired to start your journey with SGA? Get involved now!