Elections for the 2015-16 Undergraduate Student Government representatives take place this week. Students can vote until 8 p.m. on Wednesday. Below are profiles of each of the candidates:
Presidential candidates
Abueno Natacha Eguida
Year: Junior
Current position: International Students Representative
Why she is running: “One the reasons I’m running is because I have encountered too many people being surprised or asking me if I could do this since I was an international student. I think that me being an international student or not should not matter here. What matters is that I am a Tommie, helping improve our school means a lot to me, and I would like to use the opportunity to serve St. Thomas as best I can. Moreover, I know that I am qualified due to the many leadership positions I occupy on and off campus. With the help of USG, I hope to build a community that is open-minded and inclusive for everyone.”
What she would do if elected: “If elected I plan to be the kind of president that will really give a voice to the student body. My goal is to improve the (St. Thomas) experience and strengthen our community in which individuals will not just be tolerated but accepted for who they are and no matter where they are from. Diversity and cultural awareness are our strength. The leaders of tomorrow are globally-minded individuals, so let us take advantage of the resources we have here at (St. Thomas) to become these people by the time we graduate.”
Michael Gaytko
Year: Junior
Current position: Junior Class Senator
Why he is running: “I am currently running for executive president of the undergraduate student government because I continually see that the needs and desires of my peers are often left unfulfilled.”
What he would do if elected: “I hope to usher in a new form of student government that not only serves the students of this university, but that also creates a tangible link between the hierarchy of St. Thomas and the students. In short, I hope to unite my fellow students while also working with the bureaucracy to create an elevated community that benefits both parties.”
Executive Vice Presidential candidates
Jack Hiniker
Year: Junior
Current Position: Junior Class Senator
Why he is running: “There is so much potential for USG to make positive change that has largely been unrealized. I want to make that change, to make our campus a better place to be.”
What he would do if elected: “I will get expanded building hours for the AARC, ASC and library; more financial accountability, faster WiFi and stronger support for campus clubs and activities.”
Ryan Joynes
Year: Junior
Current position: Student Organizations & Clubs Chair
Why he is running: “I’m running for executive vice president to continue working with my fellow students to make a positive change here at St. Thomas. There are things we could be doing better as a student government, and as the most experienced candidate, I think I am the one best able to accomplish them with my experience on the committees like finance and (Student Organizational Committee) that directly affect our ability to build community at St. Thomas.”
What he would do if elected: “I hope to provide more funds to students with great ideas for how to use them. I think more could be done to fund clubs and events on campus. I think this will help with my other goal to make the campus and student body more interconnected. We deserve to have vibrant fan sections games and events, we deserve programs our students want to attend and we deserve the best possible college experience (St. Thomas) can provide, and I want to make that happen.”
Jon Page
Year: Junior
Current position: None
Why he’s running: “I love St. Thomas and everyone here, and I think that serving on USG would be a great way to advocate for the needs of our student body. In all honesty, I did not know too much about USG before Ryan Smith, our current executive president, encouraged me to apply. He said that it has been really rewarding and one of his top three experiences at St. Thomas. I prayed about it and felt that it would be an awesome way to get more involved on-campus and continue building our proud Tommie tradition. With that said, I would be thrilled to serve our student body and the school I love so much as our next executive vice president.”
What he would do if elected: “Our student body deserves to be heard, and I will put in the time, energy and enthusiasm required to make that happen. I will check in with clubs during their weekly meetings in order to understand their needs and how they can better be met. I will also work to increase students’ awareness of USG and the role that it plays on campus. Lastly, I will do my best to extend building hours, including the View hours, as well as provide a food option to refuel in the library during those late-night study sessions. However, my agenda intentionally has room for additions as I understand that students’ needs change and are added throughout the course of the year.”
Vice President of Administrative Affairs candidates
Rebekah Nelson
Year: Junior
Current position: None
Why she’s running: “Being involved at St. Thomas is so important – especially when we are offered so many incredible opportunities. USG is a great way to make a difference at St. Thomas while building relationships with other students and faculty members. Plus I have great friends who encouraged me to run for this position.”
What she would do if elected: “People might not understand my passion for organizing just about anything, but that strange hobby is something that I hope to use to make sure USG is always prepared. Also, communication is so important when working with any type of committee, especially USG. Using my communication skills, I plan to ensure that all the members of USG are aware of important events and details. I’m honored to be running in this campaign and am excited for the chance to be a part of this executive board.”
Tyler Trudell
Year: Junior
Current position: Legislative Affairs Senator
Why he’s running: “I believe that I have positively contributed to USG for the past two years, and given the opportunity to serve on the executive board, I am confident that I can aid the student body even more.”
What he would do if elected: “I plan to encourage members of USG to be more focused and oriented towards year-long goals that will hopefully effectuate the most change for the student body. As VP of administrative affairs, I think that a more strict structure and commitment to creating feasible goals is the best way to serve the student body.”
Vice President of Academic Affairs candidate
Mary Naughton
Year: Sophomore
Current position: Residential Senator
Why she’s running: “To be able to contribute to the university in a more direct and influential manner.”
What she would do if elected: “To improve student advisor relationships and the overall (St. Thomas) academic experience.”
Vice President of Public Relations candidates
Liz Reynolds
Year: Sophomore
Current position: Macalester-Groveland Neighborhood Senator
Why she’s running: “Now that I have been involved in USG for a year, it has become a huge part of my life, and I want to be able to continue working with other students as well as faculty and staff, helping to meet the needs of those here at the university.”
What she would do if elected: “Make USG more well known throughout campus. I also want the events to be more widely known and attended to students. I’m hoping to accomplish a lot of this through our social media sites … and the other resources we have available to us here at St. Thomas.”
Laura Swartz
Year: Junior
Current Position: Junior Class Council Representative
Why she’s running: “As VP of public relations I want to represent you as we move forward together as Tommies. I am a strong believer that our community thrives off of the valuable insight contributed by our student body. Your words matter in this time of change, and I am ready to be the voice of our community.”
What she would do if elected: “It is a priority of mine to keep you informed about USG issues and events. You deserve to be in the know. With your support we can move our community forward together.”