The candidates are ready—it’s voting time. SGSU is ready to welcome in next year’s student government team and here is a guide wrap-up to get you well-read and well-prepped for election time. All quotes and information here are drawn from the SGSU election voting guide. You can find extended notes from the candidates and ballot measures online or at the SGSU office.
CANDIDATES FOR PRESIDENT:
ERIC SYPE
After two years of student government experience under his belt, Sype is eager for more. As a former At-Large Representative and Executive Vice President here at Seattle U, he hopes to see SGSU and Seattle U continue to grow. Sype hopes to continue working on popular student-led issues such as divestment, gender-inclusive bathrooms and campus accessibility.
“From my experience in SGSU, my deep knowledge of the university, and my passion for enhancing the student experience, I believe I will make a great President,” he said.
CHRIS JOHNSTONE
Johnstone is setting his sights on the importance of diversity. For him, diversity is apparent through campus culture, leadership and talent—and he wants to embrace the differences. Through forums and marketing techniques, Johnstone aims to open up the definition of leadership, promoting diverse skills and talents to create an all-inclusive campus atmosphere.
“Our greatest challenges are also our greatest assets,” he said. “Together, we can make our great university even greater.”
PETER KING
Apparently, King can control the weather.
“As SGSU president, I will reduce yearly rainfall in Seattle,” he said. His slightly more realistic goal is to make sure every undergrad has a good experience at Seattle U. Emphasizing engagement of clubs and the university, King wants to work with club structure and communication at Seattle U. Additionally, he wants to be a voice for all students.
“Whether the issue is a safer campus, better toilet paper or divestment from fossil fuels, I am determined to represent the will of the student body,” he said.
CANDIDATE FOR EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT:
RAQUEL DAVALOS
After a year as Junior Representative, Davalos is ready for more politics. With strong leadership and organization skills Davalos hopes to use that skill to push SGSU to be its best.
“I have come to love this organization that does great work making a difference for students at Seattle U,” she said. “I would really appreciate your vote.”
CANDIDATE FOR VICE PRESIDENT OF UNIVERSITY AFFAIRS:
MEGGIE GREEN
Green is proud to be a Redhawk. From her experience in student government throughout high school and as Freshman Representative during her first year at Seattle U, Green is dedicated to enhancing the student experience.
Her goals include continuing the bike shelter project, bringing more bus passes to the CAC, increasing library hours, improving gender inclusivity and installing air-hand dryers.
VICE PRESIDENT OF FINANCE:
MATT KELLY
Kelly knows his numbers. After working books for the Seattle U Men’s Rugby Club and figuring budget allocations, Kelly confident with finances. Kelly plans to hold the university and clubs accountable while also helping them through issues and projects.
“You will not be disappointed if you vote for me,” he said. “A vote for me is a vote for you.”
AT-LARGE REP.:
OWEN GOETZE
Goetze is here for the clubs. Within this position, he hopes to build more school identity and establish more communication. According to him, he wants to see everyone working together to achieve our own goals.
He aims to promote sustainability through composting, implement budget transparency and support gender-inclusive housing. Most importantly, though, he wants to hear students.
MULTICULTURAL REP.:
MONICA CHAN
With diversity comes unique perspectives, according to Chan. Her goal is to incorporate those perspectives and voices.
“We all hold different identities relating to race, gender, class, age, ability, religion, and sexual orientation,” she said. “A part of social justice is listening and serving those with identities at the margins.”
SOPHOMORE REP.:
PALMYRA JACKSON
We talk about education the whole person in the classroom, but Jackson wants that to continue even outside the classroom.
“We all exist and share this University, this campus, this city together; we need to make more decisions with that in mind…” she said. Through more cohesion among clubs and campus organizations, Jackson aims to keep student voices loud.
SOPHOMORE REP.:
MACKENZIE GADDY
From divestment to CAPS programming, Gaddy wants student opinions to be heard. She wants to encourage students to become active in projects that are meaningful to them.
“Whether they concern divestment, tuition transparency, CAPS programming, or anything they are concerned with,” she said.
SENIOR REP.:
LUKE LARSEN
In his final year at Seattle U, Larsen wants to stay involved. And he wants his fellow seniors to do the same.
“I’m running for senior representative because I want to make sure the senior class stays involved with SGSU activities and the needs and wants of the senior class are met head on,” he said.
REFERENDUM 901:
SEATTLE UNIVERSITY TOBACCO-FREE CAMPUS
A “yes” vote on Ref. 901 will signify that you endorse the start of the campus shift to a tobacco-free campus and the prohibition of tobacco-products including “cigarettes, cigars, chew tobacco, snuff, dissolvable, and other non nicotine replacement therapy devices.”
A “no” vote on Ref. 901 means that you want to stick with the smoking policy the campus has currently, maintaining the policy that prohibits smoking only within 50 feet of building entries.
CONSTITUTION BYLAW CHANGES
The addition of a Students with Disabilities Rep. on SGSU staff.
A change from the name “Appropriations Committee” to the “Finance Committee.”
The addition of the chiefs of staff on the President’s Advisory Board.
The creation and establishment of an annual student body survey.
The establishment of a Quarterly Report.
