Student Senate Officer Elections Still Open

by Aidan Moon

It is election season at Concordia, and it is not too late for your voice to be heard. Student Senate officer elections will be held April 4th and 5th to determine student leadership for the 2018-2019 academic year.

Three of the four positions are contested. Junior Vanessa Marsh and Freshman Luke Blomenberg are in the running for President, Junior Tationa Trice and Sophomore Samuel Moore for Vice President, Sophomore Kailey Bales and Junior Tori Beran for Treasurer, while Junior Abby Protzman runs alone for secretary.

The Student Body President’s primary role is to serve as a go-to between students and administration. They work in direct contact with administrators, providing a voice for the student body. Current president, Dakota Judds, will be graduating in May, leaving room for either Marsh or Blomenberg to experience a new position of leadership.

“I am running for Student Senate president because I have noticed that there is a disconnect between the student body and the Student Senate. I want to bring solid union between the two so that Student Senate is actively influenced by the student body,” Blomenberg said. “I hope to bring my experience [as President of Student Council in high school] and openness to the role.”

Marsh echoed some of these thoughts, and added her own perspective.

“I look forward to making student senate more visibly active in the Concordia community,” Marsh said. “I know I would find it immensely rewarding to be able to participate in discussion that that directly affects the entire student population here at Concordia.”

The Vice-President supervises Student Senate meetings, helps with administration of the various clubs and student organizations, and works with departments if necessary. Samuel Moore, the current Vice-President, is running for reelection.

“I love being able to be the voice of the students” he said, citing his experience and the relationships he has formed as Vice President as his qualifications for the role, namely in hosting several forums between students, staff, and faculty.

“I want more student involvement” said Tationa Trice, who is running against Moore. “The students can make change and difference. I want to help be the voice of the people so we can make that change and difference.”

The Treasurer of Student Senate is primarily in charge of the budget given to clubs across campus. Kailey Bales, one of the candidates,hopes to bring unity to the campus and be a listening ear for students.

Tori Beran, the other candidate, said she highly respects the current leadership and hopes she can learn from them and keep things running smoothly across campus.

The final position, Secretary, has only one candidate, Abby Protzman.

“I love what Student Senate stands for” she said, “and the role and responsibilities align with my strengths. I am excited about this opportunity to serve the Concordia student body and to uphold the Christ-centered mindset that Concordia exudes.”

Student Senate elections will be held in Janzow top from 9 to 2 pm April 4th and 5th.