Walking around Campus the past few days, you’ve surely noticed the skeletons, caution tape, roadwork signs AND campaign posters. Yes, it’s that time of year: Dooley’s week and Student Government Elections!
In order to help you out with voting, Her Campus Emory contacted the Presidential and Vice Presidential candidates for this year’s Student Government Association (SGA) elections. Hopefully this will help you place a face with each name when you sit down with your ballot next Thursday!
Name:Brian R. Fuller
Running Position:SGA President
Year:Junior
Majors:Psychology and Sociology
Hometown:Sumter, SC
Extra-Curriculars: Current SGA Vice President, Resident Advisor in Dobbs Hall, member of Alpha Phi Omega
Major Platforms:
Slogan: “Creating a United Community of Leaders”
· Increase SGA visibility
· Address student financial concerns
· Build community with more collaboration across divisions
· More Graduate divisional outreach
· More clarity for student groups of internal workings of SGA
Hobbies: Hanging out with friends, playing music, exercising
Interesting Facts: I love life!
Name:Ashish Gandhi
Running Position:SGA President
Year:Junior
Majors:Chemistry and Economics
Hometown:Fayetteville, GA
Extra-Curriculars:College Council, Greek Life, Wonderful Wednesdays, Research, Synergy, Hindu Student Association
Main platforms:
· Ease organization chartering process
· Increase Emory’s local and national presence by reaching out to government officials
· Advocate for student programs affected by budget cuts
· Increase transportation to and from popular neighborhoods and apartment complexes
· Expand Emory-Oxford shuttles
· Maintain competitive financial aid system with those of our peer institutions
Hobbies:Tennis, playing the Drums, driving
Interesting Facts:Though I have lived in Atlanta for 15 years, I am not yet an American citizen! Additionally, I served as the College Council president this year. We were able to fund hundreds of student events, student research programs, and the Student Hardship Fund. We also brought Spike Lee for the State of Race address and made big advances in communication by working with other divisions of the University. Vote for me to insure that we do even more next year!
Name:Malika Begum
Running Position:SGA Vice President
Year:Junior(Oxford Continuee)
Majors:Political Science and Middle Eastern and South Asian Studies
Hometown:Atlanta, GA
Extra-Curriculars:SGA, Bubble Mag, Emory Political Union
Major Platforms:
· Assure transparency within all the division of Emory
· Foster school spirit to create a more unified campus
· Increase networking opportunities with Emory Alum by having Emory Olympics where Grad and Undergrad students can actively interact with one another
· Prioritize the peer mentoring program so that students can meet with others of the same interest
· Physically open the SGA doors so you can voice your concerns
· Make it easier for students to go green
· Encourage diversity efforts among ALL student groups
Hobbies:Tennis, fashion, shopping, traveling
Interesting Facts:I have three younger sisters and a brother that I am inseparable from.
Name: Bart Qichen Qian
Running Position: SGA Vice President
Year: Sophomore
Majors: Political Science and Math Joint Major, Economic Minor
Hometown: Shenyang, China
Extra-Curriculars: SGA University Wide Rep, Sophomore Advisor in Evans 4th, Xi Kappa Asian Interest Fraternity, China-Tibet Initiative Founder
Major Platforms:
· Increase SGA transparency to student
· Create more SGA sponsored events to benefit students
· Reach out to student population for full body representation
Hobbies: Basketball, reading, foreign travel
Interesting Facts: I can cook very delicious Chinese food, and I believe every student is an essential ingredient to make a full Emory dish. As an International student, I am fulfilling MY Emory dream, and I hope everyone else will achieve theirs. For more information, please search “Bart Qian” to join the Facebook event.
Name: Matthew Willis
Running Position:SGA Vice President
Year: Sophomore (Fall 2011 Transfer)
Major: Business
Hometown: St.Louis
Extra-Curriculars:SGA Secretary, VP of Outreach for Student Alumni Board, Secretary for Woodruff Residential Hall Association, Vice President of Emory Dance Marathon, Minor Board of Inter-Fraternal Council, Wonderful Wednesday Moderator, ATΩ
Major Platforms:
· Redefine responsibilities of SGA Legislatures to focus on SGA originated initiatives
· Motivate legislatures to reach out to their constituents, seek out concerns and make a genuine effort for change
· Redefine the perception of SGA to the Emory community
· Create transparency between SGA & the entire Emory community
· Actively face the administration with the concerns of the student body
· Be a resource to ALL sub-divisions of SGA, including creating a constant and visible dialog between all facets of student government
· SGA should take it upon themselves to initiate a conversation with all parts of SGA, including undergraduates, graduates, Oxford Students, and all respective organizations
Hobbies: LearnLink, volunteering at Children’s Hospital.
Interesting Fact: Only about 20% of Emory votes each year. I think we can do something about this, so please, whoever you endorse, go vote. We need to enhance SGA internally and externally before we can begin to honestly tackle the issues of our community.
Name:Danielle Zamarelli
Running Position:SGA Vice President
Year:Junior
Major:Nursing
Hometown:Westfield, NJ
Extra-Curriculars:Nursing School Student Representative (Senate), Wonderful Wednesday Moderator, Advisory Committee at Emory, Kappa Alpha Theta
Major Platforms:
· Facilitate bonds between undergraduate, professional, and graduate schools
· Promote unity between undergraduate Greek and non-Greek communities
· Bridge the gap between SGA, the student body, and administration
· Increase sustainability and transportation options across Emory’s campus and the community
Hobbies:Juggling, eating cookies, dancing at Wonderful Wednesday
Interesting Fact:Travelled to Guatemala over spring break and taught English to children. Worked at an adolescent clinic in Bolivia over the summer.
Make sure to vote on Thursday, April 5!