There’s still time to vote online for your next Students Union members. We sat down with the people running for the head positions to find out who they are and what they would do for you. Voting ends Tuesday evening.
President
Santiago Chavez
What’s your best memory from STU so far?
The 2014 Multicultural Fair. It was a celebration of the variety of individuals at STU collaborating for a special experience, as well as an illustration of how we value that.
Why are you running for this position?
I find the position exciting and potentially fulfilling. It would be one of the best ways I can think of making the most out of my time at STU. It is an opportunity to be an important part of a promising and special team – which is the whole Union – and it would be a privilege to lead the team successfully.
What changes would you like to see to the STUSU?
For one, I would like widespread understanding that STUSU is made up of all undergraduate students, and not just the Student Representative Council. I would like to see more communication between the SRC and the rest of the general student body. I think these should result in the student population counting on the Union for support and opportunities.
What’s your favourite book or movie? Why?
Remember the Titans. It thrilled me when I was a lot younger and it still does. It’s fun, light, touching and empowering. I like the values it endorses as well as its illustration of the constructive power of sports.
Vice president administration
Woody Brown
What’s your best memory from STU so far?
Attending the 2014 Harvard National Model United Nations Conference in Boston. We had a great Model UN team this year and it was an awesome opportunity to put my political science knowledge to use.
Why are you running for this position?
I am running because I believe I can make the biggest positive impact at St. Thomas on the STUSU executive. I have demonstrated my strong passion for student politics in my previous positions – and the duties of VP admin directly relates to my studies.
What changes would you like to see to the STUSU?
I would like to see more students getting involved with their Students’ Union. If elected, I will be working very closely with the executive to ensure everyone’s voices are heard, to engage the entire student body in our union and make sure that student services are accessible to everyone who needs them.
What’s your favourite book or movie? Why?
As it is in Heaven. I love watching foreign films because you feel immersed into a different culture and you always learn something new. I also like the storyline about a small northern community coming together as a choir, united by music.
Kaley Etheridge
What’s your best memory from STU so far?
We had a new player with the Magic Society play in his first event and make it all the way to the finals. It’s not exactly encouraged but he had to draw the perfect card to win and when he drew it he couldn’t help but slam it down on the table. Everyone laughed and it was rewarding to see someone we taught do so well.
Why are you running for this position?
I feel that VP admin is one of those positions that requires someone who’s more interested in working with other students than the other positions. It requires good co-operation and confidence in your ability to work with others. I feel I have earned experience in the clubs side of STU that can be brought to the STUSU that can change things for the better.
What changes would you like to see to the STUSU?
No big changes, just more co-operation. It’s important that the different elements of STU come together. There’s this strange invisible wall between certain elements and it’s ridiculous that there isn’t more incentive to break that mold.
What’s your favourite book or movie? Why?
I’m a huge fan of I, Robot. There’s something about the book that’s just perfect, an nobody can say no to a good Will Smith flick.
Ben Graham
What’s your best memory from STU so far?
Too many to choose just one.
Why are you running for this position?
To make real changes for students, actually do something students recognize. It’s time for some fresh change.
What changes would you like to see to the STUSU?
I want to see better relationships established between the STUSU and the students. More interactions between both parties, it is a student union after all.
What’s your favourite book or movie? Why?
Forrest Gump. It touches every aspects of life, every up and down.
Vice president education
Sam Titus
What’s your best memory from STU so far?
Last year a couple of friends and I had an exam in our poli sci class and were really stressed. Instead of just going home and panicking, we decided to stay at campus and study in the old broom closet that was the OC Lounge last year. We were there until close to 10 p.m., but it paid off and we all aced the exam. It was a really awesome time and definitely a key moment in my first year.
Why are you running for this position?
I have been on the Union for two years now, and I’ve really enjoyed it, so this year I want to expand my role in improving the lives of students. VP Education is responsible for both the internal and external improvement of students’ academic life, two things that I am quite passionate about. Plus, my time on the Union has given me a lot of insight into how to build on the work of the previous VPs.
What changes would you like to see to the STUSU?
More emphasis needs to be placed on voter turnout. The promotion of elections needs to be increased and we need to get more people interested in what the Union is doing and getting more students involved in the decisions we’re making. The stuff the Union does affects each and every student. The more people who get active in that process, the better.
What’s your favourite book or movie? Why?
It changes every so often, right now I’m really into The Great Gatsby, both the book and movie. Lately I’ve just been binge watching TV shows on Netflix, particularly Parks and Rec. Why? Ron Swanson.
Vice president student life
Rebecca Ferris
What’s your best memory from STU so far?
Winter Formal during my first year. I loved the venue and the STU Jazz Band; it was a fantastic experience.
Why are you running for this position?
I am looking to give back to the school. Organizing and promoting events is something that I feel qualified to do after having experience with the Activities Committee and summer jobs which specifically involved organizing events and promoting them through different media outlets.
What changes would you like to see to the STUSU?
I would like to add some free yoga events that focus on physical and mental wellness. I would also like to have monthly movie nights for students and am hoping to better promote events and programs that are offered to students. This may include working more closely with the Off-Campus Committee.
What’s your favourite book or movie? Why?
My favourite book is Sophie’s World and I love most movies released in the ’80s.
Dallas Power
What’s your best memory from STU so far?
It’s a toss-up between Chatham Hall Day 2012 and Mystery Bus Pubcrawl 2014.
Why are you running for this position?
It allows me an opportunity to both raise awareness for and plan events pertaining to mental health awareness. The topic of mental health has been a growing trend at St. Thomas and globally in recent years. This position also allows me the opportunity to raise the standard of STUSU events.
What changes would you like to see to the STUSU?
Transparency. During my time at STU, the Students’ Union has become increasingly easier to access. The more aware students are about their union and what it does for them, the better.
What’s your favourite book or movie? Why?
My favourite book is anything by Stephen King, though I couldn’t choose one specific favourite. My favourite movie is a toss-up between Mean Girls and The Devil Wears Prada.
