Tiger Media Network is providing a glimpse at senatorial candidates for Student Government Association elections upcoming in April.
How would you be a positive representative of the constituents in your College for the Student Government Association?
College of Arts Humanities and Social Sciences:
Alvaro “Fred” Escobedo: “I would make an excellent representative because of my hard working nature and passion to help others. Aside from my character, I believe I can make a difference through my experience in community service and connections I have made in and out of college. For example, in high school, I was volunteered as a youth grant maker in approving and allocating funds to different groups and causes. Professionally, I campaigned for Tim Huelskamp and Donald Merriman so when SGA wishes to lobby I have the experience to visit one-on-one with voters.”
Denice Lastra-Blanco: “As a current senator of the Student Government Association, I believe I have the traits and qualifications to benefit not only the College of Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences but as well the Fort Hays State University student body as a whole. I have had various opportunities to serve the department of leadership studies that have included participating in service trips, maintain close relationships with the staff within the department, participating in mentorship programs, being a peer mentor to future tigers pursuing an “Organizational Leadership” major, and engaging in events/ activities not only brought by the leadership department but as well as others.”
Jackilyn “Jacki” Dougherty: “I am a person that is passionate for others, and I make a constant effort to be relate to everyone I interact with so that I can really meet them at their wavelength of what they’re thinking and feeling. I encourage feedback, and I am willing to listen to the needs of my constituents and do what I can to make their experiences the best they can be. As a senator in the past, I have voted for bills and funding for organizations that have contributed to the well-being of FHSU students. I strive to be a positive impact on the FHSU campus, as it has effected me greatly and I will give my best effort to ensure that my constituents are given every opportunity for success. I vow to be an open minded listener and an active change agent for my fellow Tigers.”
Joshua Becker: “I would be a positive representative of my College because I believe in the necessity of liberal arts and humanities in education, and as a Senator I would work hard to do everything in my power to promote the College of Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences. Apart from that, I believe that I am good communicator and able to be a good representative of the college.”
Kaylee Brin: “I always have a positive mindset and I enjoy helping and encouraging others. I have a lot of great ideas to get people involved with SGA. I would love to be apart of this organization!”
Kaytee Wisley: “I am passionate about accurately and positively representing my peers by communicating with them about issues and using their input to guide my vote. I would also aim to educate them in an unbiased way if they are unaware of an issue that is affecting them.”
Michael Musgrove: “Having served on Student Government the past two years, I believe my experience to be invaluable. Since I have joined Senate, we have worked towards getting free legal counsel for all students, advocated for the Student Success Center, and gone through the all-important process of Allocations. Student Government is all about student advocacy, and I will readily sacrifice my time for the betterment of students on this campus. Just this year, I served on the Allocations committee. While serving on this committee is a large time commitment and a meticulous process, it is a process that it incredibly important for all student organizations, so I am proud that I got to be a part of it. If I am elected, I plan to represent the constituents of my college and all students at Fort Hays to the best of my ability, as that is exactly what they deserve.”
Roy Koech: “As someone who fully believes in the power of a government that works for the people, I would strive to reflect and uphold the best wishes of my constituents to my full capability.”
College of Health and Behavioral Sciences
Lucy Partlow-Loyall: “As a current senator, I am a positive representative of the constituents in my College by bringing news and questions to my constituents and bringing their concerns back to the Student Government Association. I also make sure to stay informed about campus events and needs to make informed decisions when voting on bills and resolutions in Senate. If elected, I would continue to represent my constituents in this manner.”
Reilly Franek: “I have shown through my previous terms my willingness and ability to advocate for my students, and to bring issues to the floor when necessary. In the classroom I try to lead by example everyday and to represent my college to the best of my abilities in all things.”
Mariam Sears: “I believe that all students should have a say in their collegiate environment, and that SGA is an important venue for establishing that voice. As a member of a college that is often focused on their major and off-campus involvements, I believe I can provide some insight and representation that other students may not be aware of. I have not only worked on my campus portion of my degree(s), but I’ve also worked on my clinical portion of my degree, which put in a partly virtual environment, and gave me a unique perspective. I am aware that students rarely return back to campus after their clinical period, and so I believe I can provide important representation, especially for those students who are not on campus to participate in those decisions.”
Samantha Rohleder: “I would be a positive representative of my College because of my willingness to ensure each student is represented fairly and all their voices are being heard. Understanding and connecting with my constituents is critical to performing my duties of Senator well and I plan to do whatever necessary to determine what they want and need. Having been a Senator before I think I have a basic level of comprehension of the tools and skills needed to accomplish all my duties.”
Robbins College of Business and Entrepreneurship
Alicia Kroeger: “I have personally been very involved on the Fort Hays campus. Beginning my freshman year, I have participated in study abroad trips, externships, trade shows, conferences, and many local and campus events. These activities have allowed me to experience different cultures, network with professionals, as well as get to know my peers and maximize my time at this University. Many of the opportunities I have been given on campus were made possible by the Student Government Association. I want to be a part of this association to become a voice for students so they can continue to have amazing opportunities such as the ones that I have been given.”
Graham Applegate: “I would be a positive representative of my constituents because I genuinely care about them and will listen to their thoughts and concerns. They are here at Fort Hays State University trying to get through school and get their degree just like me, and I want them to get the best education and have the best experiences possible. I am actively involved in the W.R. and Yvonne Robbins College of Business and Entrepreneurship and interact with staff and fellow students daily. I can use my voice to make sure that they are being accurately and effectively represented.”
Werth College of Science, Technology, and Mathematics
Kenton Lindsey: “I would ensure to ask my peers their opinions about university-related matters, and bring their opinions to light during senate meetings.”
Osiris Nunez-Espinoza: “As a first generation student, I would represent those students who wish to further their education. Also, being a Hispanic women, I can be an example for those students like myself. Not only that, but setting the example for other students about involvement, would give them another view about getting not only involved in the Student Government Association, but other organizations as well.”