The Student Government Association elections campaign kicked off on Tuesday, Feb. 4 on the steps of Cater Hall. SGA candidates for president, vice president, treasurer and Miss Auburn introduced themselves to the student body and officially released their campaigns for the upcoming week.
Supporting students attended, wearing campaign shirts and cheering for their respective candidates between introductions.
Miss Auburn
Five candidates are competing for 2025 Miss Auburn.
Kendall Anderson, pre-veterinary medicine junior studying wildlife sciences, will campaign with her platform, “Keep Climbing with Kendall,” broken into three pillars - “The Path You Pursue,” “The Obstacles You Overcome” and “The Time You Take.” Her campaign is focused on addressing insecurities that come with being an involved Auburn student.
Ellen Connell, junior majoring in law and justice on the pre-law track, will engage with students through her campaign, “Engage with Ellen.” Centered around sharing values and cultivating relationships between students, alumni and Auburn Family members, Connell hopes to create a culture of service and provide growth opportunities for students.
Through her platform, “Soar with Sophie,” Sophie Marino, junior in exercise science with hopes to pursue a career in physical therapy, will help students soar by overcoming obstacles and maximizing their four years at Auburn.
Riley Parman, global studies senior with a minor in hunger studies, will focus on empowering Auburn students to use their education to better serve the university and community. Through her campaign, “Rooted with Riley,” Parman will encourage students to use the tools Auburn provides them with.
Vera Smith T, biomedical sciences senior on the pre-medical track, will focus on serving individual students thrive through “Raise Your Voice with Vera.” Smith T wants to encourage lifelong friendships in Auburn’s diverse community that make the university home.
Treasurer
Hailey Bergenthal, law and justice senior, runs unopposed for treasurer.
Bergenthal’s platform, “Banking on Bergenthal,” will help Auburn students invest in financial resources and bank on their futures as Auburn alumni. Integrating financial technology on-campus and highlighting the wealth of Auburn’s alumni network are two ways Bergenthal plans to bank on the Auburn Family.
Vice President
Two candidates, Buckley Nettles and Emma Frances Zellner, will compete for vice president.
Buckley Nettles, junior in communications, is inviting students to her platform, “Buckling Up with Buckley,” focused on increasing the community surrounding SGA. Through elevating accessibility and engagement, educating about goals and elevating participation, Nettles hopes to unify SGA with the student body.
“My platform is based on three pillars: communication, education and participation,” said Nettles. “I can’t wait to see you all on the Concourse.”
Emma Frances Zellner, accounting junior, is prioritizing making Auburn’s campus feel uplifting and supporting students through her campaign, “We Can with Emma Fran.” To complete this initiative, Zellner plans to listen to feedback, make students aware of resources and encourage relationships through collaborative events.
“I am honored to have the opportunity to run for SGA vice president,” Zellner said. “My platform has three points: engaging the student experience, emphasizing our resources and encouraging the student body.”
President
Two candidates are running for SGA president – Owen Beaverstock and Jake Yohn.
Owen Beaverstock, junior in political science, calls Auburn students to “Be Better with Beaverstock.” To honor his late friend’s legacy, Beaverstock hopes to make Auburn a better place where every student can have a great experience and form lasting relationships.
“I have the privilege to run to be your next SGA president for this year,” Beaverstock said. “Our three points are better relationships, better family and better place.”
Jake Yohn, junior studying political science, is calling to resolve issues and improve SGA accessibility through his campaign, “Yohn To Victory.” Yohn will implement his goal through holding presidential office hours, openly addressing setbacks and helping remedy dining and parking costs.
“That is what my campaign is all about, turning SGA into an organization that the rest of campus feels like we’re advocating for them on the highest levels,” Yohn said.
Wednesday through Friday from 7 a.m. - 5 p.m., all candidates will be on Haley Concourse to meet students and explain their initiatives. Students with questions are encouraged to meet with these candidates to understand more about their plans for their positions.
On Friday, Feb. 7, voting opens at 7 a.m. and closes at 5 p.m. The same night at 10 p.m., candidates will return to the Cater Hall steps for call outs when winners are announced.
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