Student Government Association elections took place last Wednesday, bringing with them new leadership for the organization that provides Rose-Hulman students with on-campus involvement. Sarah Erhart, a junior chemistry with a double major in biochemistry and molecular biology, won the presidency by about 60 votes; while Cody Barron, a sophomore biomedical major, took the vice-presidency by a mere 6 votes. The Rose Thorn sat down with Erhart and Barron to talk about their campaigns and victories.
Sarah Erhart, SGA president
Rose Thorn: Why did you decide to run for the presidency?
Sarah Erhart: The main reason I decided to run is just that I really think the students’ voices need to be heard. I always hear a lot of students talk to people and have these great ideas, but they’re just not being heard on campus. I believe I can facilitate that. The other big reason is that I’ve been involved in SGA and I feel that it was a natural transition to go from treasurer to president.
RT: What did you do during the campaign?
SE: I definitely told all my friends and anyone that was involved in a social and fraternal organization to talk to their friends about it, and then I went door-to-door to every single dorm on campus as well as the fraternities to talk to people.
RT: How did it feel to find out you won?
SE: It was definitely very exciting. I really wanted it. It was somewhat of a bittersweet victory. I do like Marsha [Krisenko], and I like her as a person. It was hard running against her, because she was vice-president last year, and it was hard to see her disappointment.
RT: What are some of the things that you want to get done?
SE: One of the first things I’ve already started working on is the meal plans. The other big thing is just making sure that SGA holds events for all of campus, whether it be more tailgating or something like that, making sure that we reach everyone and not the same group over and over again.
RT: Do you feel you’re ready for the transition?
SE: Yeah, definitely. I feel like I’ve pretty much taken over. One of the things done as president to be at all the big institute meetings as well as weekly meetings with Pete Gustafson, and I’ve already started doing that with Adler [Edward].
RT: Has it been strange transitioning from [former president] Adler [Edward]?
SE: No. Adler and I have similar views about most things, so he’s been good about helping me out.
RT: How do you feel about Cody as your VP?
SE: I’m confident that Cody will do an excellent job. It’s exciting to work with somebody that you don’t know everything about. I think it’ll be a good term.
Cody Barron, SGA vice-president
RT: Why did you decide to run for the vice-presidency?
Cody Barron: I enjoy campus involvement, and I’m very involved right now. My leadership skills – I’d like to put them to better use and lead forty people in discussion about our current topics at Rose-Hulman, like budgets for all the clubs and E-week events. We [also] talk about sponsoring a tailgating party, stuff like that.
RT: What was it like getting your name out there for the vice-presidency?
CB: I didn’t really do anything. I just sent out a few emails to some friends, telling them to vote.
RT: How did you feel when you won?
CB: Before I knew that I won, I knew that it would be a tough race. I wasn’t really nervous, I was just more anxious to find out who won. Once I found out, I was excited. I’m ready to take office and get stuff done.
RT: What are some of the things you want to get done?
CB: I want to be more of an assertive leader. When I make a decision, I stand by my decisions and normally have reason and support for my decisions.
RT: What are you most looking forward to about being vice-president?
CB: I’m really looking forward to the leadership opportunity, and getting more acquainted with Dr. J, Pete, and Tom Miller.
RT: Where do you think you might go from here? Are you considering a run for the presidency?
CB: I am, but we’ll see how this year goes and how the junior year curriculum treats me.
RT: How do you feel about Sarah Erhart? Have you worked with her before?
CB: I’ve worked with her on the Finance Committee, and I believe she’s a good choice for president. I think she is confident and can make good decisions as well. I voted for her.