The spring 2018 Student Government Association elections are nearly upon us. Campaigning for Executive Elections opens this week, and voting is set for Feb 21 through Feb 23. The Executive Presidents Ticket, often called “the Big Three Ticket”, includes this year’s candidates for Student Body President, VP of Policy and Advocacy, and VP of Social Affairs.

These offices are currently held by Student Body President Francesca Galbato ’18, VP of Policy and Advocacy Mark Cristaldi ’18, and VP of Social Affairs Calla Kostelnik ’18.

“It is wonderful to see so many people passionate not only about SGA, but Loyola as a whole. The role of Student Body President is a huge undertaking, but it is a great opportunity to be a part of something larger than yourself,” says current President Francesca Galbato.

“My advice to the future SBP is to always make yourself available and don’t be afraid to speak up about what you believe is best for students.”

With the incumbents graduating, all three offices are open to completely new candidates, and three different tickets have been registered to fill the positions. “This will be one of the most contested and campaigned SGA elections since I arrived as a freshman,” Senior Class President Nicholas Palazzolo, ’18, said.

The Greyhound interviewed Lemuel Borne, candidate for Student Body President in an effort to get to know him, hear his platform, and give him the opportunity to show what makes his ticket the best fit for SGA Executive Leadership.

Lemuel Borne, ’19

“Ride the Wave”

Lemuel Bourne

Running Mates: Matt Cannon, ’19, candidate for VP of Policy and Advocacy, and Aeliana Lomax, ’19, candidate for VP of Social Affairs

Where are you from and what’s your major?

Lemuel Bourne: I am from Trinidad and Tobago. I live in Baltimore, Maryland currently and have for most of my life. I am a part of the Junior Class, the class of 2019. I am a Finance Major.

What does being a Greyhound mean to you?

LB: In my eyes, being a greyhound means being a part of something that is bigger than me. It is being a part of a family that stretches back to 1852. I represent not only myself, but all those that came before me and all that are to come. So it is with that conviction that I strive to be the best that I can be each day and to help those around me through service and solidarity, to be the best versions of themselves as well. That goes for the student body as well as the surrounding Baltimore area that we share with thousands of residents in this great city.

What’s your leadership experience?

LB: In my short time at Loyola, I have held multiple leadership positions that have helped shape me into the man that I am today. I worked on the Executive Board of the Caribbean Student Union in my sophomore year as the head of Public Relations helping to spread awareness and appreciation for Caribbean culture on campus. In that same year, I also lead as the Service Coordinator of the CHOICE Program through CCSJ leading a team of volunteers to mentor and expose the youth of Baltimore City to a life of higher education. I also participated in the ALANA Mentoring Program (AMP) to help mentor and guide first-year students through the troubles of a new college experience. The following year I stepped into the position of Vice President for the Caribbean Student Union. I also continued to work with the AMP program as a mentor. Additionally, I joined SGA as a Senator for the class of 2019 where I helped work on policy and advocacy issues for the Loyola Student Body.

What made you decide to run?

LB: I have been involved at Loyola in a variety of different ways over the last 3 years. I have always made it a priority to leave a place better than I found it, so I have been working diligently to make sure that everything that I do for the Loyola community is helping to improve it in one way or another. This past year when I joined SGA I realized that while there was so much good that was being done by the hard-working individuals already a part of the team, there was so much more that could be done if SGA was made aware of some of the issues that I have been witnessing and experiencing among the student body for years. Many students face problems that remain unaddressed because of a disconnect between them and the powers at hand. My goal is to bridge that gap and create an SGA that serves the people, all people.

What would be your top priority as Student Body President?

LB: As Student Body President, one of my top priorities would be to create a culture of inclusion and unity among the student body. We all share the same classrooms, dorms, gym, and cafeteria, yet there is so much division among the student body. I believe that building community bonds and instilling a strong sense of school spirit makes the college experience that much better for everyone. Whether that be through joining new clubs, learning about diverse cultures, exploring the neighboring communities, or attending sporting events or theatre plays to support a fellow hound, we can all take small steps to making big changes in the student experience on this campus. My team and I are here to start the wave but we need people to come along for the ride.

How can you best represent all Greyhounds?

LB: It is one thing to send an email to the entire student body and say that you are reaching all students and being inclusive, but in my opinion, it is less about the physical movements that you make toward those goals and more about the psychological culture that you instill in the members of the community. If students felt that their opinions mattered, then they would be more inclined to share them. If they believed that their voices could be heard, then they might just find the courage to speak up. If people felt like they would be welcomed in all spaces, then maybe they would be willing to step out of their comfort zones and try something new. Once we create a culture where those things are the norm, then we have done our job.

Can you explain your campaign slogan?

LB: Our campaign slogan is, “Ride the Wave”. What we aim to do is bring a wave of change that can transform every aspect of student life on campus. With that wave comes new initiatives, new events, new ways to get involved, and new sets of ears to hear the voices of students. The choice is in the student’s hands now. Will they get left behind in the old Loyola or ride the wave?

Any final words to potential voters?

LB: To my fellow students, I have only one request. Take back what’s yours. This is your campus, your college experience, your Loyola. Whether you vote for me or one of my opponents, make sure you vote nonetheless. Without your vote, you give up the rights to your Loyola and leave it in the hands of someone that you did not elect. Instead, make your voice heard today, tomorrow and always. Go Hounds!

Campaigning for the Executive Elections began Monday, with polls opening this Wednesday and closing on Friday, when the winners are expected to be announced by current SGA leadership.

The Greyhound encourages all students to hear what all of the candidates have to say and most importantly vote.

Student Body President Francesca Galbato leaves the candidates with final words wishing “all the candidates the best of luck! All of them are capable of making an impact on Loyola, no matter their title.”

Be sure to read about this year’s other candidates for Student Body President, linked below.

Daysi Perez

Gretchen McCaffrey