Six Candidates Vying for Four Seats in the College of Engineering Student Government Election
The upcoming Student Government Senate election within the College of Engineering at Iowa State University is heating up, with six candidates competing for four coveted seats. The candidates in the running are Alexander Bessie, a junior studying chemical engineering, Sen. Lilian Shin, a senior in biomedical engineering, Ben Dauman, a first-year mechanical engineering student, Matt Miller, a junior pursuing computer engineering, Sen. Lucky Onyekwelu-Udoka, a first-year graduate student specializing in computer engineering, and Sen. Kevin O’Connor, a junior majoring in chemical engineering.
In 2024, a total of 861 students from the College of Engineering cast their votes in the Student Government election. The Student Government is a vital student organization that aims to represent and serve the diverse student body, annually allocating $2.6 million in student fee revenue to various organizations on campus and in Story County.
The election is scheduled to take place on March 4 and 5, with ballots set to be emailed to students’ Iowa State email addresses. The following insights were gathered from email interviews conducted with the candidates to provide a deeper understanding of their qualifications, perspectives, and goals for the future.
Qualifications and Vision for the Future
When questioned about their qualifications for the Senate position, the candidates shared compelling insights into their experiences and aspirations. Alexander Bessie highlighted his role as a chemistry tutor at ISU, emphasizing his understanding of student needs and his commitment to enhancing academic support for higher-level engineering courses. Lilian Shin, currently serving as an Engineering Senator, emphasized her approachability and willingness to listen to students’ voices, demonstrating her dedication to effective representation.
Ben Dauman spoke about his leadership experiences within various student organizations, underscoring his commitment to addressing student concerns and improving engineering students’ lives. Matt Miller delved into significant issues such as parking shortages, funding for engineering activities, and enhancing dining transparency, showcasing his focus on practical solutions that benefit the student body.
Lucky Onyekwelu-Udoka highlighted the importance of increased funding for research and student organizations, enhanced representation and inclusivity, and facilitating access to career development opportunities. Kevin O’Connor stressed the importance of understanding the academic challenges faced by engineering students and the need for clear and effective policies to support them.
Reasons for Seeking Re-Election and Proud Accomplishments
When asked about their motivations for seeking re-election, Lilian Shin expressed her desire to continue making a difference by utilizing her experience in Student Government effectively. Lucky Onyekwelu-Udoka emphasized the importance of advocating for policies that benefit engineering students and promoting equity and representation within the organization.
Reflecting on their time in Student Government, Alexander Bessie shared a passion for helping others succeed, a value he hopes to continue advocating for in his role as an Engineering Senator. Ben Dauman articulated his desire to improve the lives of his peers through his leadership skills and commitment to addressing student concerns. Matt Miller underscored the need for Student Government to focus on real problems and practical solutions that benefit all students, rather than superficial initiatives.
In Conclusion
As the College of Engineering Student Government election approaches, each candidate brings a unique blend of qualifications, experiences, and visions for the future. Their commitment to representing the student body, addressing pressing issues, and fostering a more inclusive and supportive academic environment underscores the importance of student engagement in shaping the future of Iowa State University. Your vote in this election will play a crucial role in determining the direction of the College of Engineering and ensuring that student voices are heard and valued.
