By Madison Canez, Staff Writer
10:33 a.m., Apr 17 Correction: The actual total vote count was 213 votes, rather than 215 as originally stated.
After weeks of campaigning and a debate between Student Government Association presidential candidates Nathan Galicia and Gabriel Trevino, the Newman student body elected Galicia last week. Galicia, a junior theology major and choral music minor, will take over leading the organization in the fall. Current president Alondra Valle, who served two terms, is graduating in May.
Galicia ran on a ticket that included vice presidential candidate Faith Crabb, junior. They’ve appointed Melissa Arguijo, sophomore, as secretary, and Thomas Munn, junior as treasurer.
Students also elected 14 new student senators. They are: Anna Corbett, Luis Piedra, Joseph Luebbe, Gabe Trevino, Maxwell Masem, Tryphena Kayode, Tryphosa Kayode, Shaurya Datta, Grace Hertel, Grecia Nunez, Kelly Lotsu-Morgan, Natalia Lopez, Jenna Ju and Kenzee Keeling.
Next year’s SGA division chairs will be Abbey Gatesman, social work and education chair, and Arguijo, who will be the nursing and allied health chair.
Galicia ran on a platform focused on encouraging students to become the best versions of themselves.
“I hope to encourage other student leaders to strive for greatness and give everyone the opportunity to feel at home at Newman,” Galicia said.
His goal as president will be fostering an environment that allows everyone to feel seen, welcomed and heard. He decided to run, he said, because he wanted to help Newman thrive.
“I witnessed the goodness that can come from the role and wanted to be a part of the group that helped strengthen Newman,” said Galicia, who is SGA’s current treasurer and who also serves as the security and grounds chair.
There were 213 votes cast in the election, which happened via online ballots, Galicia and Crabb said. They won with 60% of the vote.
Galicia is also a familiar face among the student body because of his involvement in student activities and his leadership. His resume is filled with different clubs including Campus Ministry, the honors program, the men's bowling team, the Hispanic American Leadership Organization, the Troubadours, theater, the diversion equity and inclusion committee. He also works as a resident housing assistant.
Becoming student body president wasn’t always in his plan, Galicia said. But serving on various executive teams at Newman helped him gain knowledge and experience for the position.
Galicia, a first-generation college student, said he also wanted to inspire others.
“I want to create a great path for students and have them know that anything is possible,” Galicia said.
His opponent in the race Trevino, a junior who is SGA’s current vice president, said he is excited to see what Galicia has in store for the next school year. He said he believes that through hard work and determination, Galicia will do a great job.
“I truly believe that he has the grit and skill to do amazing things on campus,” Trevino said.
Galicia said he was grateful to the student body for allowing him to take over the position.
PHOTO: Courtesy Luis Piedra
