By Jordan Green, Editor-in-Chief
Northwestern students elected three new Student Government Association officers during online voting Monday and Tuesday.
Tyler Blankenship will be the organization’s next vice president, Madeline Long will be the next secretary and Aaron Mason will be the next treasurer, rounding out the top four offices. President-elect Austin Rankin was unopposed in his bid for the top job.
All of the victors will take office for the upcoming school year. More than 400 students voted in the elections. Voting closed at 5 p.m. Tuesday.
The Student Government Association represents the student body in dealings with university administrators, and it coordinates several events on campus each year.
Blankenship, the current SGA treasurer, bested opponent Chloe Lehr in the race for the organization’s second-in-command position. Blankenship had 258 votes, or 64.18%, while Lehr garnered 144 votes, or 35.82%, according to voting tabulations.
Blankenship thanked the voters, saying he hopes to keep sponsoring events that students can be a part of. He also said he wants to help other students “feel the love and compassion I’ve been given.”
He added that he plans to “get to know the people here at Northwestern a little better and make more friends.” He credited his victory to the grace of God and said he appreciates Lehr.
“She gave me a reason to go out and meet more people, and that’s what it’s all about,” he said. “I’m glad I got to know her, too.”
Lehr thanked the voters as well. She said she was encouraged by the student participation, and she was glad that her prayers were answered.
Moments before Student Government Association adviser Olivia Yandel called Lehr on Tuesday evening to tell her she had lost the race, Lehr prayed that God would close any door that didn’t need to be open in her life. Then, the call came in.
“Truly, God is amazing,” Lehr said. “He did [close the door], and it eases the pain of maybe not getting it.
Truly, in that, it opened my eyes that I think Tyler is a great option. He is an amazing leader, and I am so excited to see what he accomplishes this year.”
SECRETARY
Long beat challenger Edna Garcia in the race for secretary. Long had 270 votes, or 66.67%, while Garcia had 135 votes, or 33.33%.
Long thanked the voters for their support.
As an SGA officer, Long said she plans to accomplish several goals: boost the organization’s social media presence, make clubs more well-known and increase attendance at club and SGA meetings. She also said she hopes to create new activities for the student body.
“I think that Edna did a wonderful job campaigning,” Long said. “I want her to go again next year. … She would do absolutely amazing in it, and I hope she continues to make appearances as a senator.”
Garcia thanked the voters, saying she appreciates them no matter the outcome.
“They picked who was right for it,” Garcia said. “It was an honor running against [Long]. Good luck to her this year. I know that she’s going to do a very good job representing Northwestern.”
TREASURER
In a four-person race, Mason surmounted challengers Cooper Frymire, Draven Hidalgo and Willem “Willie” Johnson. Mason garnered 148 votes, or 37.09%; Frymire had 79 votes, or 19.8%; Hidalgo won 106 votes, or 26.57%; and Johnson had 66 votes, or 16.54%.
Mason thanked the voters. As an officer, he said he hopes to work with university officials to extend the operating hours at the J.R. Holder Wellness Center. He also wants to establish a committee to recognize student accomplishments around campus.
“I always wanted to be a voice for some people, and now I can do that,” Mason said.
He said he wishes his opponents the best.
“They fought a great race,” he said. “I’m glad I could go against them. There’s some great leaders out there.”
Johnson said he enjoyed the campaign. He said Mason “will do an exceptional job for treasurer.”
Frymire said he enjoyed running for the office, and he was grateful for the opportunity.
“They were all great candidates, and our SGA will be in great hands no matter who wins,” Frymire said.
Hidalgo said he appreciates all of the voters for lending their voices.
“I think Aaron will do a fine job as treasurer,” Hidalgo said. “I was proud to run.”
The Student Government Association meets every other Monday during the semester at 6:30 p.m. in the Student Center Ballroom. Meetings are open to all Northwestern students.