Nine new senators were elected April’s ASWU elections—four returning to ASWU and five new members. Baldwin Jenkins and Stewart, the two first-year halls on campus, have open Senator positions which were filled in the fall rather than in spring. Other positions, such as Off-campus and Neighborhoods Senators, were also filled in the fall.
The Whitworthian reached out via email to these senators with several questions. Below are the responses the Whitworthian received.
These responses have been lightly edited for clarity and length.
Samie Schaffer, returning Arend Senator
Why did you decide to run another time?
“I really enjoy being a part of ASWU and how much support is present in the organization! I also have so many more ideas to make my residence hall better and want to see them happen!”
What are your experiences on campus so far, both inside and outside of ASWU, that will help you with this position?
“The past semester on ASWU has helped me develop a deeper understanding of how to serve my constituency best!
“Being involved [in other areas], not only in athletics but through campus events, will help me a lot because I will be able to connect with the students on a more personal and relational level!”
What new changes do you hope to affect in your residence hall community this year?
“One of the biggest things I want to see in Arend is building a stronger community right off the bat and making a space where residents are more willing to speak their opinions!”
Is there anything else the student body should know about you?
“Nothing specifically :)”
Kenzie Quinn, Ballard senator
Why did you decide to run?
“I decided to run because I liked the BMAC community and I love student council. I thought that this position would give me the best of both of those worlds, and I believe I’ll thrive in it.”
What are some experiences you’ve had on campus so far that will help you with this position?
“I was able to campaign a little as I ran for incoming student representative this last semester. I am also pretty well known in Ballard which gave me the upper hand in elections.”
What changes do you hope to affect in your residence hall community this year?
“I’m hoping to bring more of the Ballard girls into some of the BMAC traditions. Right now I don’t see many Ballard gals at primetimes or anything, and I want to change that.”
Is there anything else the student body should know about you?
“I’m so excited to be a part of ASWU and I’m hoping to make a change for the better at WU.”
Katelynn Diaz, Boppell senator
Katelynn Diaz, moving Boppell senator, did not respond to our request for an interview.
Katie Chilcote, Duvall senator
Why did you decide to run?
“I am a very outgoing person, and I am very passionate about leadership and advocacy. I am not afraid to speak up when I see something that I disagree with. I wanted to have a chance to speak up for those who might not have the opportunity or the courage to raise their voice, and I believe that this opportunity will allow me to make the needed changes on campus starting with Duvall.”
What are some experiences you‘ve had on campus so far that will help you with this position?
“As a first year at Whitworth I have not had any official opportunities such as senator yet. I have had the opportunity to be fully immersed in this beautiful community, which has allowed me to build connections, and I believe that this will be a necessary tool for this position.”
What changes do you hope to affect in your residence hall community this year?
“As of this year, I would love to create an intentional community within my resident hall. Inevitably when you live in the same hall and share a space with others you will create relationships. However, I want to foster an environment focused on creating intentional relationships within Duvall, not only within your pods, but throughout the entire hall.”
Is there anything else the student body should know about you?
“I love meeting new people and hearing their stories. Whenever I get the chance, I . . . will be outside. I love to ski, paddle board, hike, swim, all the above. I am also a coffee fanatic, so if you are one of my residents next year, or just want to hang out, please feel free to reach out to me. I’d love to hear your stories and find a way to advocate for you.”
Lucien Dallabetta, McMillan senator
Why did you decide to run?
“I decided to run because I love my dorm and everything that we do. I want to make our dorm a more inviting, inclusive and welcoming place.”
What experiences have you had on campus so far that will help you with this position?
“I have served as an RA this year and I’ve seen a lot of the problems that plague our dorm system. I want to address these problems as a servant of the people.”
What changes do you hope to affect in your residence hall community this year?
“I want people across all identities to feel welcomed in our community. In general, I want to make the true campus experience universal for all students by promoting inclusivity.”
Is there anything else the student body should know about you?
“I love people and I have an optimistic outlook on what is possible to do within this community. I will work hard to make the BMAC community feel accessible to all people across campus!”
Lotanna Akukwe, Oliver senator
Why did you decide to run?
“Oliver Hall has a very friendly and welcoming environment that shows tolerance and kindness in the actions of its residents. . . . A significant portion of this is due to the hard work of the Resident Assistants and the current Oliver dorm senator. All of these helped me realize that I want to be a part of this movement, to participate in the growing dedication to Whitworth students.
“Becoming the Oliver dorm senator will enable me to do this and more, providing a fun and engaging learning environment for our current and incoming hall residents.”
What are some experiences you’ve had on campus so far that will help you with this position?
“I am currently an exam proctor at Educational Support Services. Here, we act as a liaison between the students and staff to help in giving individuals accommodations. These accommodations help to bridge the gaps that limit many students’ ability to learn. Not only is the experience personally enriching, but also intellectually stimulating. I hope to directly apply what I learned from this experience in my future role as the Oliver Hall Senator.”
What changes do you hope to affect in your residence hall community this year?
“I wish to increase the engagement of Oliver residents while fostering a forgiving and patient learning environment. I also want to establish Oliver as a body the residents can trust to be free with and express any thoughts they have.”
Is there anything else the student body should know about you?
“I want to thank all those who voted for me as well as those who didn’t. Thank you for participating in this election and having your voices heard. I understand the responsibility that comes with this position and will do my best to fully represent the needs of the Oliver residents for the upcoming academic year.”
Ava Dennis, Warren senator
Why did you decide to run?
“I think helping a group of people feel heard is a great thing. I know what it’s like to feel like nothing changes no matter what you say to your superiors. I wanted to be able to be a leader and an ear for those who want to express their concerns. I think I could be a great help to Warren because of my determination, but I’m also looking forward to all the things I’ll be learning as a senator.”
What are some experiences you’ve had on campus this year that will help you with this position?
“My experiences come from my previous year living at Warren. I have enjoyed my time hanging out with the RA’s during primetime and having laughs with the previous senator, so I know what the atmosphere is supposed to be. Learning from their leadership and welcoming spirits is what I’m going to build off from coming into next year.”
What changes do you hope to affect in your residence hall community this year?
“I want to do a good job at keeping the community informed. Weekly newsletters are a big part of that, and I additionally want to make people smile when they see a funny photo on a piece of paper hanging in the bathroom stall. Sometimes it’s the little things in life that make a huge difference.”
Is there anything else the student body should know about you?
“No, thanks!”
Reeshika Sharma, returning off-campus senator
Why did you decide to run a second time?
“The reason I decided to run for a second time was that I have loved serving my constituents and community by providing an inclusive and equitable atmosphere and by hosting fun and engaging events. I plan to be more committed to my position’s duties and responsibilities.”
What are some experiences you’ve had on campus, both inside and outside of ASWU, that will help with this position?
“Within ASWU I have been the off-campus senator for the 2021-2022 year and a member of the Club Charter Committee and Safety Committee; these experiences will help me understand and follow the mission of this organization.
“Outside ASWU I have been involved in the International Club and the Political Science Club as the Event Organizer. I wish to join more clubs that Whitworth has, to provide and gain more experience.”
