By William Henke | Staff Writer
Seven new representatives were elected in October’s ASWU elections—four off-campus representatives, two incoming class representatives, a neighborhoods representative and a Baldwin-Jenkins senator.
The Whitworthian reached out to these newly elected ASWU members via email with a few questions. Below are their responses.
*These responses have been lightly edited for clarity and length.
Aubrey Lathrom, Incoming Class Representative
Why do you want to represent students at Whitworth?
I really love being involved in community and I want to help others feel like they belong. Representing the incoming students gives me the opportunity to connect and serve others!
Do you have any specific plans for how you’re going to interact with and best represent your constituents?
I’m not sure about specific plans yet, but I would love to make some amazing things happen!
When we come back to you in May, what will you tell us that you accomplished over the 2023-2024 academic year?
I hope to tell you that this year’s incoming students are a tight-knit community. I hope to say I served as best I could by doing everything I can to help others!
What are your plans for your future?
I would love to be a high school English teacher after I graduate! I hope to be a supportive influence for students!
Isabella Martinez, Incoming Class Representative
Why do you want to represent students at Whitworth?
I want to represent students at Whitworth because I love meeting and serving others. Ensuring that everyone feels supported and heard is something I value. I’m excited to represent the incoming class and be a part of the Whitworth family.
Do you have any specific plans for how you’re going to interact with and best represent your constituents?
I’m sure my plans will change and adjust as I gain more experience in this role, but for now I plan to interact through conversations. I will hold bi-weekly meetings where students can come to me and present their concerns or just talk. I’m very flexible and want to provide a safe, non-judgmental listening ear.
When we come back to you in May, what will you tell us that you accomplished over the 2023-2024 academic year?
You’ll find out in May! I guarantee it’ll be good.
What are your plans for your future?
My plan for the future is to have fun, try new things, and meet new people! My goal currently is to finish my private pilot’s license.
Emery Sparwasser, Baldwin-Jenkins Senator
Why do you want to represent students at Whitworth?
I am blessed to be able to represent students here at Whitworth. I know that for most people, college is a bigger community than they have ever experienced before, and it can get tricky to voice your needs and concerns. I chose to represent Baldwin-Jenkins because I care about my peers who are new to this environment, and I want them to be heard.
Do you have any specific plans for how you’re going to interact with and best represent your constituents?
My plan is similar to other senators representing their buildings. I want to spend time with my constituents, whether that is during prime time or my personal office hours. I am pleased to say I have had the opportunity to meet all of my constituents, and plan to further relations with them on a personal scale. My goal is to accurately interpret their concerns or requests and come up with effective solutions.
When we come back to you in May, what will you tell us that you accomplished over the 2023-2024 academic year?
In May, you will hear about some of the best events ever thrown by Baldwin-Jenkins. You will see improvements to the cleanliness and operation of BJ in its entirety. Overall, we will continue to be known as the building with the most energy, entertainment and enjoyable residents.
What are your plans for your future?
I am currently studying biology in the pre-med track. After Whitworth, I plan to attend medical school at the University of Washington and become a plastic surgeon. So hopefully after twelve more years of school, I’ll have a solid career in plastics and a big house with lots of dogs.
Zeke Taton, Neighborhoods Representative
Why do you want to represent students at Whitworth?
I feel like the Neighborhoods is a unique community in that we are still university housing, but since we are further away from the rest of campus, it can be more of a challenge to be recognized by the rest of the community. I want to ensure that our community’s voice is heard, and that I can clearly communicate the resources ASWU has to Neighborhoods residents, and how they impact us.
Do you have any specific plans for how you’re going to interact with and best represent your constituents?
I plan to communicate with my fellow Neighborhoods residents through social media, a group chat and for specific events, likely print products. However, I believe that building relationships with others in the Neighborhoods is going to be key for clear, meaningful communication, and as such, this will be my priority as I get started in the position.
When we come back to you in May, what will you tell us that you accomplished over the 2023-2024 academic year?
I hope to be able to say at the end of the year that I brought the Neighborhoods closer together by coordinating events successfully and by building relationships with my fellow residents. Additionally, I hope it can be said that I represented their voices well in ASWU and promoted the community’s values well.
What are your plans for your future?
I plan to graduate with my education degree and certification, and teach elementary education before pursuing a career in educational administration and policy.
Rylee Baratone, Off-Campus Representative
Why do you want to represent students at Whitworth?
I am driven to represent students at Whitworth because I believe every voice deserves to be heard. My goal is to bridge the gap between campus and off-campus members, fostering a strong sense of community and belonging. I aim to make off-campus students feel genuinely welcome on campus, creating an environment where their ideas and concerns are valued.
Do you have any specific plans for how you’re going to interact with and best represent your constituents?
I plan to approach student representation with a proactive and collaborative mindset. I am committed to active listening and working closely with the off-campus team of student leaders. Together, I hope to engage in open, transparent conversations, both at events and in everyday interactions. By being approachable and receptive, I aim to gather insights, form a consensus and represent our constituents effectively.
When we come back to you in May, what will you tell us that you accomplished over the 2023-2024 academic year?
By May, I aspire to have built strong relationships within and beyond campus borders. I envision an environment where people feel comfortable sharing their ideas, leading to tangible changes based on students’ voices. My aim is to foster inclusivity and enrich campus discussions. I will share stories of successful collaborations, initiatives implemented and a campus culture that embraces diversity and dialogue.
What are your plans for your future?
I am pursuing a major in special education and elementary education, driven by my passion for creating supportive learning environments. As I embark on my teaching career, I intend to continuously enhance my skills and knowledge to better serve my students. I also want to explore different cultures by traveling to new countries and places I haven’t experienced before.
Abby Prather, Off-Campus Representative
Abby Prather did not respond to our request for an interview.
Davis Campbell, Off-Campus Representative
Davis Campbell did not respond to our request for an interview.
Hui Yi Soh, Off-Campus Representative
Hui Yi Soh did not respond to our request for an interview.