After almost six weeks of campaigning and a rare re-vote, election season for the West Virginia University Student Government Association 2011-12 term has come to a close after today’s election results announcement in the Vandalia Lounge of the Mountainlair.
The ticket known as The Fusion Party swept the board with 71 percent of the votes, earning all 19 spots available for next year’s SGA, including president, vice president, 15 governor positions and two athletic council slots. A total of 1,134 students voted in the elections.
Jason Bailey, the newly-elected president of SGA, says that a straight ticket win never happens, and that it is incredible.
“Getting everyone from the ticket onto the board is something I didn’t even think was possible,” Bailey said. “They’ve all worked really hard and absolutely deserve it. I’m really excited for next year.”
The Pirate Party, as well as one independent candidate, ran against Fusion in the elections. The presidential and vice presidential candidates for The Pirate Party were Daniel Brummage and Joe Harmon.
Megan Callaghan, the new vice president, said that this was one of the most stressful election seasons that SGA has ever seen.
“Honestly, after almost six weeks of campaigning it feels great to finally – not even win or lose – but just to be over with,” Callaghan said. “It feels great, and I’m so happy.”
The re-vote was held on Wednesday (April 20) at various locations across the University after both parties were accused of voter fraud. The violations occurred during the original voting process April 5-7.
The straight-ticket win will be a great asset to next year’s SGA term, said new athletic councilman Steve Orlowski.
“It feels awesome to have everyone together, we’ve been a big family this entire elections process,” Orlowski said. “It feels great that we can continue to be a family.”
The votes have been certified by the judicial board, and the changing of the seats will happen at next week’s SGA meeting on Wednesday (April 27) in Hatfield’s of the Mountainlair at 7:30 p.m.
The Fusion Party winners:
Jason Bailey is the new student body president from Ripley. He is pursuing a dual degree in international studies and political science with a minor in economics. He is currently serving SGA as a governor.
Megan Callaghan is the new student body vice president from Charleston. She is a junior majoring in psychology and also currently serves SGA as a governor.
Board of Governors:
Rashad Bates is a junior sport management major from Vineland, N.J. He is a current governor, and his platform is improving and increasing attendance at WVUp All Night.
Matt Boczanowski is a second year Masters of Public Administration student from Mendon, Mass. He is currently serving SGA as the outreach director. His platform is improving the student life of graduate students.
Bridgette Boyd is a sophomore double major in political science and international studies from Charleston. Her platform includes improvements in advising, and awareness in scholarships and financial aid.
Ryan Campione is a sophomore industrial engineering major from Morgantown. He is a current governor. His platform is improving Evansdale dining options and the life of dorm residents and resident assistants.
Nicole Crane is a freshman majoring in chemistry and political science from Charleston. She has served SGA as an intern for the past year. Her platform is improving student health.
Ellis Lambert is a sophomore business management major from Martinsburg. His platform is reform for the students in the College of Business and Economics.
Tiffany Pratt is a freshman majoring in political science and international studies from Huntington. Her platform is community service and improving the transitions of military students into student life.
Zach Redding is a sophomore double majoring in political science and Spanish from Wilkes-Barre, Pa. His platform is improving sustainability and accessibility of Mountie Bountie.
Taj Rohr is a junior majoring in accounting from Parkersburg. He currently serves SGA as executive of financial transparency. His platform is improving faculty relations.
Allison Rollins is a junior double majoring in chemistry and television journalism from Point Pleasant. She is a current governor. Her platform involves resources for club sports.
Benjamin Seebaugh is a sophomore majoring in political science and international studies from Parkersburg. He currently serves SGA as chairman of Student Advocates for Legislative Affairs. His platform is student advocacy.
Isabelle Shepherd is a freshman majoring in political science from Short Gap. She currently serves as an SGA intern. Her platform is to bring the arts downtown from the Evansdale campus.
Caroline Sprenger is a junior majoring in multidisciplinary studies (sports and exercise psychology, communications and sociology) from Clarksburg. Her platform is improving transportation and parking on campus.
George Weaver is a sophomore pre-business major from Lancaster, Pa. His platform is improving the promotion of intramural sports.
Ray Zane is a freshman pre-business major from Mount Royal, N.J. His platform is to improve technology and accessibility gaps on campus.
Athletic Council:
Zach Krebs is a junior majoring in political science from Forked River, N.J. His platform is to improve fan experience and create a new ticket-request system.
Steve Orlowski is a sophomore majoring in sport management from Leonia, N.J. His platform is to raise awareness for Olympic sports and create a group to encourage healthy fan behavior.
To learn more about SGA, visit http://sga.wvu.edu. To learn more about The Fusion Party, visit http://www.baileycallaghan.com.
-WVU-
mm/04/21/11
CONTACT: University Relations/News
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