By Collin Smith—
With the Class of 2024 soon graduating and off college, Gonzaga’s class of 2025 steeps into their new leadership role as the oldest students on campus. With that step up in leadership, an election for a new Student Government Cabinet is necessary. The week leading up to the Charter Day consisted of campaigning and hard work from the many students who hoped to land a spot in the prestigious SGA. The main event, the presidential election, brought seven candidates of qualified juniors who hoped to have their names finished at the top of the ballot. After many Instagram posts, handshakes and one town hall in the theater, it came time for current SGA President Richie Pienda ‘24 to hand off the presidential gable to a member of the Class of 2025. On May 3, Gonzaga students filled into St. Aloysius Church in their formal dress to hear many students’ names called for the various awards of Charter Day. At the end of the assembly, it was Jack Eager ’25, a newcomer to the SGA scene, who heard his name called to lead the Gonzaga student body into a new school year. Jack Eager while having no previous experience on Gonzaga’s SGA is eager to get to work.
“I’m so pumped to get to work with our new cabinet and every single one of my Gonzaga brothers next year. I hope to help strengthen the community on Eye Street to make next year the best year Gonzaga has ever seen,” Eager said.
The position of president is not the only piece of the SGA that was announced after elections had taken place. Andrew Hoffman ‘25, a current class representative to the SGA, finished second in the presidential tally, making him vice president. The other position that was on the ballot for students was director of communications, TJ Albero ‘25 finished first in that race and is now tasked with being in charge of the prestigious @GonzagaSGA on Instagram.
While the elected positions are very important several appointed positions are awarded through a vigorous application process. Michael Licamele ‘25, a current SGA secretary, was announced as chief of staff, which is a new title for the SGA in hopes of helping streamline meetings and keep the cabinet organized.
Gavin Fore ‘25 was announced as the campus ministry ambassador, an important position in combining Gonzaga’s faith and campus ministry with the greater student body. Edwin Siembieda was also announced under a new title for the SGA, the special events coordinator. This position is in a role that combines aspects of the Gonzagafest chair and the social coordinator to have all Gonzaga sports events on the same page. Siembieda and Fore will both be serving on the SGA for the first time and are excited about a new opportunity.
“We already have a great crew moving onto SGA next year, and I believe there’s a lot our school has to offer and it’s worth it to be excited about it,” Siembieda said.
The 2024-2025 school year already has a bright future with a new SGA at the helm. There is a mixture of experience and newcomers that excites outgoing president Richie Pienda.
“Next year’s SGA is particularly unique as this is a group that is carrying almost entirely new ideas. New events are something that you can be sure to expect from these guys,” Pineda said.
Look forward to this new administration bringing new ideas to light and leaving their mark on Gonzaga.