MOORHEAD – On Tuesday, Sept 26, the Student Government Association (SGA) hosted their elections for two first year representatives. Candidates for the positions included Sumaya Abukar, George French, Rachel Huynh and Ari Williams.
According to the SGA website, students interested in running must have attended the SGA interest meeting on Sept. 10, where they got a petition to run for office. After the meeting, students were allowed to collect signatures on their petitions until Sept. 18 at 4:00 p.m.
Once the petition was turned in, candidates were asked to sign an Intent to Run form and the Campaign and Election Handbook Terms Agreement. Candidates were then allowed to campaign from Sept. 18 at 5:00 p.m. to Sept. 25 at 11:59 p.m. Voting for the positions took place on Sept 26 between 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
On Sept. 26 at 8:30 p.m., an Election Results Celebration took place to announce the new candidates. The two new representatives announced were Sumaya Abukar and Rachel Huynh.
Ross Motter / The Concordian
Sumaya Abukar, according to the SGA’s Instagram, ran to be a voice and advocate for first year students at Concordia.
“I want to support diverse groups and promote inclusivity at Concordia College. Along with this, I’d like to help create opportunities for first-years to meet like-minded people.” Abukar said.
Abukar, a first year nursing major at Concordia, has held a variety of leadership positions in the past.
“I have held leadership positions such as being the Class President (West Fargo High School), working with The Barry Foundation as a Connection Coordinator, and being Co-Captain on my high school’s speech team” Abukar said.
Rachel Huynh, an accounting major with a minor in data analytics, hopes to create a change that includes the voices of first-year students.
“I hope to represent your ideas, hopes, and concerns. I don’t want to exclusively be a representative, but also a supportive friend for all members this year,” Huynh said.
SGA First-Year Representative is not the first leadership position Huynh has held.
“In high school, I was the captain for both the West Fargo Sheyenne High School’s Student Congress and Speech Teams. I also held leadership positions within Student Council, Student Ambassadors, HOSA, FBLA, Theatre, and served as a mentor as a local martial arts studio” Huynh said. “I believe that my past leadership skills in a diverse array of activities will help me best serve the first-year students this year.”
Within this year Huynh is gearing up to build connections with the students and faculty of Concordia College.
“I am so excited about getting to know everyone and discover more about myself and others.” Huynh said.
