Studying abroad in Australia and New Zealand introduced me to so many people on campus and showed me how they were involved, this gave me the motivation to be more involved on campus. I am extremely passionate about St Olaf and want to see it be the best it can be. I am on the Cross Country and Track and Field teams on campus so I would love to use and bring the knowledge I have gained being a student-athlete to the Senate. I believe that student representation is extremely important in a college campus in order to foster a happy and lively student body. Student Senate provides the perfect opportunity for student representation and I would love to be a constituent for my class. I’m bringing in experience from being on Volunteer Network last year as a Program Advisor, and I am excited at the prospect of being able to experience another branch of SGA.

If you see me in between classes or anywhere on campus and want to talk to me feel free to stop me, or if you have any questions please email me at bittne2@stolaf.edu

For the last two years, I have served as an executive on the St. Olaf EMTs, educated students/staff/faculty in Mental Health First Aid and CPR, and helped earn nationally recognized awards for emergency preparedness; I have been committed to forming lasting change. As Student Life Senator, I will continue to do that. I pledge to serve as a bridge between students and faculty, ensuring appropriate professional communication throughout campus. I also understand the importance of student/faculty relationships, and will work to motivate faculty/staff to be warm, welcome, and inviting to all students. As St. Olaf students, our capacity to maximize our schedules in every possible way is somehow part of our identity. That being said, in my experience as a Mental Health First Aid Instructor, this campus generally understands the importance of the destigmatization and required preparedness of mental health emergencies. While continuing to educate and inform our campus community through CPR and MHFA training, my goals are to encourage difficult conversations surrounding mental health, serve as someone who is willing to listen without judgement, and recognize that each student experience at St. Olaf is unique. I wish for all students to find their place in this community, and I hope that my variety of perspectives will shape healthy dialogue with faculty and staff to make substantial change our reality.

As a passionate and engaged member of the St. Olaf community, I am running for Junior Class Representative because I believe in creating a stronger connection between students and the Student Senate. I am currently studying abroad through DIS Copenhagen so Jeremy Schreiner will be the Fall Junior Class Representative and I will be the Spring Junior Class Representative. I am committed to listening to and working collaboratively to address my classmates' concerns. I aim to have everyone feel heard and supported.

With experience in leadership roles and various involvements in student life, I am prepared to advocate for the needs of the junior class. I enjoy listening to others, allowing me to help foster change when necessary. Whether it’s enhancing academic support, promoting mental health initiatives, or ensuring inclusive and engaging campus events, I am ready to dedicate my time and energy to making a difference!

I am running because I do genuinely care about people, and am committed to making a positive impact on our community. In high school, I was on counsels to create change to bring about equity on campus. Here at St. Olaf, I work in the Wellness Center because I believe in people's self-efficacy to achieve wellness. I believe that with the right structures, anyone can succeed. Additionally, I am deeply invested in the community across several groups, I'm an athlete and a musician. I work with seniors while being a first year. I'm domestic, even though I hang out with the internationals as the token diaspora. Through my many experiences and connections, I have a unique level of cultural conciseness and understanding of how policy, big and small, will affect different students.
The main reason I am running is that I want to be a representative for everyone, not just the loudest voices. If I am elected, I promise that your voice will not go unheard.
Thank you for considering me to be your First Year Representative!

I am interested in the opportunity to serve as the Disability and Access Senator because I believe the accommodations and support I receive through DAC and TRIO SSSD have enabled my success as a student and instilled in me a desire to help ensure that other students receive the same support and opportunities to thrive.

As someone with accommodations through DAC, I understand (some of) the unique challenges that students with disabilities can face in an educational setting. From navigating classroom environments to ensuring that accommodations are correctly implemented, students with disabilities often encounter barriers that can hinder their learning experience. My experiences have made me passionate about advocating for policies and practices that improve accessibility and remove barriers for all students, regardless of their abilities.

My role as a TRIO SSSD Orientation Leader and Peer Leader for this academic year has been instrumental in my personal and professional growth. It has allowed me to engage directly with students who, like me, benefit from these vital support systems. As a leader within TRIO SSSD, I have the privilege of guiding new students through the orientation process, helping them navigate the resources available, and providing peer mentorship throughout the academic year. This position has not only strengthened my leadership skills but also deepened my understanding of the needs of students with disabilities and reinforced my commitment to fostering an inclusive campus environment.

Before college, I was involved in my school's leadership institute as a Diversity and Inclusion representative and intern in high school. In this role, I collaborated with my team to organize school-wide activities and assemblies to foster awareness and acceptance of different religions, ethnicities, disabilities, and orientations.

As the Disability and Access Senator, I would bring a combination of personal experience, leadership skills, and a deep commitment to ensuring every student has access to the resources they need to succeed. I aim to serve as a bridge between the student body and the administration, advocating for policies that enhance accessibility and promote inclusivity. I am particularly passionate about ensuring that students know the resources available to them, and I would work to raise awareness and improve communication regarding DAC and TRIO SSSD services.

My experiences and desire to contribute to creating a campus that values and supports all students are what motivate me. Serving as the Disability and Access Senator would not just be a role for me, but a platform to continue advocating for equitable access to education and bring my voice and passion to this position.

As a proud member of the St. Olaf community, I have witnessed firsthand the beauty and acceptance that define our campus, which is a key component of why I chose to attend St. Olaf. It’s a place where diverse perspectives and a spirit of inclusivity allow every student to thrive. I am running for the position of class of 2028 representative because I want to help strengthen that environment and ensure it continues to flourish throughout the year.

I am deeply passionate about the role of student senate and the opportunity it provides to make a positive impact on both my class and St. Olaf as a whole. Through this leadership position, I hope to contribute to the continued success of our community by representing the voices, concerns, and aspirations of the class of 2028 while working diligently with the other elected representatives of our class. I see this as a way to give back to the community that has already welcomed me so warmly and to ensure that every student feels seen and heard.

As a representative of the class of 2028, I promise to work hard to help create an academic year filled with growth, achievement, and unforgettable experiences. Whether it’s advocating for student needs, encouraging connections across campus, or promoting inclusivity, I am committed to making St. Olaf an even better place for all of us. If elected for this position, I look forward to the opportunity to contribute positively to this community, ensuring its prosperity, and making YOUR voices heard.

During the '23-'24 school year, I was privileged to be elected by the class of 2026 as a class year senator. During my time on Student Senate, I developed the skills needed to succeed in that role. These include navigating the SGA rules and bylaws, collaborating with my fellow senators, and delivering solutions to the needs of my peers. It is this experience I hope to bring back to Senate to continue improving the student experience at St. Olaf.

As I approach my senior year on campus, I've found myself involved in various organizations and roles, from org leadership to the Honor Council to volunteer work. I enjoy making a difference, and I've found that when working on behalf of others, it makes the work I do so much more fulfilling. I am both qualified and motivated for this position, and I want to spend my last year helping make this institution better for the students that will follow! When it comes to policies I'm looking to address in the Senate, I want to help some of the smaller departments on campus who don't have as much funding or resources receive help and assistance with their programs.

If you're interested in helping others, then I'm sure our interests align, and I'm positive I would be a voice for your voice in the SGA.

Having spent fifteen of my eighteen years living an international life, I have a deep understanding of the unique experiences international students face. Growing up in Shanghai, China, surrounded by a vibrant blend of cultures, I gained a perspective that few places offer. Shanghai, a sprawling city of twenty-five million, was my home—a place alive with diverse neighborhoods, bustling streets, and an enriching cultural atmosphere woven by people from all over the world. It was within this environment that I learned the value of embracing different backgrounds, traditions, and ways of thinking.
The community I lived in was a microcosm of the international experience. My neighbors weren’t just locals—they were families from all corners of the globe. From teachers to students, my apartment building alone was a melting pot of nationalities, reflecting the diversity of the international schools nearby. My upbringing among such varied cultures shaped me to value the importance of inclusivity and connection, not just with those from similar backgrounds but with everyone. I know what it means to belong to a global community.
During my years at Concordia International School Shanghai, I was fortunate to experience firsthand what it means to be part of a multicultural student body. From going on service trips in rural China to hosting International Day once a year, I learned that while we all came from different places, we shared something profound—an ability to see the world through a global lens. This shared understanding is what unites us as international students, regardless of where we are from. We understand the challenges of living between cultures, navigating the complexities of identity, and finding a sense of belonging in places far from home.
But stepping away from this international community can be isolating. For many of us, adjusting to life in a new country, far from the familiar comforts of home, can be overwhelming. The cultural differences, the absence of family traditions, and the challenge of fitting into an unfamiliar social fabric can create a sense of loneliness. As international students, we often have to navigate these experiences on our own, which is why I strongly believe in the importance of support and advocacy.
As the International Student Senator, I would commit myself to being a voice for those who feel unseen or disconnected. I understand the obstacles we face, and I am passionate about creating an environment where every international student can rely on St. Olaf to be an extension of home. I want to advocate for policies that foster inclusivity, cultural awareness, and support systems that make the transition smoother. Whether it’s through organizing events that celebrate our diverse backgrounds or working to ensure that international students have the resources they need, I am ready to lead with empathy and a deep sense of responsibility.
While we may not have our family’s traditional cooking or our favorite corner store from back home, we do have the ability to share our unique perspectives and build a community where everyone belongs.

When you think of "international students," what do you see? Maybe you picture students flying long hours for education, seeking a better future away from home, or just here for a short while. But let me tell you something different— We are more than these descriptions. Each international student has their own story. We are hardworking individuals who keep trying, even when we face failures. We don't give up easily, and we care not just for ourselves but also for the St. Olaf community as a whole.

Working closely with the International Student Organization last year and this year, I had the privileged to connect with incredible international students on campus who are changemarkers— whose committed to making a difference. Interacting with them was not only inspiring but also reinforced my commitment to serving and supporting my peers in any way I can.

My friends often dub me as the "loud one" in the group—apparently, my voice carries across continents! But nestled within all that volume is a heart that beats for service. I'm always ready to assist my fellow international students with their worries, whether it's answering questions or lending a hand.

Being a people person, I have a service-oriented mindset. I love connecting with others, listening to their stories, and offering support wherever I can. Giving back brings me joy, and I am determined to serve as the international student senator. I'm not just running for the position of International Student Senator; I want to be one of the voice for all international students on campus, making sure they feel heard and valued. I believe we are hardworking individuals who strive to succeed even in tough times.

I am excited about the opportunity to bring my international perspective to the senate, especially bringing the voice of hundreds of international students on campus. I am passionate about driving positive change through initiatives like event organization, collaborations with local organizations, and supporting those in need. I am eager to learn and grow with the senate, expanding my skills through mentorship and hands-on experiences. My goal is to deepen my knowledge of advocacy, community engagement, and sustainable development practices.

My mission is to lead the International Student body towards progress, purpose, and unity. I believe in the power of teachability and the value of the journey towards growth and success. I am committed to fostering a stronger sense of community among international students. I am interested in initiatives like open dialogues and a buddy system between international students upperclassmen and freshmen, as well as collaborating closely with the Taylor Center to enhance accessibility resources and propose new programming.

Coming to St. Olaf, I had many goals in mind, but my most important one is to create and nurture an inclusive environment for everyone while representing the needs of those who feel unheard.

As a minority living in America, it was always challenging, from K-12, to find a community where I truly felt I belonged. It wasn't until recently that I decided to take the initiative because I didn’t want anyone to feel the way I did—unseen and unheard. Finding one's voice can be difficult, but through discovering mine, I am motivated to make a difference here. I am grateful to have met many inspiring individuals in the past few years who have helped shape the person I am today. I want others to know that change is possible, and it starts with small steps, courage, and time.

Over the past few years, I have volunteered in hospitals, which gave me the experience of working with a diverse range of people. I also worked as a tutor for Islamic Studies, offering my help to those who wanted to learn without worrying about financial barriers. Promoting accessibility is something I have always aimed for and will continue to pursue, no matter where I am.

As a first-year representative, I will advocate for equity, ensure my class’s concerns are heard, and serve as someone people can approach, knowing I’ll always be there for them. I want to make resources accessible to students, especially those in need, because that can have a tremendous impact. Sometimes, all it takes is a familiar face to brighten someone's day. I aim to provide opportunities for students and ultimately help each person find their voice, just as I found mine.

St. Olaf promotes “educational excellence, spiritual well-being, community, and wholeness,” and through my passion for fostering change, I hope to fulfill all those values and more, making sure everyone feels welcome here.

Serving as a first-year senator last year was an incredibly rewarding experience. It provided me with a solid understanding of how the Student Government Association (SGA) functions and allowed me to connect with many amazing people across the St. Olaf community. My work on issues such as accessibility, transparency, and active committee participation deepened my sense of belonging and strengthened my commitment to making a positive impact on campus.

I am excited to expand my contributions by running for Student Life Senator. This role will enable me to address a wider range of issues that directly affect student life. My experience last year—authoring the first resolution, working on food for finals, contributing to the bylaws committee, and introducing the legacy document—has equipped me with the skills necessary to effectively advocate for student concerns. I am eager to leverage this experience to be an even stronger voice in the Senate.

If elected, I will work closely with the Student Life Committee and Campus Affairs Board to ensure that student perspectives are heard and that meaningful improvements are made in areas such as accessibility, academic support, and campus involvement. I look forward to building on the progress we made last year and continuing to represent the diverse voices of our campus community!

“Where are you from?”

Growing up, this question often felt like a puzzle I couldn’t solve. Born in Frankfurt and raised in Dreieich, Germany, I was surrounded by the vibrant culture of my Hungarian grandmother and the unique traditions of Norway from my father’s side. I was lucky enough to spend summers in Eger, Hungary, where the warmth of family, the rhythm of Hungarian folk songs, and the taste of csirkepaprikás made me feel deeply connected to my roots. Back in Germany, I would help my dad make matpakke with brunost before school, listening to his stories about his adventures in Oslo. But as I got older, I found myself hiding those roots, embarrassed to be more complex than a simple, single word answer.
Navigating life between these cultures often left me feeling like I didn’t quite fit in anywhere. My Hungarian fluency faded, and I struggled with feeling disconnected from my heritage. The sense of being between worlds felt incredibly isolating.
Through my immersion into a community of students from over 75 countries in a small residential campus in Santa Ana, Costa Rica, however, I learned that everyone is more than their place of birth. UWC taught me that being “different” wasn’t a flaw, but a source of strength and I embraced my multicultural identity fully, finally learning to answer “Where are you from?” with a confident “Yes.” Because there, “yes” was enough, I realized that true international connection didn’t rely on defining where we were from, but in recognizing the beauty in building a shared path of acceptance and understanding - together.
Leadership, in the same way, became less about merely holding a perfect title, but about showing up, listening, and contributing in ways that could be invisible to some, but truly built on each other’s strengths. I realized that the role we play in our community, no matter how big or small, has the power to create a lasting impact.
I am running for International Student Senator at St. Olaf, because through navigating the complexities of living in a melting pot of cultures and identities, I know firsthand how empowering it is to transform a confusing question into one with a clear answer. As senator, I want to show that we are a community where our diverse backgrounds aren’t just acknowledged - but truly celebrated. My goal is to create an environment where every international student knows that their unique stories enrich our campus.
Whether you’ve journeyed from across the globe or just down the road, I’m committed to working with the Taylor Center, Student Council, and the Administration to build spaces that embrace and support our differences: from addressing language barriers to understanding different cultural practices and religious traditions, I want to ensure that every part of St. Olaf—from Stav to the streets of Northfield—becomes a place where diversity isn’t just present, but truly valued and understood.

So let’s embrace “yes” - together!

I have a mission that I know I will complete which is to spread awareness for mental health. My life has been filled with people who have destroyed themselves by their conflict. From helpless alcoholics to some even becoming a man or woman without a home, a family, or a purpose. Family and even friends. Some felt they had no one to talk to, so they fell for the lies your mind can tell. Because of that they never sought advice or even a bit of help. As I grew up I became a person of reason, someone they could trust. A person without judgment in my heart. As Walt Whitman once said "Don't be judgmental, be curious”, some people think that they understand everything but asking one question or reaching out to someone will lead you ahead in life. I realized that when I realized that the first step to solving a problem is to talk about it. Having the ability to do that comes from stepping out of your mind into the world. I plan to spread awareness for programs to study abroad. When I traveled for community service in Ghana, many of the problems I faced in America seemed small to those in some regions of Africa. That does not mean that those problems faced here mean nothing. It is good to remember that humans will endure so much. I know through Social Work, I can achieve the goal of spreading not just awareness for mental health help but also providing it. Healing the world, little by little. Being a leader is also a clear trait of this scholarship. I want to lead my community service projects, even scheduling lectures with leaders of the community I have formed prior connections with. Throughout my years I accumulated a vast network of contacts through theater and my internships. Due to my ability to connect with people easily and to be open to learning from others. I have contributed to my community in numerous ways. From working on every election I have contributed to my community in numerous ways. From working on every election in the Dallas District since turning 16 to community service for the Dallas College Pantry. I am not afraid of being part of programs and clubs as I'm able to step into any community even across the world, appreciate the culture and invest myself in it. I'm a positive guy that is willing to help anyone and I know that this school’s principles about community and service. That's what I am interested in this position!

My name is Emma Howard and I am so excited to be one of 860 first-year students on The Hill! All 860 of us are currently navigating a major transition in our lives. As a student who has attended five (now six!) schools and has taken a gap year, I know what it means to experience change. What is more relevant as a Class of 2028 Representative candidate, however, is that I know how to find the best in change. I am a proud Northfield High School alumnus, but only became a “Raider” when I transferred to NHS at the start of my senior year. Without hesitation, I was welcomed as a fellow student by my peers and as a member of the Northfield community as a whole. The inherent and historically honored values of kindness, curiosity, and universal acceptance that I encountered in this town both surprised and inspired me. Upon my graduation from NHS, I wondered if these town values were unique to those raised in Northfield, or instead found in all who come to call it home. This question has lingered with me and has served as a guiding pillar for what I want a collegiate foundation to be for myself and others. These Northfield values that I have become so proud of are the reason that I am running for The St. Olaf Senate. As a Class Representative candidate, my goal and promise is to ensure that all first-year students, whether transfer, international, local or from another state, etc. find their place not only on campus, but in Northfield. Wherever you come from and wherever you may go, I will advocate for you without question, just as the Northfield community did for me. This means that your interests, worries, ambitions, concerns, and questions will be heard; they will be heard by someone whose experiences as a first-year will be parallel to yours. Naturally, our paths and passions will diverge as we grow. Yet there is a constant: in 2028, our class will be gathered as one to celebrate and reflect. We are a single body of kind and driven global citizens, regardless of our differences. Thus as a Class Representative candidate, I strive to maintain and foster this unity amongst us. Because at the end of the day, we are all endeavoring to thrive amidst one of the biggest changes in our lives. Change notoriously comes with attachments: fear, anxiety, confusion, anticipation, and everything in between. Though just like all first-years who made the choice to embrace change and join the class of 2028, I made it through the obstacles it brings. More importantly, however, I was able to experience the unforgettable joys that supported transition so often catalyzes. With your support, I would be honored to do all that I can to enable you to do the same. If you have any questions about my goals, ideas, or background, I can be reached through email at howard15@stolaf.edu. Thank you!

I want to continue leading an organization I introduced to SGA last year, which is C.A.S.E. or Communal Advocacy for Sexual Expression. With this, I hope to continue to bring about significant advocacy efforts for queer people including those with "a-typical" gender expressions, and sexual expressions. I've previously worked closely with the Taylor and Wellness centers as well as other organizations on campus such as QOI to host events and if re-elected I would continue these efforts and expand on them allowing for further collaboration to happen and even better events. Also, I would just like to continue being apart of senate and bringing general policy changes and events to campus. I have a passion for serving this community and if anyone has any general questions or recommendations for policies and events, please email me at @mears1@stolaf.edu

I am running for the position of the Multicultural Student Senator of SGA because, as a junior at St. Olaf and Salvadoreña from rural Iowa, I understand the importance of having a strong and dedicated voice for students who are too often overlooked. My experience on this campus and previous role as the Multicultural Student Senator have expanded my network to identify the best contacts–whether it’s fellow senators, executive members of SGA, staff and faculty, or members of the President Leadership Team–to solve issues on campus that are disproportionately affecting students of color. Advocacy is my passion and practice, and I am confident my skills will actively contribute to the conversation.

As the Chair of the Multicultural Subcommittee for the 2023-2024 school year, I had the privilege of creating effective and sustainable additions to our campus community for multicultural students, including the first annual Global Gala, which was a dance I co-led that celebrated multiculturalism through music, food, and dance. I held a coffee hour, too, to help me gather feedback from my constituents as it is vital to stay connected to those who have elected me. My most notable accomplishment is the establishment of the La Francis Rodgers Rose Gallery, which honors St. Olaf’s first Black faculty member while also uplifting multicultural student-artists on campus. The gallery stands between the Office of Student Activities and the Taylor Center for Equity and Inclusion–spaces that hold meaningful impact for students of color on campus. I am incredibly proud of the initiatives I led and will continue creating spaces for multicultural students.

This semester, I aim to partner with my fellow senators to strengthen St. Olaf’s connection with BIPOC alumni to gain valuable insight into how St. Olaf College can continue improving on creating safe spaces for multicultural students on campus. I would also like to start a conversation about expanding our student/athletic recruitment efforts to create an inviting environment for prospective multicultural students who are hoping to further their academic and athletic career at St. Olaf.

As a sophomore class representative, I will commit to the needs and concerns of my peers and serve as a trustworthy, responsible, and committed voice, as I have once done as a first-year representative. I would represent my areas of interest, such as mental health and upgrading student life dynamics, which are prevalent in my class year. I aspire to be a leader through action and use what I learned as a First-year representative to create a valuable communication channel between the student body and SGA where they feel included when addressing campus-wide and year-dependent issues. My clear and focused plans aim to foster a more inclusive and participatory environment. Moreover, this position is exciting because I can continue dedicating my time to something critical to the flourishment and improvement of the sophomore cohort, as well as my personal growth and character. This influential position will continue to provide perspective and understanding of the many intricacies of sustaining a healthy mental, social, and physical environment for my peers so that I can catalyze their advancements. I plan to dedicate my time to leadership and acting as an embodiment of the year group's needs alongside my elected sophomore class co-representative since we could engage with our peers extensively. Through senate meetings and meetings with the sophomore class dean, I hope to normalize a sense of community and democracy where the student's voice is heard in resolutions that aim to mitigate and assess the status of academics, student life, and mental health for the sophomore class.

Furthermore, my previous experiences advising group financials have given me a solid foundation to effectively create valuable events for the class year using the $500 budget. For instance, I organized the successful Food 4 Finals event last semester, where we distributed various snacks and drinks to make studying for finals less stressful. My participation in the Senate has also equipped me with financial literacy and an understanding of the processes and rules within Senate sessions. This experience makes it easier to identify the most practical way to introduce resolutions and amendments to my co-senators. My goal is to take what I've learned, continue learning, and apply it with the guiding principles of providing an excellent space for the success of sophomores and solidifying their position in the Senate and SGA.

I am interested in this position because I believe I can help make our campus a more sustainable place to live and learn! I'm truly passionate about environmental sustainability (ask any of my friends!), and I care a lot about accomplishing positive change on the Hill before I graduate in the spring. I have been involved in environment-minded student organizations since my freshman year, and still am, so I'm constantly invested in and inspired by student org work. I have also worked directly with the college to calculate St. Olaf's preliminary carbon emissions, where I made positive connections with many faculty and staff and learned a whole lot about how to get projects accomplished here. I'm ready and excited to make sure that SGA supports sustainability projects that matter to you!