Application Materials are LIVE!
ELECTIONS TIMELINE
Application Materials Posted – Live Now!
Application Materials Due – Sept. 15 at 5:00 PM
Candidate Meeting – Sept. 16 at 6:30 PM
Campaigning Begins – Sept. 16 at 6:30 PM
Election Window – Sept. 23-25
Senate Training – Sept. 27 or Sept. 28 (TBA)
First Senate Meeting – Sept. 30 at 6:30 PM
Application & Materials
SGA Executive Positions
SGA Senate Positions
Review SGA Bylaws
SGA SENATE CANDIDATES – Coming Soon!
Sam Hopkins 2029 – he/him
Curriculum Senator
Tell us about yourself…
I am Sam Hopkins, and I am a Freshman here at St. Olaf. I'm originally from Albuquerque, NM, and I will be studying Political Science and Chinese. I have leadership experience in my high school's GSA and Model UN clubs, and also served as a member of the Student Senate there. This year, alongside working as an Athletics Statistician, I will be serving as the Chair of Thorson's Hall Council. I am excited to serve in that role along with my fellow members, and I look forward to working with them.
What is your platform?
Class offerings are something that is incredibly important to us students. Even this early in my academic career, I have needed to struggle to register for the classes I need to take. As the student representative on the Curriculum Committee, I will advocate to make sure that everyone can take the classes they need to graduate on time. Additionally, I will advocate to make sure courses are offered that represent the wide variety of student experiences, and the many interests of the student body.
Adam Benoit 2029 – he/him
First-Year Class Representative
Tell us about yourself…
I'm a freshman from Port Byron, Illinois, and I plan on studying Pre-Law here at St. Olaf with a Political Science and Spanish double major and am involved in Theater, Choir, Running Club and Pickleball Club here on campus! I love spending time with family/friends, playing piano, reading Sci-Fi and Stephen King books, taking care of plants, and being active. In high school I held leadership positions in multiple clubs, helping me learn how to help lead a club with everyone's interests in mind.
What is your platform?
Living in a rural community I've never had a great opportunity to meet such a diverse group of people as I have during my first few weeks here on campus. As a part of the SGA I would love to be able to bring representation for every first year here on campus by meeting with people and asking what the main concerns of our class are as they arise. Everyone here deserves to feel welcomed and have the chance to build a home here and I want to help make everyone feel they have the support to do so.
Riley Schwinler 2029 – She/Her
First-Year Class Representative
Tell us about yourself…
Hey everyone! My name is Riley Schwinler and I’m a freshman from Brookings, South Dakota. I plan on double majoring in Social Studies Education and Political Science on a pre-law track. Back in my hometown I was president of multiple organizations, and even captain of our rugby team. This means I have experience not just leading but also hearing others out and making sure their needs are met!
What is your platform?
When I came here from a small school out of state, I didn’t know anyone and everything felt brand new. But right away, my fellow Oles made me feel welcomed and like I truly belonged. As a first-year class representative, I want to help create that same experience for others by getting more students involved and making sure everyone feels heard. One of the best ways to feel at home here is by finding people who share your interests, and I want to make that easier for all of us!
Oliver (OJ) Jackson 2029 – he/him/his
First-Year Class Representative
Tell us about yourself…
I am Oliver Jackson, a Freshman and I am from Philadelphia. I am interested in studying political science and psychology I'm on the track team. Currently, I serve on an advisory board for the organization EducateUS and work with organizations to spread voter access. Previously, I served as president of my BSU and captain of my track team. But, I am not defined by a title, I am a mix of everything that I have experienced and will use that to help bring all views to the SGA senate.
What is your platform?
We're all leaving something something behind to build something new and no one should feel unseen in that process. I want to create a community where every story matters whether it started 2 miles away or 4,000. I'll work to make a space where our differences can draw us closer together and where there are support systems everyone can rely on. And I will strive to assist anyone I can whether it means organizing community events, or simply being someone willing to walk across campus and listen.
Clara Lawrence 2029 – she/her
Gender & Sexuality Senator
Tell us about yourself…
My name is Clara Lawrence, and I am a Freshman at St. Olaf with a major in Political Science and Social Work. I grew up in Delano, Minnesota, where I performed with the theater department, captained the Girls’ Swim and Dive team, and chaired an organization that uplifted and supported queer voices within my school district. All St. Olaf students make an impact on this campus, and as your Gender and Sexuality Senator, I will work to ensure every student’s voice is heard and uplifted.
What is your platform?
Diverse ideas, cultures, and beliefs strengthen our institutions. St. Olaf’s campus is a mosaic of thousands of students and staff, all with different stories and perspectives. As your new Gender and Sexuality Senator, I will work with the Student Senate to support and uplift the voices and needs of every student. I will apply my past experiences in advocacy and leadership to ensure that no voices are lost as we continue to build a diverse and welcoming college community at St. Olaf.
Nima Dahir 2028 – she/her
Sophomore Class Representative
Tell us about yourself…
My name is Nima Dahir and I am a sophomore majoring in Computer Science and Statistics & Data Science with a concentration in Linguistics. I have previously served on the Student Senate as a class representative and currently serve on the executive boards of the Muslim Student Association and Linux Ladies. I also work for Admissions, SOAR, and the MSCS department. These roles have strengthened my advocacy, collaboration, and leadership, and I am committed to amplifying all student voices.
What is your platform?
I am running because I believe a college grows by addressing student needs. Last year, I proposed an idea for a resource rack, a collection of donated items students could access for free to improve accessibility, and I hope to carry it forward. I also hope to work with the dining committee to increase fruit options in Stav and remain committed to listening to the student body to find solutions to shared concerns that come up throughout the year.
Aser Grace Irakoze 2028 – She/her
Sophomore Class Representative
Tell us about yourself…
I am Irakoze Aser Grace, a sophomore double majoring in Psychology and French. Beyond my roles as a Resident Assistant, Community Building Assistant, and House & Stage Manager, I enjoy basketball, ping pong, dancing, and playing guitar and drumset. I love connecting with people through music, sports, and conversation, and I want to bring that same energy into building a supportive, inclusive community for all sophomores at St. Olaf.
What is your platform?
My platform is centered on advocacy, wellness, and community. I aim to amplify sophomore student voices by ensuring concerns are brought forward with transparency, to strengthen campus belonging through inclusive events, and to promote mental health and peer support initiatives. Building on my leadership roles and service background, I will work to make St. Olaf a place where sophomores feel empowered, connected, and supported.
Gum Mapuol Mabior Monydit 2027 – He/him/his
Student Life Senator
Tell us about yourself…
My name is Gum Monydit, though most people call me “Gummo.” I am a junior majoring in Quantitative Economics and Psychology with a concentration in Neuroscience. I have served as a Resident Assistant and International Student Counselor, and I am actively involved in more than 10 student clubs and organizations. These roles have strengthened my skills in mentorship, advocacy, and building inclusive communities. I enjoy playing soccer (I play for the St. Olaf Club Team) and reading books.
What is your platform?
As Student Life Senator, I will work to ensure that student concerns are heard and acted upon. My platform focuses on inclusivity, wellness, and campus engagement. I will advocate for stronger mental health resources, improved communication between SGA and students, and expanded opportunities for involvement. My goal is to create a campus environment where every student feels supported, valued, and empowered.