Applications are now LIVE for all elected SGA Executive Team positions and all St. Olaf students are welcome to apply!
Questions about applications, positions, or SGA at large can be sent to sga@stolaf.edu
ELECTIONS TIMELINE
Application Materials Posted – March 2
Application Materials Due – March 16 @ 5:00 PM
Candidate Meeting – March 16 @ 5:00 PM
Campaigning Begins – March 16 @ 6:00 PM
Election Window – March 24 – March 26
Application & Materials
SGA Executive Positions
Review SGA Bylaws
Election Results – COMING SOON
SGA EXECUTIVE CANDIDATES
Declan Mears & Usman Mallick 2027 & 2028 – He/Him? He?/Him
President & Vice President
Tell us about yourself…
Hi! I’m Declan, I am currently the lead of the substance team, a student worker for the philosophy department, a NVP fellow at the Lutheran center, and the vice-president of Trans-Care Collective. I’ve also served in SGA’s Senate for 3 years now! And I’m Usman! I have served on senate for 2 years. My inspiration for senate is drawing on my different involvements on campus: orchestra, sports (club and division), and most importantly to me student health from my work at the wellness center.
What is your platform?
We are running to return SGA to the students. It is SGA’s job to use our legitimacy and financial resources to translate the outrage of the students into impact which the college itself can spur into action. We seek to do this through 3 subgoals (1) transparency, (2) autonomy, and (3) efficiency. We aren’t politicians, we are student advocates separate from the college who bridge power to students to put the student back in SGA.
Lily Spoerke and Annika Kirchmaier 2027 and 2027 – she/her and she/her
President & Vice President
Tell us about yourself…
Hi everyone! My name is Lily and I am a current junior Political Science major on a pre-law track, serving as the current Secretary of Local Impact on SGA. Besides that, I am also a goalkeeper for the St. Olaf Women's Soccer Team! And I'm Annika, also a junior with a double major in Political Science and Psychology. I am a DEI Fellow for the Psychology department, returning to my 3rd year as a SOAR Leader, and am involved in both intramural and club sports, like the Figure Skating Club!
What is your platform?
As your President and Vice President, we strive to represent what it means to be an Ole by serving as liaisons between students and the St. Olaf administration. We are committed to improving communication about ongoing projects and decisions through initiatives like weekly tabling to ensure openness and visibility. By channeling resources back into the student body and working directly with students, we aim to remove barriers, address needs, and build a stronger sense of belonging on campus.
Ankur Guragain & Luke Butler 2027 & 2027 – he/him, he/him
President & Vice President
Tell us about yourself…
Hello! We're Ankur and Luke, two junior quant econ majors passionate about improving student life and creating more equitable relationships on campus! Luke has concentrations in Race & Ethnic Studies and Environmental Studies; Ankur in Statistics & Data Science and IR. Ankur brings 3 years of experience in student senate, student life committee, multicultural orgs, and global impact committee. Luke brings 3 years of experience in music orgs, working at the DiSCO, and proxying in student senate:)
What is your platform?
Partnership, Visibility, and Sustainability guide our vision for student life. Studying abroad reminded us how one-of-a-kind Olaf is, and our passion is to make one last meaningful impact before we graduate! As Sara Ahmed writes, theory does more the closer it gets to skin. We’ll leverage our versatile experiences across student orgs to strengthen community ties on and off campus, bridging legislation and real Ole needs to create lasting, relevant change in the place we call home.#ankurluke4oles
Elanore Robb 2027 – she/her
Secretary of Academic Affairs
Tell us about yourself…
Hi! My name is Elanore Robb but you can call me Ella! I currently serve on both the Involvement Board and Academic Affairs Committee. As a transfer student and student athlete, I bring a variety of experience including leadership roles in athletics, academics, and personal student issues such as mental health. This blend of perspective allows me to bring diverse ideas to the table!. In my free time, you can find me on the ski hill or lounging in my bed coloring!
What is your platform?
The challenge of the Student Government is ensuring that the annual turnover of leadership doesn’t disrupt the continuity of projects and meaningful progress. As Secretary of Academic Affairs, I aim to bring continuity to a role that needs it more than most. Building on already established relationships with faculty and administration, I look forward to continuing progress on registration improvements, expanding Open Education Resources, and strengthening feedback processes for students.
Lea LaRocque 2027 – She/they
Secretary of Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion
Tell us about yourself…
My name is Lea LaRocque, a junior doing an individual major called Product Engineering and Development as well as a concentration in Engineering Studies. I've been a member of DEI board for 2 years and I've been part of the co-council for the Indigenous Peoples Organization since my first year. I want to give more opportunities to students to share their culture on campus as well as promote collaboration between orgs. Besides IPO and DEI board, I'm in Pamilya Pinoy, Flag Football, and badminton.
What is your platform?
I want to help students bring their event and fundraiser ideas to fruition, as well as create our own events to give back meaningful experiences to the St. Olaf community. Giving students the chance to learn more about another persons culutre will nurture respect, understanding, and empathy. I aspire to be the person that multicultural groups can go to for assistance and guidance for the future. I would also like to continue working on the bins project for free student storage over the summer.
Lukhanyo Zwane 2027 – she/her
Secretary of Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion
Tell us about yourself…
Hi, I'm Lukhanyo! I'm from Johannesburg, South Africa. I'm a junior, studying sociology/anthropology and an individual major in city studies in the postcolonial world. This is my second semester as an International Student Senator, and I've been involved in the SGA since my sophomore year through the Global Impact Board and DEI Board. I was also a part of bringing the DEI's storage bin program to life.
What is your platform?
I understand the potential for our advocacy as the SGA to disregard the needs of historically marginalized groups—that's why this position is important. As Secretary of DEI, I will aim to be a helper. Whether that is helping multicultural orgs strengthen the sense of community on campus or advocating for programs and policies that improve student experience. I'm a hard worker and I know I'll do my best.
Angela Hifume 2027 – she/her
Secretary of Global Impact
Tell us about yourself…
HELLOOOOO? Can you hear that? I bet you do. And if you can’t, I’ll make sure you will. I believe in making voices loud, visible, and impossible to ignore, turning them into action. I’m Angela, a junior studying Social Work and Psychology from the Philippines. I’ve served two years as International Student Senator, worked as a Wellness Center Peer Educator, and co-chaired the International Student Organization. Leadership starts with one question: What do you need, and how can I support you?
What is your platform?
In Filipino, there is a word I love: Padayon, to keep moving forward. I’m running because our work isn’t done yet, and our community deserves leaders who act. My platform centers on advocacy, accessibility, and collaboration. I want to build community-driven programs that connect global issues to our campus through speakers, events, and stronger partnerships with student groups and campus offices. I also hope to launch initiatives like a Global “What’s Up?” update and cross-cultural buddy system
Dania Elshafie 2027 – she/her/hers
Secretary of Involvement
Tell us about yourself…
Hi! I am Dania, majoring in chemistry and psychology. I am deeply passionate about providing opportunities for Oles to have new experiences and cultivating their interests through student-led organizations. I have been a part of the Involvement Board for two years, one as a general member, and the second as the Deputy Secretary of Finance where I manage and transfer fund allocations to every club on campus. Aside from SGA, I am part of Water polo, Tempest Ultimate Frisbee, and Flag Football!
What is your platform?
I aim to create a network between clubs of similar interests. I believe that collaboration between organizations nurtures enthusiasm amongst the student body and displays the many ways passions can be manifested. I also want to be a bigger advocate for student belonging and inclusion in student organizations. Club organizations are a way to garner deeper interpersonal skills and practice your interests at the same time. It is important for each member to feel welcomed within their club.
Riley Schwinler 2029 – she/her
Secretary of Local Impact
Tell us about yourself…
Hi everyone, my name is Riley Schwinler, and I'm running for Secretary of Local Impact. While I might only be a freshman, I bring with me a lot of experience. I served my entire freshman year as a senator on the Local Impact Board, where I learned how everything works and gained hands-on experience. During that time, I helped with several events, including the Halloween festival for kids. Before coming to campus, I also planned various events in my hometown that I hope to bring to you!
What is your platform?
As your Secretary of Local Impact, I hope to better connect students with the Northfield community! I want to create a simple online hub that clearly explains how and when students can volunteer. I also plan to expand on-campus opportunities to serve others. I understand how difficult it can be to get off the Hill, especially as a freshman without a car, so I would also organize more service events on campus, such as making tie blankets to donate to those in need.
Kenna Brandt 2027 – she/they
Secretary of Local Impact
Tell us about yourself…
Hey everyone! I’m Kenna, a junior Race and Ethnic Studies and Environmental Studies major. My passion for local engagement stems from seeing St. Olaf students make connections with Northfield residents based in solidarity and compassion. My involvement with Students for Justice in Palestine and activist groups in town has created a strong base for my future SGA efforts. I enjoy coordinating educational, volunteer, and action-based events, on and off campus with them. We are stronger together!
What is your platform?
I am excited for the opportunity to foster long lasting relationships with Northfield residents that go beyond a single event. It is easy to think of St. Olaf as isolated, but I want to pop the bubble and help you make friends in town. I aim to do this through a linking system that closely connects students and clubs to groups in town that align with their interests and cultural experiences. Positively impacting our neighbors' lives through volunteering/mutual aid begins with those connections.
Mikey Slinkowski 2028 – he/him
Secretary of Local Impact
Tell us about yourself…
Hi! My name is Mikey Slinkowski, a sophomore majoring in History & Spanish with a concentration in Business & Management Studies. My passion for local impact has been lifelong and has grown throughout my two years of service on the Programming Board and the St.Olaf Thrift Shop. Being able to provide students with joy, comfort and love is something that I have adored during my time on campus. I would love to bring this feeling of joy and passion to the community and make Northfield wonderful.
What is your platform?
As Secretary of Local Impact I want to provide connections between St.Olaf students and the Northfield community by matching students to volunteer opportunities in Northfield. I wish to do this by creating an online form with current volunteer opportunities by values/majors. Additionally, I want to bring local businesses into St. Olaf College to increase volunteer opportunities for students that can’t easily get off campus. I believe that through local impact, all students can make it happen.
Adam Benoit 2029 – he/him
Secretary of Student Affairs
Tell us about yourself…
Hi, I'm Adam! I'm a first-year Political Science, Spanish and Race & Ethnic Studies Major involved in Viking Choir, Theater (come see me in Almost, Maine this April!), Pre-Law Student Association, and Pickleball Club. In SGA I'm a First-Year Rep on Senate, and I also am part of Involvement Board and the Student Affairs Committee. I also love Lana Del Rey, playing piano, and I'm currently fundraising for the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention to run in the Grandma's Marathon this summer!
What is your platform?
I believe that it is really important for this position to be comfortable standing up for every student's needs; to bring them to the attention of administrators and I would be more than willing and happy to represent St. Olaf students this way. I will continue to work with administration and students to focus on bettering student life in all aspects from dorm life, dining, and general campus life to student-faculty/admin relations and the St. Olaf experience by advocating for student's needs.