It has been a few busy weeks on campus as midterms approach, and in the fray were the freshmen senate elections. Six positions were available, with 12 candidates running, and election week was filled with posters, videos and meet-and-greets. The Senator position is part of Villanova’s Student Government Association (SGA) Legislative Branch, where senators from all four classes advocate to make what they think are important changes on campus. And in a year where elections are at the forefront of our minds, many freshmen might be wondering who is representing them.
Nicholas DeRosa, ‘28
First of the freshmen senators is Nicholas DeRosa, who is quite familiar with student government leadership, as he spent time serving on his high school student council, and was the president of his class. DeRosa is a prospective double major in mathematics and finance. He ran his campaign with the slogan “The Man with the Plan!” to highlight his past student government experiences. He plans to create an environment of transparent representation of students and hopes to “…improve the Villanova experience.” One long term goal of DeRosa’s is to expand the Holy Grounds chain onto South Campus.
Elizabeth Howard, ‘28
“Experience, Integrity and Hard Work” were the defining traits of Elizabeth Howard’s campaign. Howard will be double majoring in both political science and communication. She based her campaign around hard work and integrity, two things she plans to bring to the student body. After listening to her peers, Howard decided that public safety is her biggest concern and she “…would like to push for new, brighter lighting on Wildcat Path.” With prior student and local government experience, Howard is determined to represent the student body the best she can and make positive change that reflects the wants and needs of the students. She hopes to make her legislation “…meaningful” and “…help foster an environment of inclusivity on campus.”
Brady Keane, ‘28
Brady Keane is a political science major. When asked about his biggest campus concern he said, “My biggest concern that I want to address is campus safety…we should definitely start a discussion surrounding these ideas.” One thing a lot of incoming freshmen are told is to not walk Wildcat Path at night, and one of Keane’s campaign videos highlighted the darkened path and where he would advocate to install more safety measures. Keane said he cannot wait to work with the other freshmen senators and represent the Class of 2028 the best he can.
Maya Matthews, ‘28
Maya Matthews is currently undecided within the Villanova School of Business, considering majors like accounting and finance. One of the freshmen senators to run without a campaign slogan, Matthews put a focus on the theme of unity in her campaign, saying, “The feeling of unity is what I want to see most among the freshmen class.” Matthews puts diversity at the core of her mission, with a goal to make Villanova a diverse community, and emphasize different thoughts and opinions. What Matthews plans to be for the SGA is a leader, and she wants to grow alongside the community she hopes to build on campus and empower new and strong voices within the student body.
Matthias Miller, ‘28
If one saw a freshman walking around campus in a suit and tie all of election week, that was Matthias Miller. A finance major, Miller wore this suit all week to make sure he was noticeable to students so they could talk to him about his plans and their issues. He ran with a campaign slogan inspired by this year’s Hoops Mania performer Gunna, saying, “Let’s make this year ‘One of Wun.’” His main goals are to not only refurbish the gym equipment in both Davis and Stanford, but also to make free feminine products available in all campus restrooms, something not even currently available in freshmen housing. He wants to make this a year that is “…unique and unable to replicate…” and the SGA is where he plans to start.
Victoria Myers, ‘28
Victoria Myers is a nursing major. She is probably noticeable from her catchy slogan, “Stick with Vic,” which she said a friend from her hometown helped her come up with. Heavily concerned with freshman housing (something a lot of freshmen are always talking about), Myers wants to address a number of issues such as “…rodents, cleanliness and the lack of changing areas.” A long term goal of hers is to also join the SGA’s Climate Action Committee to fight for the issues the Class of 2028 wants to see resolved.
