After meeting with candidates for the three Student SenateOffices, we can happily report that the future of our campus isbright. Every candidate has the poise, passion and persistence tolead the student body during the 2004-2005 academic year. Ed Boardhas deemed the following students most capable for their respectivepositions.
Gabe Travers for secretary
In only his first year on the Hilltop, Travers has shown aremarkable ability to adapt to the structure of Senate, and hisdesire to serve SMU is unmatched by most upper-classmen. Hisamazing energy affirms that he will faithfully accomplish all ofhis duties.
Travers is the best candidate for secretary not because he isrunning uncontested, but rather, because he is a natural-bornleader.
Liz Healy for vice president
Both candidates have strong characteristics and have experiencein Student Senate. While Katherine Walton’s ideas seemed moreplausible, Healy proved to have more leadership potential. For thisposition, interpersonal and motivational skills are key, and so, webelieve Healy will better fulfill the role. In her first year atSMU, Healy has joined numerous organizations and held officepositions in addition to her commitment as a senator. She seems tohave a short learning curve in leadership positions, allowing herto quickly adapt to the vice president’s role as an advisorto all senators. Healy may not lead a charge with legislation, butshe has the potential to be influential through her interactionswith the rest of Senate.
Lyndsey Hummert for president
Both candidates for president are currently high-rankingofficials in Senate and have the experience to perform theresponsibilities of the office. However, we believe Hummert isbetter prepared for the challenge. While Chip Hiemenz’stenure as Senate chief of staff gives him an expert knowledge ofthe bureaucratic processes and relationships between the variousSenate committees, Hummert has cultivated valuable relationshipswith campus administrators during her year as vice-president.Furthermore, she has worked closely with Thomas Kincaid, who hasdone an outstanding job this year, and her constant contact withthe current president has provided countless lessons on how tosuccessfully lead the student body.
In addition to her position in Student Senate, Hummert hasproven her tireless dedication to SMU through involvement inEmerging Leaders, Student Foundation, and Program Council.Additionally, she has served as an AARO Leader and was chair of theLCC’s Crain Leadership Conference. Hiemenz is unquestionablya highly dedicated Mustang, but we feel that Hummert’sexemplary track record makes her more deserving of Senate’stop office.