Editor’s Note: We asked candidates for the MCSG Executive Board and the Programming Board Chair positions to tell us who they are and why they are running for office. We also asked each candidate: What is the last book you read for pleasure? And who is a person you admire?

I have issues (yes, you can interpret this in more than one way). But first, some introductions:

This J-Term I was obsessed with The Count of Monte Cristo. I loved it. I swore a lot at the movie, though.

I think my grandmother was a goddess. She was widowed at a young age, and raised four daughters in Pakistan’s highly patriarchal society. She educated them all, funded some of my education, fought for her rights as a widow, all the while maintaining a superb sense of grace. It is the elegance she had when talking, walking, dressing, thinking that I aim to emulate.

I am a sophomore from Karachi, Pakistan. I am currently AAC chair and serve on MCSG’s executive board. It has taken surveys, focus groups, forums, dining hall conversations and shouting matches for me to determine what issues students want addressed:

A student on the personnel committee. Students feel they are not adequately involved in the tenure process. This must change. Having a student representative on the personnel committee, which recommends which faculty members should be tenured, will ensure student input in the process.

A student-run recreational room in the Campus Center-a space that students shape according to their needs, with minimum intervention from the administration. We surveyed students about it: 82 percent of the respondents want it. There is a storage space in the Campus Center that can be converted to such a room. But it won’t happen unless MCSG continues to press the issue.

Multiculturalism. What institutional changes does Macalester need to ensure that domestic students of color do not feel tokenized by, and other students feel alienated by, this word?

I have worked hard to represent the student views in answering this question. I will continue to do so.

Shout a lot. Why are people not satisfied with Res. Life and Media Services? Why are the Dupre computer labs in disrepair? Why do international students pay $700 to intern over the summer?

These are questions you’ve raised-so they’re questions I’ll address. MCSG’s voice, as your representative, is only as loud as you make it. That voice was strong when MCSG recommended that the flag policy be changed. That voice was strong when MCSG created a program board. As president, I will harass you day and night to find out what YOU think, so that when I shout about it, my, our, voice is just as strong.

Majors: Economics, Computer Science
Minor: Women’s and Gender Studies

The last book that I read for fun was called Tribulation Force. It was the second book in the Left Behind Series by Tim LaHaye and Jerry B. Jenkins. The series is a fictitious account of the rapture and last days discussed in Revelation the last book in the New Testament. As a Christian and having studied this particular book quite a bit, I thought that I should read the series. I really enjoyed that one and am now on the third book in the series.

The person I admire most is without a doubt my mother Debbie Dawkins. She is a wonderful person and an inspiration to me. She has taught me that problems in life only serve to make us stronger, and also that family is a very important institution. She is a great friend and confidant, and never hesitates to tell me when I am doing something stupid. She’s awesome.

I am running for president because at Macalester we have a problem with unity. I realize that this may sound strange considering our efforts to strive for multiculturalism and internationalism as pillars; however, when all the focus groups and speakers are gone, we are left just as separate as when we started. We are all here so we must have something in common, and I think that if we took a little time out to focus on our similarities our differences would be easier to work through. The Programming Board for example, is a great step toward unification. There is something to be said for large-scale events such as Springfest that draw such a large part of the campus community.

We need to be able to apply this feeling to other things. The Macalester community should feel as comfortable going to a program put on by BLAC as they are attending a main stage play. We as a student body need to do what we can to bridge the gap between what Macalester claims to be and what it actually is. Although I have been able to get some of this across as a student, an RA, and as an LB member, I strongly believe that a position on the executive board would allow me to encourage these ideas in a more effectively.

Major: Psychology; Elementary Teacher Licensure Program

Hey Macalester! A big shout-out from Paris! For those of you who don’t know me, my name is Jen Doyle. I’m a junior Political Science and French major, Geology minor, presently studying abroad in France. I’m thrilled to be running for President of MCSG for a variety of reasons, but most importantly because I love Mac and its student body. I think this year’s MCSG has made some tremendous progress in terms of reforms and if elected, I can’t wait to continue what it has started.

Having been a member of MCSG as both a student representative and Financial Advisory Committee officer, I feel that I have a good handle on ideas and ways in which even more improvements can be made and hope that you will give me an opportunity to implement them. In particular, I’ve been upset with the lack of “real” responsibilities and authority that MCSG has had. With this grievance in mind, I am delighted that Mac students have voted both for an increased student activity fee and for a student-run programming board. I can’t wait to see the benefits that this additional money will bring to campus-wide events and am equally psyched about passing some of the usual money division decisions onto another board so that MCSG can concentrate more of its time on other issues.

I also give thanks to the present MCSG for passing out a student survey that solicited the issues and problems that Mac students would like to see their student government address. I am committed to addressing as many of your concerns as possible and can’t wait to work on solutions as I share many of the same complaints. If I become your president, among a long list of other tasks I wish to accomplish, I am resolved to begin by doing my best at solving the dilemmas that Macalester presently faces with housing availability/quality (and residential life, in general), programming/student activities, diversity/multiculturalism and health services. Most of all, though, I can’t wait to listen!

Please don’t let the fact that I presently reside across the Atlantic ocean stop you from getting a hold of me, either! I still check my Mac account, jdoyle@macalester.edu, every day, thus I am ready and excited to respond to any or all of your questions and concerns.

Last book read for pleasure: Femmes Politiques: Mythes et Symboles, by Jane Freedman

Person I look up to: I’m a huge fan of Uta Pippig, a German marathoner, three-time winner both the Boston and Berlin marathons.

To be an effective Student Government president, one has to demonstrate not only the time and energy that the position demands; the candidate must also have vision and the ability to work with many people in order to resolve issues that challenge Macalester’s students, faculty and staff.

In terms of these two general criteria -vision and dedication-I believe that I am capable of fulfilling the needs and requirements of being president. I also feel that my two years in student government as a representative and a member of the executive committee, my work in developing a programming board and as part of the committee on football at Macalester indicates that I care about campus issues and have the commitment and experience that the job requires. My involvement has also led me to identify some issues that I intend to address if elected. They include:

Food, I want a meal program that allows students to fully utilize all of the meals that they pay for.

Student access to decision making forums. I realize that students should not be expected to weigh in with critical insight into all of the problems that the college faces, but we should have the opportunity to do so should we see fit.

In addition to the persistent issues above, I think that some important and more recent issues must also be resolved.

Student housing is currently problematic. In the future, first-years should not be pitted against juniors in a battle for limited housing space.

The tenure process needs to be reformed in a way that maintains protection for tenure track faculty without trampling on the feelings, opinions and voices of students.

The president must take initiative in identifying and addressing issues that have implications for the student body. He or she must also identify points of concern and take steps to resolve them before they become more severe. This is what I have done in the past and attempted to do in outlining my ideas above. However, I realize that the president cannot simply pursue his or her own agenda. As president, I will be sure to make the time for you to be heard.

Finally, I am honored to be part of such an excellent group of candidates.

Last book read for pleasure: Einstein’s Dreams

Person I love and admire: my brother Zach.

My first year at Macalester I was a part of the Legislative Body (LB) that was small and had very little visibility on campus. From this point forward my vision for MCSG has been to see a body that was efficient in representing the student body and able to communicate effectively between the administration and student body. From March to September of 2000 this change began as I chaired the committee on LB restructuring. This committee achieved the constitutional change that has lead to the current LB structure. This is one of many changes that need to occur to make the current constitution an effective tool for our student government. MCSG has made many changes in the past three years that have not been recorded, the files are hard to navigate, and important work from previous years is being lost. Things need to be organized behind the scenes in order to produce an effective body. The first task I would like to undertake, as Vice-President, is an overhaul of the constitution, which I have already begun in conjunction with the External Relations Committees of 00-01 and 01-02.

With the constitution firmly established, I would also like to increase the communication between student representatives on campus committees and the student body. The campus committees (i.e. the curriculum committee and long range planning committee) are a vital part of how student voices are represented to the administration. I think it is important that the student body knows which students are sitting on these committees, and that these students report regularly not just to the LB but to students directly.

The effectiveness of MCSG is very important to me, and I have already worked out my class schedule and other activities to ensure that I will have the time necessary to dedicate to this position.

Last book read for pleasure: Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen (I tend to re-read that one at least a couple times a year).

Someone I identify with/look up to: Bryon Solberg, a man who has faced multiple difficulties in his life, but keeps going with a huge smile on his face, and makes everyone around him smile too.

I have always looked up to my mother. She lost her father at the tender age of eight, and was raised by a mother who did not believe in female education. She still managed to finish school against all odds. She made me believe that with hard work everything is possible. She is a living example of it.

The last book I read was Kane and Abel by Jeffrey Archer. Archer’s words contained a dominant subtext: a vision is a prerequisite for success. I possess such a vision, a vision that will lead to the continued success of our college.

I am a sophomore from Accra, Ghana, and majoring in Economics and Computer Science. I am the student representative on the Admissions Board of Trustees Committee, and have been working hard to help shape future admission policies.

I, however, also understand that our college years are the most enjoyable of our lives. That is why, as a member of Afrika!, I have coordinated activities that are not only culturally enlightening, but also lots of fun. I have been attempting to raise awareness on African issues, as a frequent contributor to our newsletter publication, and have organized Afrika! dances and cultural shows.

What would I do if I was lucky and privileged enough to represent you as your vice president?

Multiculturalism: I wish to promote this issue vigorously, and will enlist the help of all the cultural organizations in doing so. I will promote cooperation and joint sponsorship of events between all of the cultural organizations. This is not an empty promise, I am dedicated to this cause. This will NOT be just another issue that we just talk about, but some firm changes will be implemented if I get this chance.

Housing: Soon to be juniors have been kicked off campus, and soon to be sophomores await the same fate next year. I will let everybody know that we need more housing. Trust me, this is not just this years problem, it will stay for a long time unless we deal with it.

Game Room: What is the Campus Center for? We don’t really have a place to hang out. These are common complaints, and ones that I have engaged in. We need a game room in the heart of the campus, and I’ll do what I can to see this happen.

Vote for me, Edward Kofi Yeboah Donkor, and let me have the privilege of representing you. Representing through listening to you, representing by pushing your issues. Thank you for your time and consideration. One last thing: I have never broken my promises; ask around.

Hello Macalester! I’m Nadia Pinder; you may know me as the old lady (with the really large backside) in the Caribbean Students Association production, CaribSplash. In reality, I am a junior majoring in Biology (pre-med) with a minor in Communications with the goal of one day working for a small public clinic in my country-the Bahamas. Presently I am on the LB, representing General Science. My time in the LB has been not only very rewarding-as I have participated in addressing several issues with the Academic Affairs Committee-but it has also been very educational as I’ve come to know a lot of people involved in different organizations.

My times in the LB and as an R.A. have helped me to understand what it is that students desire from the system. I have mainly heard complaints from students who don’t even know that they are basically funding most of the events on campus. Those who do know are not satisfied with the kinds of events that their money is being used to support. Additionally, I feel strongly that there needs to be more diversity on campus, and if that’s going to happen, then it needs to start at the top with MCSG. The board has been fairly diverse, but there is still room for change. Having said all of this, three of the main reasons that I’m running for office are: 1) To provide a stronger voice for women of color (and international students) on campus. 2) To continue the projects that I started while in the LB (such as a more efficient ACTC bus service and student participation in the tenure process). 3) To see that cultural organizations are not just names on paper, but rather fully functioning groups on campus that host more substantial programs on campus besides dances.

The last book I read for pleasure was called Tumbling by Dianne McKinney-Whetstone. It was a fictional portrayal of an African American couple in the 1940s and 50s and the problems they had to face in their community. I really enjoyed it. Someone who I look up to would have to be Sheridan off of Passions-you have to admire someone that can be in as many accidents as she had and still be alive and healthy-I mean, she has amnesia now, but come on it is a soap opera! On a more serious note, if you have any questions about my campaign you can call me at x7255 or e-mail me. I’ll be more than happy to answer your questions.

The efforts of this year’s MCSG are amazing and I’m proud to have contributed; however, we still have a long way to go before realizing the vision of what MCSG can be. I’ve devoted my time at Macalester to representing the students and giving them a voice when they needed to be heard. I’ve served twice on the LB and the SSC. I’m on a trustees committee, but more importantly, I defended the students’ demands for an open flag policy in the committee, and I also spent countless hours leading the movement to preserve Mac’s football tradition. Because of my efforts, I feel qualified to serve as Vice President, running the MCSG agenda, and appointing representative students for campus committees. I know what it takes to get things accomplished, and I strongly believe next year’s MCSG, with the right leadership, can realize its potential as a genuine advocate of the students.

I worry most about the incredible disconnect between students and representatives. Fifty-three percent of students can’t name their representative and most who could were underclassmen who elect dorm representatives. We either must replace this flawed system or provide the LB with the tools to answer to its constituents. E-mail or phone lists of constituencies would go a long way in erasing this disconnect. Fifty-seven percent of the students felt MCSG wasn’t accessible enough; I promise to work tirelessly to make it accountable to you.

It is not simply about more contact between MCSG and the students. MCSG must be more open to the students. I will post exactly how much money the student activity fund has and where it’s spent. We cannot accept that student orgs. have withdrawn their requests because they falsely perceived that MCSG was bankrupt. This is our fault because we haven’t done enough work to show what issues we are working on and what our financial status is. When elected I will not only encourage reform, but also elicit responses from the student body by publicizing exactly what we are doing and encouraging them to contribute to the dialogue of change. For further discussion please visit my web site: www.macalester.edu/~cwohlferd

Last book read for pleasure: The Two Towers, by J.R.R. Tolkien. Over break I saw The Fellowship of Ring and had to reread its sequel.

People I most admire: My mother and father. Both never graduated from college and I can’t wait for May 2003 to make them proud.

Majors: Political Science and History

Minors: Legal Studies and Philosophy

It is a great honor to address you as an Academic Affairs Chair candidate for the upcoming school year. My name is Cate McDonough I am a member of the Crew and Mock Trial teams and have served on the Residence Hall Association and in Feminists in Action. As a Health Education Coordinator I developed the programming for Eating Disorder Awareness Week, including a speaker and panel, and am currently working on Sexual Assault Awareness Week. I have served as a member of the Legislative Body for the past year and that experience has only served to increase my devotion to student government on campus. I would like to take this opportunity to discuss with you the office I am running for and why I believe I am the best choice for this position.

To begin, why should this matter to you, and what does the AAC do? The AAC is responsible for all areas relating to academics, such as admissions and financial aid, facilities, the advising system, and tenure and personnel policies of the faculty. As AAC, I would be responsible for transmitting your concerns about any issues relating to your academic life to these agencies and then making sure that the changes that need to be made are implemented.

And how is this done? Well, for example, I’m sure you are aware that concerns have been raised recently on campus about a few of the academic procedures: the tenure process, the Study Abroad Review Committee, and multiculturalism on campus. Already I have served on task forces that have reviewed the Study Abroad Review Committee and its policies (the report will be out soon!), a proposal to pay student leaders (report should be in this issue of The Mac Weekly!), and the multiculturalism discussions. I look forward to taking further initiatives on these issues and learning from you exactly how you feel the students’ interests would best be served.

As AAC, I would make it my responsibility to see that all students are aware of how the tenure process, hiring policies, admission policies, financial aid procedures, and study abroad systems work on campus. I believe that students should play a fundamental role in deciding these policies. Though I would be one student speaking for 1700, it is my deepest commitment that through me all voices are heard. I will make sure that you are informed and involved, whether through information sessions and forums, surveys, informal postings, or formal discussions like the multiculturalism focus groups. I ask that any and all students contact me with their thoughts and opinions on these topic. It is my job to contact and listen to you: you should not have to make the effort to find me.

I hope that my record as a member of the LB and my continuing commitment to raising awareness and devising solutions to problems on campus will encourage you to trust me to serve you as the AAC for 2002-2003. Thank you for your time.

In every progressive organization, be it non-profit or otherwise, finances form the most basic and essential framework. I believe that the FAC is the backbone of all the organizations on campus, including MCSG. My genuine dedication to the Macalester community coupled with my avid interest in financial control make me an excellent candidate for Financial Advisory Commission chair. The FAC Chair has an extremely important job that requires ‘know-how,’ time dedication, and lots of energy. I believe that my experience with budgets and accounting gained from six years of practicing accounting, both as a teacher and as a professional, as well as my current experience as a member of the FAC is a testament to my dedication and know-how and will prove to be an invaluable asset to the planning and financing of next year’s objectives.

In the past semester, I have worked assiduously with the current chair, as an FAC officer, to accomplish the tumultuous task of balancing the budget and found the experience very fulfilling and equally entertaining. I now feel an enlivened sense of commitment and responsibility, which in turn has helped to ground my sense of purpose in life and accentuate my own individuality. Certainly, next year promises its own myriad of challenges for the FAC, but if given the opportunity, I am confident in my ability to do the job and contribute invaluably to all other MCSG objectives. In addition to adding cultural diversity to the group, I intend to use my experience to inspire and facilitate FAC officers. With regards to the challenges I anticipate on an individual front, I am especially looking forward to those that will seek to enhance my strengths and engage my weaknesses. The auditing skills that I have garnered throughout the course of this year along with developed attitudes of calmness, assertiveness and respect will hopefully encourage and uplift the entire Student Government.

Grafted on my personal determination, financial abilities, discipline and dedication is my ability to be an effective team player. I enjoy working with others and I believe people appreciate the talents I am able to bring to the table. I believe that I am well suited for FAC chair and am gearing up to help bolster the FAC’s mission toward success.

Last book read for fun: The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People by Stephen Covey. Awesome book, I recommend it to everyone!

Person I look up to: My mother who fathered me. Great woman!

Majors: Economics and Computer Science

My name is Faautu Talapusi, although most of you know me simply as Utu. I am from the South Pacific islands of Samoa. I am running for the Student Services Committee Chair. This past year, I have been involved in numerous campus activities, organizations and task forces such as the LB and MIO. I believe this gives me the skills and knowledge to do a great job as SSC Chair. One of my aims for SSC Chair is to promote student interests on College-related services, through focusing on issues that students feel the need to be addressed.

The last book I read outside of class was Harry Potter: The Goblet of Fire, the 4th book of a fantastic set of books by J.K Rowling. It was one of the most entertaining books I have read in a while. As cheesy as it sounds, it makes one realize there’s still a child in them!

Finally, it would be totally untrue if I were to name only one person I look up to because there are too many people who have influenced me. Too many people who have helped me mold my identity. Too many people have guided me and given me things to believe in and to name one person would not be fair to the rest of whom I look up to.

The new programming board offers a great deal of possibility. It not only has the potential to increase the quantity and caliber of speakers, bands, and events, but also the opportunity to open decisions concerning campus programming up to the student body. Personally, I hope to make the programming board accessible to student input and give students, student groups and organizations a voice in the process. The programming board chair offers a great opportunity to broaden the types of events that occur on campus and to truly represent the wide variety of interests and views of the student body.

Last book read for pleasure: Pictures from an Institution by Randall Jarrell

Person I admire: Angela Davis.

Majors: Urban Studies and Geography

I am running for the PB Chair position because I think it is a good opportunity to add some order to the madness and chaos that most social/cultural/entertainment events suffer from. What I mean is that the programming board can do much to link and coordinate the efforts of individual groups, allowing for a larger diversity and quorum in the events held on or off this campus that are directed toward us. I don’t want to say that not enough ideas are proposed for events, just that it has been shown difficult to make them work without conflicts with other events or interests. I have thought of some things I’d like to see the board complete next year:

1) To bring representative artists from the area and abroad so that Mac students and other can enjoy something different in both a formal and very informal setting.

2) To help organize the student organization’s larger events (special weeks, symposiums, etc) so that conflict will be minimized.

3) To help individual projects (your proposals!) come to completion.

4) To encourage student participation both in the attendance, organization and performance phases of any artistic or cultural event.

5) To facilitate cultural events with specific themes or topics of discussion of the student’s choice…by referendum.

6) To change the view of campus-wide events from the current “ok” status to “something worth your time and input”

Thanks for reading this far. If you have questions, email me at mnieto@macalester.edu.

Last book read for pleasure: La Frontera de Cristal, by Carlos Fuentes

Person I look up to/identify with: Gov. Ventura, of course.

Majors: Economics, Psychology and Neuroscience