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SGA Election Season Begins, Candidates Hopeful to Build on Growth

The official beginning of election season for Towson University’s Student Government Association began Monday. Petitions are required for anyone interested in running for president, and Monday was the first day those were to be handed in.
The SGA has seen tremendous growth in the past year and the first two students to hand in petitions are quite excited about the possibility of building upon that foundation. John Graf and Ryan Assadi were the first to turn in petitions, which consisted of 200 names endorsing their decision to run for office.
Both men have been active in SGA for several years. They both have a passion to grow student involvement within our university.
Assadi has been in SGA for three years and currently holds the position of chief of staff. In this position, he has worked closely with current president Kristen Guy. “I want to be challenged; I want to be held accountable, and I want the students to push me to grow,” Assadi said.
He spoke of a five-tiered campaign plan, which includes a plan to reward academics and involvement with scholarships. Assadi feels strongly that each student should be viewed as “more than just a number.” He spoke excitedly about maximizing Towson’s funds to reach all students, not just those who qualify for FAFSA and college grants.
“Because of my experience within the SGA, I am the most qualified candidate,” Assadi said.
John Graf is the other candidate who has turned in a petition as of Monday. As current treasurer in the SGA, Graf has a vision for financial change as well. He wants to maximize the funds which SGA is in charge of so that they may continue to build on the growth SGA has seen in the past year.
His optimism in the power of the SGA is evident. It is important to Graf that the “students voices come in the right manner.”
Whatever the outcome may be, this election season is sure to be exciting, with the first two presidential hopefuls bringing a lot of experience and optimism for the table.