As the spring semester reaches a midway point, Weber State University’s Student Association holds its annual student body elections.
The presidential debate took place on Feb. 25, where candidates Mia Foster and Jacob Guy were able to publicly discuss over Zoom what their ideals and goals were if they were to be elected.
Foster’s campaign is built around her three pillars of transparency, community and responsibility as well as “Fostering action through leadership,” whereas Guy’s campaign is about “Igniting Wildcat pride.”
“I really want to transform the culture at Weber. I really want everyone to love it here and to ignite school spirit and to ignite Wildcat pride,” Guy said.
While Guy has big hopes and plans for the future of Weber, Foster has seen in her experience how it generally plays out.
“I am really big and open about my goals on campus with being a current executive, I know the realistic energy of what it’s like. I’ve seen leadership positions of people coming in and saying they’re going to do all these big things, but it’s just not realistic, unfortunately,” Foster said.
These ideals were visually showcased during the debate and around campus through each candidate’s attire. Foster could be seen in business casual attire throughout her campaign, whereas Guy could be pointed out by his purple cape, a purple bandana tied around his head, his purple face paint and his other Weber gear.
“I feel like [this look] is very real and very approachable. I feel like it also draws people in, where everyone wants to be somewhere that they love, and everyone wants to have that school spirit. My hope is just to be completely authentic and just true to myself in that I love hyping people up, and I think people feel that, and it’s contagious,” Guy said.
Foster has an opposing opinion.
“I think in these instances it’s great to have fun, and I love the fun aspect of it, but change is real, and action is real, and sometimes having that professional foot is important. You have to show that it isn’t just a joke with these positions,” Foster said.
Each candidate currently serves in a WSUSA leadership role, Guy as chief of staff and Foster as the executive vice president, which they believe gives them qualifications to serve as president.
Also running for WSUSA leadership positions are Nathan McKnight and Annyssa Reyes for executive vice president; for vice president of activities, Jacqueline Hatch and Ashlynn Stokes; for vice president of advocacy and unity, Krystal Orantes and Akanksha Singh; for vice president for clubs and organizations is Madelyn Federico, Hriyona Khatri and Krishna Lamsal; for president for leadership is Mazie Abbott, Lawrence Anang, Bergen Billings and Joseph Trotter and for vice president for the Davis campus is Angelea Hansen.
“I think the difference is Mia wants to change the way things are and I want to change the way things feel, and I think voters just have to choose which they prefer,” Guy said.
