Marist SGA Election Night Highlights Student Dedication and Campus Vision
The Marist University Student Government Association (SGA) hosted its annual Election Night on Oct. 2, giving candidates a platform to share their visions and connect with fellow students.
The event marked the official start of the 2025 election cycle, as candidates running for a variety of positions, from residential representatives to class officers and outlined their plans for the upcoming year. Voting remained open from Monday, Oct. 6, at 3 p.m. through Wednesday, Oct. 8, at 5 p.m.
“I thought the speeches depicted how dedicated and determined the candidates are to make positive changes at Marist University and how they plan on listening to what the students want and need,” said Alyssa Bova ‘26, director of the elections commission.
To qualify for candidacy, students had to meet several requirements: they must be full-time undergraduates, attend one of the mandatory information sessions and maintain a minimum GPA of 2.5. Students on disciplinary probation or academic restriction were ineligible to run, as were those graduating within the calendar year. Certain positions, including the South End, North End, East End and Commuter Representatives, may be shared by two students.
“It was a great opportunity for the candidates to share past leadership roles that they've had and how they aspire to transfer those attributes into these roles on campus,” Bova said.
Candidates represented a wide range of majors, from accounting to environmental science to social work. Many of those running for office had previous experience in SGA or other leadership roles on campus, lending credibility and continuity to their campaigns.
This year’s election cycle also benefited from a smoother process, thanks to updates made to the SGA’s election bylaws.
“This Election Cycle has been smoother, with help from the newly written Election Bylaws that clearly state what is and isn't allowed, ensuring that everyone is on the same page,” Bova said. “A mandatory rules and regulations meeting was also held to go over these rules, and it gave the candidates an opportunity to clarify any of the rules and ask any questions that arose.”
For the Class of 2029, enthusiasm was especially high. Freshman candidates emphasized building a stronger sense of community through events tailored for their cohort. Natalie DiLena ‘29 said she asked her peers what types of events they wanted to see, and one of the most popular requests was for a campus-wide talent show.
SGA’s mission to amplify student voices remains at the core of its annual elections. Events like election night not only spotlight aspiring student leaders but also encourage broader participation among the Marist community.
As the ballots closed on the evening of the speeches, anticipation built for the announcement of winners later in the week. Regardless of the results, the event reaffirmed a growing sense of engagement among Marist students eager to make an impact on campus life.
“The energy this year has been really positive,” Bova said. “Everyone’s passionate about creating change and representing their peers—and that’s exactly what student government should be about.”