Meredith Gillespie, a junior in the College of Arts & Sciences, and Valerie Del Campo, a junior in the College of Communication, won the Marquette University Student Government election for president and executive vice president respectively March 28.
Twenty-six percent of Marquette students voted.
“We were just so excited (when we found out) and really thankful that the Marquette population showed so much support. We can’t wait to get started,” Gillespie said.
Upon hearing the news, Del Campo said she teared up, calling the experience “surreal.”
Before the end of the year, Gillespie said she hopes to get some of her ideas started. Gillespie and Del Campo want to implement library improvements before the end of their term, Gillespie said.
These goals include being able to use Marquette Cash to pay for library fines.
Del Campo said she hopes to make student organization funding as transparent as possible.
“The most appealing aspect would be that I get a chance to connect with other organizations on campus and make SOF more transparent,” Del Campo said. “There are a lot of organizations that fall through the cracks, and Meredith and I really want to make sure that students on campus are heard.”
Gillespie’s role as the new president starts today, as MUSG will begin transitioning over Easter break, Gillespie said.
The current president and EVP term ends April 1.
Gillespie’s past position on MUSG was outreach vice president. Because interviews are still being conducted for the incoming OVP, the end of her OVP term will overlap with the beginning of her presidency. Senate meetings would resume after Easter break, she said.
Del Campo said she cannot wait to get started in her new role.
“I’m really excited to connect and build stronger relationships with the student organizations on campus,” Del Campo said.
The inauguration took place March 25. Gillespie called the ceremony the “official passing of the torch.”
Gillespie said she feels prepared to take on the presidency.
“I’ve been in MUSG long enough that I have some incredible role models to look up to,” Gillespie said.
