2023-2024 Election Results for 14 Seats on SGA

Caitlin Doherty ’26

News Editor

Campaigning for fourteen available positions on the 2023-2024 Student Government Association (SGA) began Wednesday, Sept. 13 with elections commencing the morning of Saturday, Sept. 23. As described on the organization’s website, SGA is “an autonomous body of students dedicated to advocating for student interests in every aspect of the College.” During this fall 2023 election, the organization had openings for Vice President of SGA, Vice President of Communications, Class of 2027 President and three senators per class year. To be eligible for candidacy, individuals must be in good academic standing and receive an outlined number of student signatures, ranging from 25 to 75 depending on the position. Several candidates ran unopposed, with Nikolas DeAngelo ‘26 and Halanda Nguyen ‘26 named as SGA Vice President and Vice President of Communications respectively. Kelly Thomas ’24, Keyla Torres ’24 and Gabrielle Desrochers ’24 will serve as Senators for the Class of 2024. The Class of 2025 will be represented by Ava Boloyan ’25 and Case Darby ’25.

While these seats were uncontested, online elections took place for first-year and sophomore senators, as well as Class of 2027 President. Six members of the Class of 2026 ran for senate positions, with Antonia Kambolis ’26, Ki Hwang ’26 and Finn Donelan III ’26 winning the three spots. Kambolis, a political science major from New Jersey, reflected on the election in a comment to the Tripod: “I’m super excited and grateful to have won this election. I love the Trinity community, and I am looking forward to bringing my passion for service and outreach to my role as senator.” Many members of the newly arrived Class of 2027 took up campaigns to represent their class as a senator or class president. Jia Kumar ’27, an intended economics major from Massachusetts, was elected as the Class of 2027 President, and Ella Schaffer ’27, Rhiju Charkraborty ’27 and Eleanor Gray ’27 will serve as senators. “My priorities are to improve SGA-student communication, highlight many of our existing resources, make changes to Mather based on student feedback, improve dorm life (cleaning & laundry), and create more social,” said Kumar. “I aspire for the class of 2027 to be inclusive, supportive and united.”

The first round of elections for the 2023-2024 session of the SGA took place in April 2023. During that period, Jake McPhail ‘24 was named as SGA President, with class presidents and vice presidents of finance and multicultural affairs elected as well. The SGA meets weekly to discuss solutions to prominent campus issues and oversees the admittance and funding of student organizations. Meetings are open to all members of the student body. McPhail, who oversaw the recent election, is looking forward to starting the 2023-2024 SGA session alongside both new and returning representatives.