This year’s student government presidential debate transformed into an interview with the single presidential candidate, Brazil Brown (‘26). On Thursday, Dec. 6, The Acorn and Election Chair Joshua Bach (‘27) facilitated an opportunity for students to learn more about their student government presidential candidates. Acorn Editor-in-Chief Nicole Sydor (‘24) and News Editor Sierra Walker (’25) co-moderated questions generated by Acorn members and the community.
Typically, the debate allows candidates to answer questions to inform the student body of their stances. This allows student voters to make an informed decision about who they want to represent the voice of the student body. In the 2023 election, Brown is currently running uncontested alongside her vice president, Julia Satola (‘26), who was unable to attend the event.
Brown introduced herself as a media and communications and business major who has served as freshman and sophomore senator, and she introduced Satola as a history and philosophy major who is trilingual and very organized.
The facilitators then asked Brown to state her campaign’s mission. “My mission is to restore student government as a powerhouse on campus,” said Brown, “StuGov was created to be a voice for students, and it can’t be a voice on campus if it’s just another club.”
Brown was asked questions regarding her experiences and qualifications, her intentions for the future and her approach to certain issues around campus.
Brown explained, “I’ve been involved in student government since I stepped onto campus freshman year.” Both Brown and Satola feel prepared to take on their respective roles. Brown also explained that she feels fit for the role of president: “I am not afraid of controversy. I’m not afraid to take a stand. I will try my best to do the best for the public, not just individuals.” She noted that she is outspoken, opinionated and direct, and she refuses to take no for an answer, traits she considers necessary for the role.
Brown would like to establish a student census so that the administration has data that will represent what Drew students care about. She would also like to address the division across campus between student groups.
Brown distinguished how her administration will differ from Drew’s current governance, saying, “The current administration doesn’t realize the power they have on the campus. They didn’t really make any big moves on campus, and they didn’t really have anything they wanted to do, and planning-wise there wasn’t any of that. I want to add more events and more advertising…making sure people know what we do.”
Another goal of Brown’s is to create better third spaces at Drew. “Drew has a lot of third spaces in the dorms, but not a lot of effort is put into them,” said Brown. “After eight there’s nothing to do on campus.”
Following a short break, the floor was opened to students to voice their questions and concerns. Brown answered many of the student questions by directing the students to the applicable department or organization.
Matt Agudelo (‘24) attended the event and spoke about why he thought the presidential debate is an important event on campus, saying, “I do think it’s helpful because it gives students an insight on what the goals of the student body president is, and these types of meetings are necessary to bridge that gap between student body leaders and administrators.”
Agudelo added, “It definitely is unfortunate that there’s only one candidate running. You would ideally want more than one running because it would create motivation and incentive for the leaders running to involve themselves and have tangible goals.”
Bach closed the event by reminding everyone of the importance of hearing from our student leaders and being involved in elections even if there is only one candidate. He also reminded everyone to vote.
Be sure to vote on the Path from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Nov. 8. Results will be announced that night at 8:30 p.m.