The Stout Student Association is electing a new Congress! Get to know the candidates*:
*Stoutonia is still waiting to hear back from Issac McInnis for his profile information.
Name: Alex Vernon
Major:Hotel Restaurant and Tourism Management with a minor in Business Administration
Year: Junior
Hometown: Green Bay, WI
Position applying for: President of SSA
Why do you believe you’d be a good fit for this position?
I have been with SSA since my freshman year, filling a number of positions. I want to open up the student voice, instead of making it about 35 representatives, I want it to be the entire student body. Very passionate about the student voice and am knowledgeable about campus operations.
What are your plans- such as policy implementation or issues to address – if elected?
Implementing the new needs of the changes of the constitution, changing the process in which SSA handles segregated fees.
Is there anything else you want the voters to know?
I want to remind students that they are also members of the SSA. Not only that, but they pay seg fees and therefore pay us, so we work for them. We represent them, we are looking for all of the students’ best interests.
Name: Elle Alvarez-Casas
Major: Applied Social Science with a concentration in history and politics
Year: Junior
Hometown: Eden Prairie, MN
Position applying for: Vice President
Why do you believe you’d be a good fit for this position?
Relevant SSA experience, I have been on for most of the 47th congress. Already have experience working in a partnership with Alex [Vernon] and I think we’d be a good team.
What are your plans- such as policy implementation or issues to address – if elected?
Getting students involved, and out to vote. We’ve been discussing a way to do “town hall” style meetings for campus body to come and voice their concerns directly at us.
Is there anything else you want the voters to know?
Really excited to serve on the 48th congress if elected, I strongly believe we could bring a positive change to campus and in getting students involved and informed.
Name: Shane Miller
Major: Applied Social Science
Year: Junior
Hometown: Woodbury, MN
Position applying for: Director of Legislative Affairs
Why do you believe you’d be a good fit for this position?
Worked previously with SSA to get students out to vote for the election, enjoy studying the political process.
What are your plans- such as policy implementation or issues to address – if elected?
To better engage the Stout body by raising awareness of SSA and by keeping an eye out for Scott Walker’s upcoming budget for Wisconsin that allows students to opt out of segregated fees.
Is there anything else you want the voters to know?
Legislative on any level has an impact on [the voters] and I will do my best to keep them informed and engaged.
Name: Stephanie Zengler
Major: Business Admin Comm Minor
Year: Sophomore
Hometown: Merrill, WI
Position applying for: Director of Financial Affairs and Director of Organizational Affairs and the Senator for the College of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics
Why do you believe you’d be a good fit for this position?
Have already been the Director of Financial affairs for a semester, and I decided to change the structure of how the committee was run. Now, we are more focused on our community and communication rather than numbers. Also have been a member of all the committees except sustainability, so I can help out with a variety of issues that might need solving.
What are your plans- such as policy implementation or issues to address – if elected?
Making the information available to organizations more accessible.
Is there anything else you want the voters to know?
They are voting for someone to represent them, it is their voice and we are working to make their lives easier. This is not about us being in a position of power, but rather helping them succeed at Stout.
Name: Coltan Schoenike
Major: Human Development and family studies, concentration in lgbtqia+ studies
Year: Senior
Hometown: Omara, WI
Position applying for: Director of Diversity and Inclusivity
Why do you think you’d be a good fit for this position?
I have worked for diversity and inclusion since coming here. Have worked at the qube since freshman year and have been involved in many projects and positions that involve inclusivity. I am very passionate about diversity and would be able to funnel these passions and experiences into something that could cause a great change on campus.
What are your plans- such as policy implementation or issues to address – if elected?
To give more power to the students. I am more than a facilitator of the dialogues and can put the conversation in the right place when the students need it. Working with the admin to create all gender bathrooms in the older buildings on campus. Also, would like to create an organization for students with disabilities to have a safe space, as there currently is not one.
Is there anything else you want the voters to know?
I strongly believe in active equity and inclusion, and the importance of working towards these things. If were not actively working towards them, then what are we fighting for, if not for this?
Name: William Chang
Major: Golf Enterprise Management and Hotel Restaurant and Tourism Management
Year: Freshman
Hometown: Sheboygan, WI
Position applying for: Director of Diversity
Why do you believe you’d be a good fit for this position?
I am a student of color, so I understand the same pressures they feel. But I also understand that students of color are not the only diversity inclusion problems, and there are many other minority students with issues that need addressing.
What are your plans- such as policy implementation or issues to address – if elected?
Working on implementing Stout as a Sanctuary campus, and also bringing a diversity conference here.
Is there anything else you want the voters to know?
I am passionate about representing all underrepresented groups. All of these students deserve a voice.
Name: Chris Lechelt
Major: Food science and technology, Chemistry minor
Year: Junior
Hometown: Chanhassen, MN
Position applying for: Director of Financial Affairs, Director of Organizational Affairs, and Senator of Fiscal Management
Why do you believe you’d be a good fit for this position?
Knowledgeable on how students interact with one another, the community, faculty, etc. Therefore know how to clarify any confusion that students may have between members of the SSA, as well as higher government issues as well.
What are your plans- such as policy implementation or issues to address – if elected?
Segregated fees are the first thing I would like to address if elected.
Is there anything else you want the voters to know?
If they have any questions or want to contact me, I hope they go out and vote this thursday. Also, the other candidates applying are equally suited for the job as well so there will be fair representation.
Name: Patrick Lytle
Major: Real Estate Property Management
Year: Sophomore
Hometown: Madison, WI
Position applying for: Director of Org Affairs
Why do you believe you’d be a good fit for this position?
I have served on organizational affairs committee and financial affairs.
What are your plans- such as policy implementation or issues to address – if elected?
Primarily fighting the segregated fees bill to be off the table. Also reviewing SSA’s disciplinary process, as well as working to create better relations with greek life.
Is there anything else you want the voters to know?
All students have a place at our table, we are there to serve. Students should feel free to come forward and let us know about any issues they see.