Bryson Baird, President
Making Voices Matter
Awareness – Spreading awareness about the resources available to students
- Resources on campus that can make their college experience more fitting to their personal interests and goals include, but are not limited to: Teaching Material Center, Southern Auto shop and Testing Services.
- I would also like to work with Residence Life to ensure that RAs and/or student deans know exactly how to keep their residents informed.
Communication – Ensuring that students passionate about the choices being made for them have a say in those choices and that the decisions being made are collective ideas approved by those who dedicate major parts of their lives to making this school what it is. As president, I will ensure that passionate students will make their way onto the right committees. We need to be committed to our involvement in decisions made for us in order to see a change on campus in our favor. We cannot see change without voicing it.
Collaboration – encouraging unity and collaboration between clubs for events, not only cultural clubs, but all clubs and student-led organizations. There are no sides in Heaven. As students at a Christian institution, we should strive to interact in a way that improves our relationships on campus and with each other, rather than tear each other down.
Spiritual Life – Increasing the amount of cultural credit opportunities & DEEP Sabbath
- Sabbath Chats
- DEEP Sabbath
- Personalized Spiritual Counseling: Southern has more than enough organizational and corporate worship; however, there is only so much Vespers, Afterglow, Sabbath Chats and LifeGroups can do. Without a personal connection and example, there will be little to no change in the spiritual atmosphere here at Southern. As president, I want to instate personal spiritual counseling, as well as a personal approach to how we as students and leaders portray Christianity.
Accessibility – Modify wheelchair ramps to have a more gradual incline or install elevators on the old wing of the dorm to eliminate the need for the ramps
Campus/Dorm Accommodations
- The Smile Initiative – increase the frequencies of events like the Smile Initiative
- Roads – repair and patch potholes on campus and install crosswalk lights at the crosswalk between the Village Market and the roundabout.
- Air conditioning units – routine cleaning/emptying out of the water in the units would hinder the buildup and scent of mold and prevent sickness of residents.
- Laundry Machines – replace and repair
- Trash Rooms – Open Thatcher trash rooms after 5 p.m.
- SA Town Halls – Develop a different way of communication with SA rather than only town halls.
- Vending Machines – Fix them sooner rather than later.
Behind the slogan: “Making Voices Matter”
My main platform is communication: communication between students and administration, communication between clubs and departments, communication between your student government and you, communication to the students about resources available to them and our overall communication with God. As president of the Student Association, my goal is to not only affect the student body, but also the faculty and staff. I want to improve the environment and climate of Southern with your help. This impact we can make will not only affect students, faculty and staff this year, but also members of all of these groups for years to come.
Edvan Benitez, President
Building Connections, Empowering Growth
Hello, friends. It is my privilege to share with you my vision as SA president for the next school year. I want to base this upcoming year on my motto, “Building Connections, Empowering Growth.” Not only do I aspire to be seen as a leader on campus, but more importantly, I want students to view me as their friend. Additionally, I aim to address the top issues students currently face on campus and implement solutions. Here are the ideas I envision implementing with my team for the next school year:
Student Life:
1. Scooters: One major concern students currently face is the lack of parking spaces on campus. Additionally, some students struggle to be punctual to classes due to their locations across campus, making it challenging to arrive on time. Moreover, the shuttle options have been recently reduced at night. To address this, we propose introducing scooters on campus, which would effectively alleviate these concerns. Helmets will also be provided along with the scooters.
2. We will launch SAU Eats, a new food delivery service on campus. This initiative not only creates new job opportunities, benefitting CK2 workers by providing bonuses amid staff shortages, but also assists students with busy schedules.
3. We want to build pickleball courts on campus.
4. Bi-weekly presidential updates will be provided on social media through SA Live. We aim to demonstrate transparency by updating students on the ideas proposed during the campaign, and it also has the purpose of actively engaging with students by answering questions and taking suggestions for future events.
Spiritual:
1. Recharge Wednesday will be a weekly meeting in which we will address the top spiritual concern identified in a survey conducted by OMM last semester: doubt and questions about faith. Through Recharge Wednesday, students will have the opportunity to grow their faith and explore controversial topics in the church through deep Bible study led by experts.
2. Power Hour: We will organize a weekly prayer session across campus.
3. We plan to revive DEEP Sabbath in collaboration with sister universities, focusing on fostering faith and diversity, in which we will also do an outreach event in the community.
Social:
1. In collaboration with the School of Business and School of Visual Art and Design, we will bring SAU Shark Tank to campus. This will be a show in which we will showcase the creativity, work and innovative ideas that may evolve into future realities by supporting the winners with a special fund to start their own business or continue their artist careers.
2. We want to foster relationships, particularly among incoming freshmen, and school spirit through our Class Olympics.
3. In collaboration with OMM, we will create a LifeGroup Game Night to deepen connections and foster a sense of community.
Mental Health:
1. We will promote and develop the Band-aid Fund to swiftly respond to students’ emergencies by providing financial support during times of crisis.
2. We will have monthly pop-up booths: Offering therapeutic activities such as painting, interacting with animals and crafts to alleviate anxiety and distress.
3. We will organize a special Vespers facilitating meaningful connections with mentors, providing valuable advice, support and guidance.
4. SA Bond will allocate a dedicated budget to launch a peer support program where SA cabinet members connect weekly with students, fostering a strong support network.
Alfredo Trevedan, Executive Vice President
My platform is focused on building a stronger sense of community and connection on our campus by presenting my personal mission for the year, which is Southern Adventist University Community Emphasis (SAUCE). My vision is to create an environment where every student feels engaged, supported and connected with their fellow peers. Together, we can enhance the overall student experience and make our university an even more vibrant and inclusive place.
Post-Vespers Collaboration Initiative: “Afterglow Mingle”
Problem: Students may struggle to find something to do once Vespers is over and may miss out on relationship-building opportunities.
Solution: Introducing “Afterglow Mingle”
This event is a collaborative initiative to encourage students to build relationships to engage in joint activities. This program aims to break down silos and promote unity among diverse groups by organizing workshops and social gatherings.
Sunday Socials: “Brunch and Ask”
Problem: Limited dining options on Sundays leave many students without access to a meal on campus.
Solution: Introducing “Brunch and Ask,” a program providing brunch to students on select Sundays when no other campus dining options are available. This initiative not only addresses a practical need, but also creates a casual, social atmosphere where students can gather, share a meal, strengthen their connections and ask questions to SA regarding current events and initiatives. This creates a defined bond between students and SA members.
Campus app: “Shuttle Tracker”
Problem: When wanting to get a shuttle ride, students may be left unaware of where the shuttle may be at a particular point in time.
Solution: Introducing “Shuttle Tracker”
This app can help students be more aware by having a shuttle location tracker and the shuttle’s ETA so that they may plan accordingly and ride it to their desired destination.
Charlynneth Dizon, Social Vice President
running for your next social vice president, who’s willing and determined to invest in service for you.
Strengthening Bonds and Faith. This is what I confidently stand for.
To create social events that foster the essence of Christian fellowship. I believe that social gatherings are not just platforms for creating memories; rather, they should serve as opportunities to build friendships centered around Christ — events with a purpose. I am confident that God has blessed me with leadership skills, experiences throughout my life and creative ideas that bring people together. I desire to elevate this blessing to a new level where I can be used by Him to impact students, even in small and enjoyable ways.
With your support, we can create unforgettable memories from some of these events that encompass: physical, mental, social and spiritual aspects.
Welcome Back Party | FunFest: SAU Edition
An event filled with challenging relay games, or even a Campus Scavenger Hunt, for friends to participate in, inspired by different countries’ cultures, enabling us to experience the fun, interactive and enjoyable activities from around the world. Additionally, ‘Minute-To-Win-It’ will be one of the highlights.
Physical 100: SAU Edition
Inspired by a South Korean reality competition series on Netflix, this event falls between a talent contest and a survival competition, featuring 100 contestants, including students from different classes, ages, genders and levels of physique. Participants go through a series of quests to challenge their strength, endurance, agility, balance and willpower, aiming to develop the perfect physique.
Reverse Escape Room
Instead of attempting to escape a room, participants collaborate to design and set up challenges for other groups to solve. Teams then rotate and try to solve each other’s puzzles, fostering creativity, collaboration and problem-solving skills in an engaging way.
MentalUP: The Battle of the Brains
Aligned with our campus slogan, “The Power of the Mind,” groups will journey together to earn points by engaging in enjoyable activities that incorporate cognitive challenges to test their intellect and strength. This event includes station activities such as: ● Word Games ● Card Games ● Board Games ● Trivia + Riddles + Rubik’s Cube Challenge
Why not two pocket-friendly banquets?
Social Focus: Around The World In One Night: Exploring The Beauty of Diversity
Experience the wonders of different cultures from our diverse campus with exciting and interactive activities from various countries, a delicious variety of cultural meals and a first-class experience unlike any other. The goal here isn’t for you to be a wall decoration, but to actively engage in the fellowship that this unique banquet can provide!
Spiritual Focus: Agape Feast: Embracing the Night of Fellowship
Experience this spiritual refreshing and interactive banquet focusing on God’s love in our journey as college students. This event includes multiple engagements such as:
● Interactive Scripture Sharing Stations ● Love Letter Exchange ● Unity Mosaic Art Project ● Interactive Prayer Wall ● Rose Exchange ● Love in Action Stations
My aspiration is to bring that unique experience to our campus that can impact our students’ journey. I aim to be a leader for Christ who, despite the given position, is not solely titled ‘spiritual,’ but facilitates bringing Him into every enjoyable and memorable aspect of our beloved campus, Southern Adventist University. I’m dedicated to serving our campus, one last time, with enthusiasm, ensuring that together, we’ll make this year an unforgettable one — a year where you can proudly say:
“This is the place that strengthened my faith and bonded me to people for a lifetime.”
Jimin Kim, Social Vice President
My name is Jimin Kim, and I am running for next term’s social vice president to help express ourselves. We should remember that spirit is in us, and it is our actions and our ideas that bring it to life. How do we do that?
Let’s have more spirit weeks. Dress up as your favorite movie character. We can have one day where we dress up as tourists or our favorite professor. Another day could be to wear our high school merchandise and represent where we came from. With these spirit days, I plan to bring food and treats like donuts, boba or cookies for the first 100 students who arrive with their spirit wear.
Now for our events, I plan for our Welcome Back Party to be a High School Story theme. Come as a nerd or jock, with friendly competitions like tug-of-war. At our Fall Fest, along with our usual games and booths, we would bring in more games like a potato sack race and a pie-in-the-face booth with the opportunity to pie the Social VP in the face. Our Christmas Party will have Christmas karaoke, a hot cocoa station for creative drinks and a crafts station like ornament making or a sock snowman craft. Finally, I plan for the banquet to be a Hollywood Red Carpet theme with everyone able to walk down a red carpet in style and have their photo taken, like the celebrity everyone is.
New events I hope to plan include a concert night with performers from students who sign up to sing or play music, original songs or covers. Moreover, what better way to express yourself than a crafts event? This involves several DIY stations: designing your own T-shirt or hat, creating friendship keychains, designing your own tote bag, making your own button pins and even decorating your own cupcake or cookie.
Priscille Mikala, Social Vice President
Hey guys! My name is Priscille Mikala, and I am running to be your next social VP! Being a part of Cub Squad this year made me realize how much I love interacting with people and how important it is to have fun and make long-lasting memories in college! I am very excited to share my ideas and help foster a sense of community and connection among students here at Southern by creating memorable events and activities.
Some of the events I am planning for 2024-2025:
• Tropical Luau Welcome Back Party
• Ninja Warrior Challenge
• Christmas Movie Night
• Nautical Banquet
• Jeopardy Extravaganza
My guiding principles as a social VP:
Engage: Organize interactive events that engage the entire student body.
Inspire: Introduce innovative social activities that inspire students to take on active roles in participating in events.
Unite: Be united in God’s love in order to live in harmony with each other.
My goal: To lead by creating events that will bring students closer to each other, bringing a sense of unity here at Southern. I think it is important that we, as a community, come together to build a foundation of inclusivity and shared experiences.
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