Aaron Wiessing, sophomore

Major: Accounting

Hometown: Sigel

Campus Party: PULSE

Time on Student Senate: two semesters

Committees served on: Tuition & Fee Review, Student Relations

Campaign promise: To give a more local view to the position. In the past year, the role of executive vice president has been really focused on the government on the state level. Though it is necessary for the position to lobby and be attentive to what is going on in Springfield, I feel that there is a much more active role that the position can play down here. This is a role that I promise to further advance.

School-related concerns: Limited amount of school spirit, not a very big backing of university athletics and student actions by the Charleston community; Eastern should have a bigger support base in the community and the relationship should be more mutually beneficial.

How I pledge to address these concerns: Consolidate all the resources already available to fund different external events, including bringing high school students to athletic events to increase school spirit and Eastern recruitment, as well as a community spirit contest for local businesses; ensure all lobbying efforts are worked through.

Major projects I’ve accomplished: Worked to get student feedback to better the actions of student senate and actually give back to the students.

Changes I’ll implement: Work with the more experienced lobbyers and make more of a leadership team for that group of students to have a more balanced plan.

Best candidate because: I have a wide range of leadership experience and I will get the job done. I know a lot of students around campus, and can get a wider scope of student views to bring to the position.

I want to serve you because: I want to be able to impact the student body more than I can as a senator. I have some major plans to put into action, but I need to have the meetings and connections that come with the position in order to act on them.

Fun fact: I was Homecoming prince this year, and love to play volleyball and badminton.

Role model: My father. He runs his own business and is an amazing guy.

To me, EIU means: An amazing legacy; a school with a great past, and an incredible future. Eastern is a school for those who bleed blue and gray, and is fully open to any and all students who want to succeed.

Michael Stopka, junior

Major: Political Science

Hometown: Hoffman Estates

Campus Party: UPS

Time on Student Senate: three semesters

Committees served on: Shuttle Bus

Campaign promise: Continue strong lobbying presence in Springfield and fight on behalf of students.

School-related concerns: Funding for Eastern from Springfield is at risk as well as MAP Grant funding for a lot of students.

How I pledge to address these concerns: Attempt to bring together various groups from our campus to have a strong voice while lobbying for Eastern; encourage a large number of students to send personalized letters to their legislators expressing concern about funding for our school.

Major projects I’ve accomplished: Involved in letter writing campaigns to save MAP Grant funding and to get the new Renewable Energy Center; my committee provided shuttle bus schedules at various locations around campus.

Changes I’ll implement: Start a workshop to train students for lobby day, listen to students so I will be ready to represent them appropriately at Board of Trustees meetings.

Best candidate because: Worked closely with the current executive vice president; lobbied in Springfield.

I want to serve you because: I enjoyed serving students as a student senator. I want to give back to the student body and this university, because I’m fortunate to be here.

Fun fact: Last year, I won second place in Eastern’s Last Comic Standing.

Role model: My mom, who struggled to provide a decent living for my family when we came to this country.

To me, EIU means: A big family that I will never forget when I graduate.