This question and answer column features three sets of candidates running for SGA president and vice president. Salvatore Parent ’25 (P) and Diego Benites ’25 (VP) are seeking reelection. They will be challenged by Molly Timberlake ’26 (P) and Michael Hanna ’26 (VP), as well as Aidan Carroll ’26 (P) and William Dervin ’26 (VP).
What inspired you to run this year?
Sal and Diego: We both love this school and are proud to call this place our home. It is with our love for this college that has inspired us to lead the student body to help this college live up to its full potential.
Molly and Mike: What inspired us to run this year is the crossroads and challenges that Saint Anselm College is currently facing. Right now the College is in a great time of choosing and we believe that we are the right choice to lead the student body forward. We have amazing ideas for the college that include more printing accessibility on campus, improving accessibility resources, and creating phone taps to enter residence halls.
Aidan and William: We used to talk about how we weren’t properly a part of SGA prior. This year we decided that as a way to show people it isn’t too late to join, that we would run, and we would run for the top position.
What makes your ticket unique? What differentiates you from the other candidates?
Sal and Diego: What makes our ticket unique is our experience and representation. We have a combined total of six years in SGA, five in the Student Senate, and two as president/vice president. We know how the SGA works and how to advocate for change on campus because we’ve done it before and will do it again. We are also the first BIPOC president and vice president that the student body has had in recent years
Molly and Mike: Our ticket is unique because not only do we have a candidate that has served as a Class President for three years. As class president, Molly has learned the importance of collaboration, representing her peers, as well as problem solving capabilities. We also have a candidate, Mike Hanna who has experience working on the executive board of SGA and navigating a relationship with the Student Engagement and Leadership office. Both of us are able to pull from different backgrounds as well. Molly has a multitude of experience participating in leadership workshops, and has attended over ten leadership conferences. Mike has worked as a Legislative Intern in the Massachusetts House of Representatives for the last three summers giving him real legislative experience. Mike worked on the legislation that legalized sports betting in Massachusetts.
Aidan and William: We have not been in, or part of the SGA organization at all, which absolutely is a major difference between us and our opponents. With this we hope to bring a completely new perspective and work style to the Executive Office and SGA as a whole.
If you could enact one executive order style change on the Hilltop right now, what would you do?
Sal and Diego: The first order would be installing a ramp in Dominic hall. We’ve been working on this for quite some time, and we’ve been told it will be installed over the summer. This project is an example of what we work for. We’re working towards making campus more accessible, more equitable, and a place of belonging for all students. However, we don’t just talk about creating change but instead actually create change. We’ve been working hard to achieve these goals and won’t step until they are met.
Molly and Mike: I don’t believe we would ever act an executive order even if we could. As Student Leaders it is our responsibility to be the voice of the Student Body. It is never the responsibility of the President or Vice President of the student body to enact their will over the student body without their knowledge or support.
Aidan and William: One executive order that we feel would benefit the SGA and the community of Saint Anselm as a whole would be an expansion of the Student Senate by one person per grade. This would allow for, hopefully, a wider variety and amount of students to join the organization and increase the student representation.
Aside from that, what would your top priorities be if elected?
Sal and Diego: Our top priority is to continue the mission of the Benedictine Way campaign. We want to create Saint A’s that demonstrates and embodies respect for self, respect for place, and respect for others. We are so proud of our SGA subcommittees—Mental Health Committee, Respect the Nest, and Anselmian Engagement Committee—and all the work that they have done.
Molly and Mike: If elected, our top priority will be the student body, and the needs of the community. Mike and Molly have created a website to keep the student body informed and plan to use this platform to bridge the communication gap between students, as well as administration. There will be a feature on the website for students to voice their concerns, ensuring that every voice is heard and respected.
Aidan and William: Among the top priorities would be with regards to funding of clubs. Reduce the funding of some larger clubs that might not use all of it and disperse it to a lot of the smaller clubs. As well as change the way that the SGA reaches out to inform the student body. Outlook, while oft used, is becoming outdated as most students really only use it to contact their professors. If elected, we would work to make all this information more accessible; including the SGA Constitution and finances.
