By Jacob Misener

As the 2011-12 school year winds down, the Student Government Association (SGA) is preparing to change leadership.  Three sets of candidates are vying for the Presidency, each with a Vice President running mate.

The Augustana Observer is helping the student body get to know each of the candidates, in preparation for next week's election.  All of these candidates will be featured in a debate this Friday March 30, at 5:00 p.m. in Olin Auditorium. Following the debate, the Observer will be endorsing a candidate at www.augustanaobserver.com. Elections will be held on April 3-4 at the College Center or at your own computer.

Bright-Martinez

Bright is a junior political science and international business major. He has served two years as a member of SGA; one as a Senator and one in his current position of Speaker.  Bright says his motivation to run comes from "seeing the progress and efforts made by last year's President, as well as this year's President." The Bright-Martinez campaign is founded on three core values: service, transparency and communication.

Martinez is a business and economics double major, from Colorado Springs, Co. She is currently in her junior year, and holds several on-campus leadership positions including: Honor Council Representative, Delta Chi Theta Assistant Treasurer and is a member of Investors' Club Executive Board. This duo has pledged to run a "clean campaign" due to the fact that their opponents are all "respected leaders on campus."

Wickiser-Bagnuolo

Wickiser is a junior sociology major. She is currently in her third year of service with SGA. In her time at Augustana, she has taken part in Greek Life, Campus Ministries and other community service-related events.  The Rockton, Ill. native states on the campaign Facebook page that, "if elected, we will exemplify the core values of a liberal arts education through strong and open-minded leadership."

Bagnuolo is a sophomore accounting and business administration major. He has served as an SGA Senator in both years. He has cited his involvement as a member of the GAB fraternity and his ability to "forge a working relationship between SGA and the Greeks," as one of his strengths.  In addition to this, Bagnuolo felt that this year SGA funds were spent very "loosely," and because of this some campus groups did not receive the support they sought.

Onumah-Mordini

Onumah is a sophomore political science and communication studies double major from Smyrna, Ga.  He currently holds the position of Senator with the Student Government Association. During his time at Augustana, he has participated in Greek Life as well as WAUG, the on-campus radio station. The Onumah-Mordini campaign has a town hall meeting scheduled for April 2 at 7:00 p.m. in Westerlin Residence Hall.

Mordini is a junior political science and religion double major. The Elmhurst, Ill. native believes that the fact he is the least experienced of the six is a benefit to him.

"While some may see this as a disadvantage or a weakness, I see it as my strongest asset.  I am coming into SGA with a fresh set of ideas and an attitude of change," Mordini said.