Student Government election commissioner, 308.362.7123
Beginning college can teach students responsibility, discipline and the true value of a dollar, and recently two freshmen at the University of Nebraska at Kearney were able to add leadership to that list.
Cade Craig, a health science major from Minden , and Brigham Becker, an athletic training major from Axtell , were elected as freshmen representatives to Student Government in elections held recently on the campus..
According to Election Commissioner Elizabeth Weaver of Maywood , 166 freshmen voted in the election. Eight candidates vied for two open freshman senator positions.
“I was very pleased with the number of freshmen who ran for senate this year and voted,” Weaver said. “It is always good to see students getting involved with Student Government at UNK.”
Becker said that he ran for a freshman senate position to get involved on campus. Craig said his decision to run for office was influenced by current senators.
“I heard about it from some older senators and thought it would be fun,” Craig said. “I thought I could make a difference and learn from the people who are already in [student senate].”
Becker and Craig ran coordinated campaigns, even though freshmen senators are elected on individual tickets. Becker said voters were able to connect the duo’s names together.
“We went to a lot of the residence halls, handed out a few flyers and just got to know quite a few people,” Becker said.
Craig echoed his colleague’s view that their combined campaigns aided in their election.
“We thought people would associate us together, and so since there are two representatives, if we were the same people with same goals about the same issues, it would be a little bit easier for them to vote for both of us,” Craig said.
As for what comprises the agendas of the newly-elected senators, Becker said he wants to focus on campus safety and examine issues regarding dining on campus. Craig also mentioned food as an issue important to him, especially the policies regarding transfer hours.
Although Becker and Craig have only been students at UNK for a little over a month, they both have jumped at joining student organizations. Becker is a member of Campus Crusade for Christ, Health Science Club and Loper Legion, while Craig participates in Health Science Club and serves as the CTW Hall Council secretary.
Becker said his involvement in extra-curricular activities has really added to his college experience.
“It’s a lot of fun just to know people and not see so many strange faces,” Becker said.
Craig agreed with Becker about the importance of student involvement.
“I really encourage people to get involved right away, and even if you don’t win,” Craig said. “That was our big deal during the election. Even if we didn’t win, it was still a great time and a great way to meet people.”
Terms for freshman senators run from fall until the spring elections for student senate and student body president. At that time, Becker and Craig can choose to run for senate positions within the College of Education.
