Each of the first-year senator candidates submitted a platform in order to be included on the ballot.

Ben Cosgrove

Hometown: Fall City, WA

Res Hall: Jewett

My name is Ben Cosgrove, and I’m here to represent the Whitman College class of 2019.  I have only been here for two weeks, but I already feel right at home. This is one of the most accepting, welcoming and friendly communities I have ever had the pleasure of being a part of. My goal is to facilitate this inclusive environment and help everyone feel important.

I have been a member of student government since my sophomore year of high school, where I was elected to be on the ASB class board. I facilitated the school events, organized fundraisers, and rallied my fellow students’ school spirit. My senior year I led the prom committee. We raised all the necessary funds with events such as the talent show, senior tea, Tolo, and several others. I designated the venue and communicated with its staff.

I have varied experience in leading people towards a common goal. I was the president of the robotics team and one of the senior members of the debate team, both of which required me to communicate, delegate, and organize efficiently.

Thanks to my background in debate, I have excellent negotiation skills as well.  From working as a server since I was sixteen, I have developed an excellent work ethic as well as a great understanding of social relations and how to win others over.

I already said it, but my goal as a senator is to make Whitman the greatest place it can be for each and every one of us.  I want everyone to have a voice, to have a say in what ASWC does, and in what happens to his or her community. I will to keep in contact with everyone, ensuring that you are all informed of upcoming events and the current issues being addressed in ASWC. I promise to be approachable and open to suggestions. I want to hear what you have to say, and I want you to be heard. Together we can ensure that everyone not only survives but thrives.

Erin Lopez

Hometown: Long Beach, IN

Res Hall: Jewett

Hello,

Below is my platform for First-year Senator:

1. Whitman College App: A convenient way to connect with campus information including a daily menu, links to Whitman websites and social media, contact information, school calendar, campus map, and building/facility hours. As a senator, I will work to develop this app, so that you can check your phone to know which dining hall will you give the most for your swipe or when the next club water polo practice is.
2. Post Office Notifications: Want to know if your new poster arrived or if your mom’s care package is waiting for you at the post office? I will work with the post office to create a system that sends a brief email or even a text to let you know if you’ve got mail.
3. Surveys/Online Idea Board: An anonymous space to share ideas or give feedback. Surveys to gauge level of interest on potential policy and a place to give feedback on my work with ASWC.
4. Pro Divest Whitman: Move investments from oil to renewable energy. I stand behind those working to improve the integrity of the claim that Whitman is a green campus.
5. Relay for Life: “Cancer doesn’t sleep, so neither should we.” Relay for Life is an all-night event to support those fighting cancer, remember those who have fought, and to prevent those who might from doing so. I would work to establish a Whitman College Relay for Life event to fundraise money for the American Cancer society. It’s a fun and significant way to make contributions to cancer research and treatment.
6. New mascot: Tired of being on top? Let’s change the ‘Fighting Missionaries’ to a more relatable and appropriate representation of us Whitties.

Let’s keep making Whitman great.

Thank you,

Erin Lopez

Jacob Case

Hometown: Beaverton, OR

Res Hall: Anderson

I like the idea of being attached to power. The essence of being a Whitman student is having limited amounts of power in regard to the workings of the school.  I am able to express some preference in some areas of my life here, but the fact remains that I depend on the institution’s approval to graduate.  If I were to attain at least minor influence at Whitman, that might make me feel good.

Thank you,

Jacob

Shannon Zander

Hometown: Colorado Springs, CO

Res Hall: Anderson

Whitman College is regarded as one of the healthiest colleges in America, yet it is impossible to find nutrition information about the food offered in the dining halls. We need to make this information readily available.

There are several ways of addressing this need:

1. A page on the Bon Appétit website
2. Brief information on the tags labeling the food
3. An iPhone or Android app that could track swipes and flex and list menus and hours of operation for the different dining halls

Whitman also needs to better document and describe the dorm rooms and accommodations provided by each residence hall so that incoming students can plan accordingly, which will ease their transition into college life.

I am confident in my ability to be a phenomenal liaison between the student body and the administration. I look forward to representing my peers.