Candidates running with the Revolution Party for ASUU elections hope to unite students by helping them realize that many student groups face similar challenges.
Tayler Clough, a junior in history and political science, is the party’s presidential candidate. Clough has been involved with the Associated Students of the University of Utah since his freshman year, including serving as the director for the campus relations board. He most recently served on the ASUU outreach and assessment board, which performs surveys for student government. He hopes he can serve students by encouraging them to be actively involved on campus.
“It is very important to be active,” Clough said. “ASUU can do something, it can make a difference. If all students became involved on campus, regardless of their particular group or club, they would see that other student groups function in a very similar way as they do.”
Rachel Rizzo, a fifth-year senior in finance and the party’s vice presidential candidate, said when she first came to the U, she didn’t immediately jump into activities that were offered. After seeing her friends participate in student activities, she understood the importance of being involved.
“When I first got here, I was strictly a student,” Rizzo said. “I realized quickly that my college experience would not be the same as my friends’ unless I reached out. I had to get beyond my comfort level. Only then did I realize how many opportunities are really out there for students and how much we all have in common.”
Rizzo cited her involvement as a member of the Pi Beta Phi sorority, as well as serving as vice president of the Panhellenic Council, as examples of how she has improved her college experience by getting involved.
Quentin Hodges, a junior in exercise and sport science, is the party’s senior class presidential candidate. He said he hopes his experience with social awareness will serve him well as he helps a variety of groups across campus.
“I hope to help students in a different capacity,” Hodges said. “Most students don’t know where to go to get involved. They don’t know what ASUU does, or how it can help them. My hope is that we can change that.”
Hodges has been involved with a variety of student groups by serving in capacities such as a peer facilitator. He said he especially loves associating with first-year students. The energy they bring, coupled with the excitement they have, shows that anyone can make a difference, he said.
By working together, the group hopes to reach across traditional divisions on campus and unite students under a common objective.
“From the first time we were together, we realized that we have the ability to represent the entire campus,” Rizzo said. “We have been a part of a variety of groups, from upper campus to lower campus. We have been a part of Greek Row and of traditionally under-represented groups. We want to help them all.”
Taylor Clough
Rachel Rizzo
Quentin Hodges