Editor’s Note8212;This is the final part in a three-part series featuring the parties running in Associated Students of the University of Utah elections.
Candidates from the Synergy Party are looking to generate student involvement within ASUU by providing a fresh perspective in representing students.
Party leaders said that by not working for the current Associated Students of the University of Utah administration, students will see them as having a fresh voice and more representation of the student body as a whole.
Clint Hugie, a junior in business and the party’s presidential candidate, said that if college students feel as though they are involved and can make a difference, they are much more motivated to impact their surroundings in a positive way.
“College is the most exciting time of young people’s lives,” Hugie said. “Students are excited about the challenges before them, and want to make a difference. We must take advantage of that energy and enthusiasm to help build a better campus.”
Hugie said he hopes that by helping students better understand how they are represented, they will be more likely to become involved. He said ASUU provides a wide range of ways for people to make a difference if they want to.
Hugie has participated in activities across campus, including acting as an orientation leader and as outreach coordinator for the Bennion Community Service Center. He also served on the Honors Student Advisory Council and is involved in the Residence Hall Association.
Katie Kormanik, a junior in math and the vice presidential candidate for the party, agrees that college is about more than just studying. She wants students to realize that when they become involved in activities around them, they can make a difference.
“It is the people you meet and the things you go through that makes your college experience what it is,” Kormanik said. “Students don’t know where to go to get involved, but they want to help. They are excited to make improvements in the world around them, but some of them just don’t know how.”
Liz Oldroyd, a junior in art history and the party’s candidate for senior class president, said she hopes students will see the group as providing an alternative perspective to traditional ASUU policies.
“One of the main advantages we have is that we are not a part of ASUU right now,” Oldroyd said. “This allows us to see things from a different perspective and provide an outside voice for students.”
She said that by being involved in activities across campus, the party can understand the viewpoint of groups that are not traditionally represented. They hope that students will then feel more inclined to become involved in decisions that impact them because they feel that their voice is being heard, she said.
“If we can get the ball rolling, who knows how much we can accomplish?” Hugie asked. “Hopefully it will snowball and build on each other. Excitement is contagious. Everyone wants to help in one way or another. We just need to help people know how they can contribute.”
Clint Hugie
Kate Kormani
Liz Oldroyd