ASWWU elections

Student association chooses leaders for 2018-19

On Feb. 27, the Associated Students of Walla Walla University voted for candidates to fill the top four ASWWU leadership positions for the 2018-19 academic year. Congratulations to officers-elect Katelyn Folkenberg, president; Evelyn Ouro-Rodrigues, vice president; Lindsey Haffner, spiritual vice president; and Madilyn Malott, social vice president, on their election.

“I feel so honored to have been elected to this position and being one of the four women elected to be leaders of ASWWU only adds to that honor,” says Folkenberg, junior social work major. “To me, this means that ASWWU has a special opportunity to be an example to each student and to surrounding universities.” Folkenberg’s campaign focused on promoting student involvement in ASWWU—of each student “being a crucial part of a whole”—and promised students that, “with your help, ASWWU will Pursue Progress and Inspire Involvement in the 2018-19 school year.”

“I was so impressed by the level of professionalism and interest in all of our candidates this year,” says Hilary Catlett, assistant vice president for student life, dean of students, and ASWWU advisor. “I know that these students are each bringing their own passions, strengths and excitement to ASWWU. I’m excited to see how their collaborative efforts grow our student association this year.”

The election of women to all of ASWWU’s top leadership positions is a first-time landmark for the organization and provides unique opportunities to WWU. “I hope that having all females elected will impact ASWWU next year in such a way that more females will become involved not just at Walla Walla University, but in our community,” says Folkenberg. Catlett shares similar sentiments, saying, “Working as the ASWWU sponsor is the most enjoyable and rewarding part of my job. Having strong female representation and leadership is exciting to me as we dream about the future of our student association, institution, and church!”

The theme of student involvement is key in the plans of Ouro-Rodrigues, Haffner, and Malott as well. Ouro-Rodrigues, senior bioengineering and French double major, promises relevant use of ASWWU funds, a goal that must be informed by student input. “We cannot be effective without your voice,” she says.

Haffner, senior English, French, and religion triple major, promises an ASWWU that is “personal, productive,” and “passionate” and looks forward to “providing personable, one-on-one interaction with the students of WWU.”

Malott, junior forensic psychology and business double major, values bringing students together, “fostering friendships and encouraging involvement on campus,” and promises to provide a broad variety of activities to accommodate the myriad personalities that make up the Associated Students of Walla Walla University.

Posted March 12, 2018

The officers elect will pursue student involvement. According to Folkenberg, "approachability, integration, and community are the words I want to be connected with ASWWU."

Left to right: Madilyn Malott, social vice president; Katelyn Folkenberg, president; Evelyn Ouro-Rodrigues, vice president; and Lindsey Haffner, spiritual vice president.