The Northern Star distributed questionnaires to candidates running for Student Association president.

The following information was taken from those questionnaires:

Luis Zaragoza

Contact information: [email protected]

Major/minor: Political science and pre-law

Party affiliation: Democrat

Other activities: College Democrats, Omega Delta Fraternity

Qualifications: “U.S. Army; served in Iraq. I know I can get anything done.”

Why do you feel you would be best for the job? “I listen. If the student body has complaints, I would fix it. It’s as simple as that. I work well in a team, which is needed if I become president. Finally, after serving in Iraq, I realized that anything I undertook would be easy. Therefore, I would take this job with enthusiasm and energy better than anyone else.”

What are your goals for the SA?

“I want to make NIU better and to tend to the students’ needs. I want to be the voice of the students.”

What can you offer the student body in this position? “Leadership and vision.”

Aaron Michael Funfsinn

Contact information: [email protected]

Major/minor: Political science and history

Party Affiliation: Republican

Other activities: Member of the NIU College Republicans and NIU Judicial Board.

Qualifications: “I have prior experience in student government at Rock Valley College, 2006 candidate for vice president of the NIU Student Association.”

Why do you feel you would be best for the job? “Instead of relying on the wisdom of every student, the current SA pursues policies which, when criticized for not reflecting that wisdom, are justified by minimal participation in elections. As a candidate unaffiliated with a slate, I pledge that my actions will conform to the interests of just one interest – the student. I will restore integrity to the presidency by appointing only those applicants who are qualified and able to carry out tasks that affect everyone. Appointments by connection will end.”

Jarvis Purnell

Contact information: [email protected]

Major: Industrial engineering technology

Party Affiliation: Did not submit an affiliation

Other Activities: n/a

Qualifications: “I am a current SA treasurer, former SA director of student life, former SA senator, and current president of the Black Male Initiative. These positions have enabled me to become familiar with SA rules, precedence, and has allowed me the opportunity to work for and with the students and hear their concerns.”

What are your goals for SA? “To improve the relationship between the SA and the general student body. I would like to have the SA feel more open and accessible to all students. Get the SA more involved with the surrounding DeKalb community and community service.”

What can you offer the student body in this position? “I am an honest and genuine person. I am always willing to help students with whatever is necessary. My philosophy is that the students come first, and with that in mind, I will always hold their interest at hand. The skills I have learned in my current and former positions have motivated to continue to be a worker and an advocate for student rights and interests.”