The second annual SGA debates were held in Shamblin Theatre Monday night with SGA and Lumination Network once again co-sponsoring the event.
The centerpiece of the evening was the debate between presidential candidates Taylor Cao and Drew Watson.
The candidates expressed their opinions on a number of oft-discussed topics on Lipscomb’s campus such as academics, students dealing with the various events held on campus, Lipscomb’s alcohol policy and the school’s parking issues.
Watson, the incumbent SGA vice president, touched on his previous experience with SGA, as well what he hopes to implement if elected president.
“I think that experience is something that I have, and that is very valuable, especially for the president position,” Watson said. “I think that leading an organization requires you to be knowledgeable about it, be knowledgeable about its functions and about its responsibilities.
“I’ve learned a lot this year as vice president, so I definitely think I would be able to hit the ground running this summer.”
Watson says he hopes to use the role to be a servant for the Lipscomb community.
“I think that the president role should be a means of service, and I believe that I will do a great job serving the student body,” Watson said. “I’m not doing this for the title. I’m not doing this because it will look good on a resume. I’m doing this because I truly believe I could serve the student body in this role.”
Cao, who served as an active SGA member for the first time this semester, also expressed the plans he has for his potential presidency, along with why he decided to run for the office.
“A few months ago, I asked myself why I wanted to run for SGA president,” Cao said. “I think the one word that comes to mind is experience. Yes, I don’t have a lot of experience with SGA itself. I will be the first to admit that. But I have experience with this community.
“I’ve been a tour guide for three years. I was the tour guide for some of you. I’ve shown you around this campus. I’ve shown you my dorm. I’ve been a part of the process of getting you to this university. I’ve been your R.A. I’ve helped you move into this campus.
“Now that I’m a rising senior, I want to leave this campus better than I found it. I want to serve you all. I have a very hard work ethic. I give 100 percent in what I do, whether its admissions, R.A., social clubs or anything else. I can always do what’s asked of me and beyond.”
Before the debate, candidates for the offices of vice president, treasurer and secretary introduced themselves to the crowd, as did all of the potential senators.
Each of the candidates for senator answered getting-to-know you questions, while the officer candidates spoke to the audience on why they should be elected. The vice presidential candidates further elaborated on how they would help the school if elected.
Vice presidential candidates included Julia Allen, Samha Siddiqui, Kimberly Keen, Mary Kathryn Charlton and Seth Carey.
Shilpa Naruka, Ariel Vinson, Hannah Passamonte, Jessica Smotherman, Jamie Keiser and Margaret Rox were the secretary candidates.
The office of treasurer only had two candidates, Melissa Parrish and Aparna Joshi.
Lumination live-streamed night’s the events. Members of the audience and viewers at home were encouraged to ask the candidates questions using the hashtag #LipscombPresDebates on Twitter. Lumination editor-in-chief Cory Woodroof was the moderator for the evening.
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Carousel photo and gallery credit: Bridgette Begle