Newly elected SGO student leaders

By Rafal Rogoza and Monir Khilla –

Student Government Organization (SGO) March 29th election results are in and a new student government prepares to serve the campus community for the up coming academic year.

“I cried..I cried, I was shaking, I was jumping up and down. I couldn’t believe it,” said the SGO President-elect Christian Diaz, 22, international business major from Union City.

SGO elections are held annually during the spring semester. SGO is the official student government assembly representing students, clubs, and organizations on campus. Student activities and events are coordinated by SGO.

A total of 618 ballots were cast for the three candidates running for SGO President. Diaz won with 257 votes – 42 percent of the total votes cast.

“If I could hug all of my supporters I would,” said Diaz, thankful to the students that stood behind his candidacy.

Diaz decided to run for SGO President after sitting on council last spring as junior class president and envisioning himself leading council.

Diaz said his motivation, determination, and passion separated him from the rest of the pack. He cites his professionalism and sociability as a determining factor for the win.

Diaz said the election was fair and tough, “[It was] the most difficult experience I had in my four years in NJCU.”

“I am currently working on my agenda for the up coming year,” said Diaz. He notes that participation is critical to a properly functioning student government.

“I can’t do it alone. We need your help, motivation, determination, and unity,” said Diaz.

Winner of the Executive Vice Presidency is Jennifer Peña, 21, Criminal Justice major from North Bergen.

“I was really surprised, it could have been anyone,” said Peña about the election results.

With two years of leadership experience in her sorority, Omega Phi Chi, Peña wanted to do more on campus and bring something new to SGO.

During her campaign, Peña made her presence felt on campus by speaking to students and giving them an opportunity to get to know her as well as their expectation of what SGO should be. For her successful election Peña also credits Maria Gomez. She also wants to thank Corrado DeVincenzo, who was newly elected as VP of Activities.

“I’m extremely happy, I’m going to bring my best to this position,” said Peña who feels her leadership experience will be beneficial to SGO.

Peña said she is open to suggestions and help from students that want to be more assertive on campus.

Jan Aguilos, 24, double major in Media Arts and Political Science from Secaucus won the Vice Presidency of Internal Affairs with 55% of the vote.

“I always thought it was going to be pretty close and it was pretty close,” said Aguilos. Wilton Jimenez, the opposing candidate, fell short by only 54 votes.

Aguilos considers his aggressive campaigning on campus and debate critical to his victory.

“The debate persuaded people who were going to vote for Wilton to vote for me,” said Aguilos.

During his campaign, Aguilos focused on specific issues that could be improved on campus such as Wi-Fi accessibility, handicap entrances, and rising food prices.

According to Aguilos, students who lost the election should still be student leaders.

“Being elected to a position isn’t the be all and end all,” said Aguilos.

With 53% of the vote, Alvert Hernandez, 19, Secondary Education major from Union City won the Freshman Class Presidency. Only 33 votes separated Hernandez from the runner up Sinia Amanonce.

“I was excited, it was great to win the election,” said Hernandez, “I enjoyed the debate. I hope Sinia doesn’t disappear. I hope we can work together to make the entire campus better.”

Lack of freshman participation at student council meetings and campus events motivated Hernandez to step up to the plate and lead his classmates.

“We need to bring freshman to school and we need to find creative ideas because freshman need to be more active on campus instead of just coming to school and going home,” said Hernandez.

Hernandez believes his serious approach to the election, poise during the debate, and his supporters helped him win the election.

“I want to say thank you to all my supporters. I really appreciate that they supported me and it’s great to see that people believe in you,” said Hernandez.

Mack Do, 21, Criminal Justice major from Jersey City was the runner up for the Senior Class Presidency.

“I’m not upset that I lost, but I’m content,” said Do who has served this academic year as the VP of Activities.

Do is thankful for the support he received from voters but feels he could have done more during the campaign.

“I want to say thank you to all my faithful supporters. Just because I lost doesn’t mean I will slow down,” said Do, “I want to direct my efforts to help the community as a whole, besides, leaders can take a loss as well.”