Election Candidates

Sophomore Class Representative
Junior Class Representative
Senior Class Representative
Secretary
Treasurer
Student Liaison to Decorah City
Diversity Rep. for Race and Ethnicity
Diversity Rep. for Culture and Religion
Diversity Rep. for Gender and Sexuality

Ian Andre-Knutson - Sophomore Class Representative

As a former Sports team captain, I have had many experiences helping to lead and represent a team well. After being on many sports teams, I heavily value dedication and hard-work and would like to exemplify that energy into my work as a class representative. After participating on LUFDA my freshman year, I have experienced an even higher level of work-ethic and commitment. After talking to Mr. President Esker, it was shocking to see how little funding activities received compared to other schools in Iowa, especially when you think of how successful some of our student-led groups are. Each of us dug deep into our pocket in order to attend this highly academic college, yet it seems as if the money could be used more efficiently to help supply more resources for students to succeed in and outside of the classroom.

Tom Breen - Sophomore Class Representative

Tom Breen grew up in the Northwest suburbs of Chicago. He was abandoned by his father at the age of nine and struggled for years; but with hard work he has found a better life here at Luther, thanks to this abilities on the soccer field and in the classroom. As a member of the Luther Norse soccer team, Tom Breen plans to connect the student-athlete body with the Student Senate. He envisions that the voice of the student-athletes will be heard and better associated with the Student Senate. Along with this, he plans to connect the student-athlete community with the entire Luther community. Expand and open the eyes of Luther student-athletes, this is Tom Breen's mission.

Elyssa Eull - Sophomore Class Representative

My name is Elyssa Eull, and I am enthusiastic about doing all I can to contribute positively to the Luther College community. I have much experience leading and collaborating with people from the activities I participated in in high school. I actively participated in student council, National Honor Society, gymnastics, and multiple musical groups. My experience leading comes from being president of Student Council, Concert Choir, and Class President. As a student senate candidate, I bring positivity, collaborative abilities, and a passion to listen to and learn from my fellow Luther community members. I have a desire to make Luther the best place it can be by allowing all voices to be heard.

Erik Hahn - Sophomore Class Representative

Erik Hahn is a first-year at Luther College majoring in Philosophy and Biology. His interests include rock climbing, environmental sustainability, and the effect that poverty and disease have in developing countries. Since arriving at Luther, Erik has become active in Norsemen, Health Science and Philosophy Club, i-Impact Now, and Residence Life. If elected as a Sophomore Class Representative, Erik Hahn would advocate for the interests of sophomores. Drawing upon his past experience, at Iowa Hawkeye Boy's State where he was elected Senate Majority Leader, Erik aims to represent the concerns of the student body, disseminating the sophomore class's goals, and bringing together other Class Representatives to promote effective responses to Luther College's needs. Erik seeks the advancement of the sophomore class, their ideas, and goals by representing them in Student Senate.

Phil Hanson - Sophomore Class Representative

Philip Hanson currently serves on Student Senate as a First Year Representative for Brandt Hall, and as Co-Chair of the Senate Communications Committee. Philip also sings with the Norsemen, works for the Phonathon campaign in the Development Office, and serves on the SAC Executive Board as Co-Chair of SAC Publicity. I hope, as Sophomore Representative, and continuing with the Communications Committee, to make Senate more visible to the Student body, make sure that people are aware of what Senate is doing, and inspire them to be active members of our community. Senate serves and supports the Luther Community, but our initiatives don't help unless Students know about them. I hope to make Senate more public, and get more Students educated on what Student Senate is doing for them.

Hannah Garry - Sophomore Class Representative

I am a first year Environmental Studies major who enjoys math and animals. I grew up in Minneapolis, MN. I write for CHIPS and play for Freya, the women's Ultimate Frisbee team. I love that at Luther people are passionate about and involved in many different things. I think that creating an atmosphere of inclusion and acceptance is important. At Luther I found a community in being a member of a club sport. I want to promote other student groups that help students feel the same way and make sure every student feels that they have a place on campus. As class representative I would work to promote diversity on campus and disability awareness as well as the opinions and ideas of my peers.

Ryan Goos - Sophomore Class Representative

My name is Ryan Goos - I am majoring in both Spanish and International Studies, and I would really like to be a college professor in the future. I play bari sax in Wind and Percussion Ensemble, and I am involved in various groups on campus such as PALs and Brandt Hall Council. My ideal goal, if elected to Student Senate, would be to make sure that every student gets the most out of their experience at Luther. This means that I would be very responsive to the ideas and suggestions that are brought to me by my peers, and that I would do my absolute best to help bring about the change that the students want to see.

Ashley Kappers - Sophomore Class Representative

My name is Ashley Kappers, and I am currently a first-year at Luther. I am from Spring Valley, Minnesota. At Luther, I am a Psychology major and currently involved in Cantorei, Student Senate, and am a Student Manager at Marty's. In Senate, I am the First-Year Representative of Ylvisaker Hall, Co-Chair of the Communications Committee, and on the Student Senate Executive Board. As a re-elected member of the Student Senate, I will continue my work to help Luther College, its students, and student organizations to fulfill their goals, and continue to advocate a well-rounded college body. It is my goal to make Luther College the best it can possibly be for everyone apart of this campus. To do this, I continue to listen to suggestions, concerns, and ideas brought to me by students and staff. As a re-elected member, I will also continue my hard work to act swiftly and promptly to provide resources, give guidance, and act upon the situations and projects brought to my attention.

Carl Bates - Junior Class Representative

Carl Bates is a Political Science and Religion major. He is a member of Concert Band, a Student Manager in the Caf and is a DJ at KWLC. Starting in the fall at KWLC, he will be Promotions Manager and also will be the editor for the 'AM', the radio stations monthly publication. As a Junior Class representative, I will place a strong emphasis on student engagement in the Luther community. I will advocate for students and student organizations to help them achieve their goals by providing a voice and a platform through which they can articulate their input and concerns.

Travis Houle - Junior Class Representative

With majors in Environmental Studies and Biology, Travis has come to love the beauty found on Luther's campus, and certainly considers Decorah his home. He is heavily involved in Track & Field, Cross Country, KWLC Radio, Sustainability, Student Senate and The Clay Studio downtown. As a Junior Class Representative, I will support the voices of students from all beliefs, cultures and orientations. Working with individuals and organizations across campus, I will act to further the interests and ideas of students from all backgrounds. Collaborating with faculty, staff and the administration, I will not only ensure that student voice is heard but that it is also acted upon. I will stand to give all students here at Luther a say.

Libby Logsden - Junior Class Representative

My name is Libby Logsden and I'm an Accounting and Management double major from Iowa City, IA. I enjoy serving on Student Senate, as the Vice President of SAC, on the Executive Board of APO, and playing Ultimate Frisbee! I feel I would make positive contributions to Student Senate because I have many ideas, would represent my class to the best of my abilities, and am motivated to follow projects to their completion. I also have experience as I have served as a class representative for the past three semesters as well as serving as the Student Life Committee Chair to the Executive Board for the past three semesters. Thank you for your consideration!

Connor Mattison - Junior Class Representative

My name is Connor Mattison and I am from Blair, Wisconsin. I am currently a sophomore at Luther studying Environmental Studies. I stay involved on campus by participating in Choir, and Student Philanthropy Council. I want to be a part of Student Senate because I have always enjoyed student government. I have been apart of Student Council in high school and have also held leading positions within various student groups. I have always prided myself as a person who cares deeply of what others have to say and believe that I would be a great asset to the senate as I would bring in outside opinions of other students.

Owen Neubauer - Junior Class Representative

My name is Owen Neubauer and I would like to represent the Class of 2015 in the Luther College Student Senate. I am a history and political science double major with additional academic interests in biology and religion. I have participated in PALS, LC Republicans, the Shooting Sports Club and have assisted the admissions office as a tour guide for special events. As a Decorah native, I am often referred to as a 'townie' for those who know me. I am confident I could make a positive contribution to Student Senate for a variety of reasons. For example, I believe that the current student senate lacks some perspective. As a more conservative minded student, I'm not suggesting that my opinions and posture on issues is always right, but I do believe other voices need to be heard. Healthy debate and discussion on any given topic or proposal is an important part of the democratic process. I also want to carefully investigate how student money is spent. I feel as though students should have more say in determining where their dollars go.

Lydon Smit - Junior Class Representative

As an executive member of ISAA at Luther, Lydon Smit describes his years here at Luther College as being intellectually invigorating and culturally unique. He has taken full advantage of the diversified campus life at Luther by joining several student organizations and participating in campus-wide activities. Living in the residence halls has allowed him to mingle with people of many different backgrounds and experiences. He strongly believes that his education and involvement at Luther will prepare him for medical school and beyond. Transparency between students and student senate is an important goal I wish to achieve as a Class representative. I intend to listen to the needs of the Luther College Student Body and take responsive action in order to continuously improve campus life and encourage an environment of collaboration and teamwork in order to witness positive change. Establishing some level of integration amongst the various student organizations at Luther College is important for the efficient dissemination of information and increased connectivity of the members of the student body to one another.

Margaret Steinberg - Junior Class Representative

I am a sophomore from Portland, Oregon. I used to be a camp counselor in northern Minnesota and this past J-Term I was an intern in Washington, D.C. I am a member of APO and love hiking around Decorah, watching movies, and eating at the Co-op! I would be honored to represent the class of 2015 on Student Senate. There is a lot of energy and passion in my peers that can be directed toward common goals to make life at Luther even more inspiring and connected. I am ready and willing to hear how the junior class experiences community life at Luther, and will work to make their voices heard in Student Senate.

Hans Becklin - Senior Class Representative

Hans Becklin ’14 majors in History and is passionate about student organizations. He has served as a leader in Student Senate, College Ministries, College Democrats, and lived in Sustainability House. This year, he served as chair of the Senate’s Student Life committee before leaving for a semester abroad in Malta. If given the opportunity to return to Senate, I would propose specific, needed reforms. I strongly support reconsideration of how we fund student organizations. I also propose changes in Luther’s alcohol policy--primarily, that being in a room where of-age individuals are drinking should not be an alcohol violation. This policy only serves to encourage binge drinking and to discourage friendships between those who are of-age and those who are not.

Nate Converse - Senior Class Representative

I am currently a Junior Political Science major, minoring in Economics and Religion. On campus, I am involved in PALs, Pi Sigma Alpha (Political Science National Honor Society), and also Co-President of Luther's Ultimate Frisbee team; at the same time, I work to help manage Luther's social media accounts on Facebook and Twitter. As a member and leader on Luther's Ultimate Frisbee team, I understand the difficulties that student organizations on campus face regarding funding and recognition. My goal for being on Student Senate is to bring this to the attention of the college administration in an attempt to help our student organizations prosper and encourage the growth of more associations. In this way, and others, I am committed to bring a more direct student voice to the decision-making process at Luther.

Clara Lind - Senior Class Representative

I am a triple major in political science, french, and international studies and I am excited to be running again for student senate as a class representative! I have been on Senate for two years already, and I can't wait to serve my last year at Luther as a senior class representative. I will work as senior class representative to communicate with my peers and act as a liaison between senate and the Luther community. Since I have been on Senate for two years previously, I know the ways to effectively use meeting times and communicate with my classmates. I am optimistic about being able to change building hours for the library and Olin, so that students can effectively use their time in these academic buildings. I will also work on student funding, and how to better help and fund student organizations. I look forward to being able to serve the Luther community again!

Samuel Matheson - Senior Class Representative

Sam Matheson, a junior at Luther, was born and raised in Albert Lea, Minnesota. He is a Management and Spanish double major and is an active member of Entrepreneurship Club and Sigma Chi Theta. Outside of school, he enjoys spending time with his family and friends, the outdoors and sports. Student government has always intrigued me; I appreciate the fact that members of the student body can represent their fellow students regarding important campus issues. With the uncertainties surrounding the upcoming presidential leadership of the college, the Luther community may ask more of Student Senate in the approaching year than ever before. I want to get involved with Student Senate in order to have a more direct, positive impact on Luther College.

Andrew Streck - Senior Class Representative

I am a political science and math double major with an interest in public policy. On campus I am in several vocal ensembles, and I would love to get involved with Student Senate this upcoming school year. As a member of student senate, I hope to help bring more transparency into student government. This body is capable of bringing meaningful change to Luther, and I want to be part of the group who can relay the concerns of the students to those who are in positions to enact changes.

Grace Swanson - Senior Class Representative

I am a psychology and WGST double major from WDM, IA. In my time at Luther, I have been involved in LC fems and Launching Luther Leaders. This year I have taken the responsibility of being the President of Believing and Achieving. As a student leader, I feel comfortable speaking to those in positions of power about student issues around campus. I have been working with multiple faculty members on various projects throughout my time at Luther regarding matters that pertain to the safety of the student body. These experiences have provided me with the various skills and resources to succeed in being a voice for my class.

Leif Vandersteen - Senior Class Representative

My name is Leif Vandersteen. I am a Junior Sociology major, and I would like to think of myself as both a people person and an avid outdoorsman. I study people and their motivations, and I understand what is important to both my peers and my friends. A policy that affects every Luther student is Luther's Alcohol policy. We have all been taught how to live a healthy lifestyle from Fit and Well, but a lot of us consume alcohol regardless. Luther strives to protect us, but it falls short when we are threatened with punitive measure for being underage or drinking too much. We should be able to get help when we need it the most, without fear of getting in trouble.

Sam Wettach - Senior Class Representative

As a Decorah native, son of a faculty member, and fourth child in my family to attend Luther, I can bring a unique perspective to the Student Senate that balances the student, faculty, and Decorah perspectives on student and student organization issues. I believe that the Student Senate needs to improve its productivity and enhance its ability to serve Luther students and student organizations. Having spent a semester off campus in DC, participated in and worked for a varsity sport, and participated in choir, I can bring an vision to enhance the Luther experience for students while maintaining a perspective to the reforms necessary for Student Senate to function productively for the student body it represents.

Riley Jamison - Senior - Secretary

My name is Riley Jamison and I will be a senior next year. I originally hail from Wisconsin and am a biology education major. I am currently a resident assistant in Olson Hall, a member of Luther's Track and Field team, and have also participated in Aurora and Cathedral choir. Most importantly though I love talking with people and learning what they have to teach me. I feel that I am not alone when I say that I love Luther College and would be honored to spend my senior year giving back to the place and the people in it that have taught me so much. Students need not spend their time here as passive observers, but rather deserve to have their voices heard and opinions accounted for. I genuinely want to hear out my peers' concerns and ideas and to represent them to the best of my ability as secretary.

Lauren Schwitters - Senior - Secretary

My name is Lauren Schwitters and I am (currently) a junior at Luther College. I am a biology pre-med major with a minor in chemistry. Since being enrolled at Luther I have been active in musical ensembles, PALs, productions (such as Vagina monologues) and other involved groups on campus. I decided to run for Secretary of Student Senate because I have a desire to become more involved in the decision making, in regards to students, that occurs on campus. I believe I am a good candidate for this position as I have the skills and work ethic necessary for the promptness that is required. I am organized and capable of taking a leadership position when necessary. I want to be more active on campus.

Dietrich Jessen - Junior - Treasurer

My name is Dietrich Jessen and I am currently a sophomore at Luther College studying Accounting and Business Management. I hail from the great southern metropolis of Lake Charles, Louisiana, which is located in the southwestern corner of the state. I am an active member of the Nordic Choir, and I currently serve as one of the SAC Homecoming Co-Chairs for the 2013-2014 school year. I am pleased to announce my candidacy for the Student Senate position of Treasurer for the 2013-14 school year at Luther College. I find myself highly qualified for this position, as I was the treasurer for my high school student council for four years and I am a current Accounting student here at Luther. I promise to be fair and balanced when it comes to controlling a budget for the academic year, and I guarantee that I will be available to discuss any discrepancies or concerns that may arise among fellow senators. I look forward to serving the Luther community in this capacity.

Nicholas Krasky - Senior - Treasurer

I am currently a junior majoring in Economics. I am an active member of the Luther community as a choral member, RA, and founder of a student organization. My background in investments makes me a highly qualified candidate for the position. I have a strong background in finance through the founding of the Luther College Student Investment Group as well as real-world experience in financial markets. I am budget-conscious, goal-oriented, and ardently believe that the value proposition of Luther College can be further advanced by an effective student government.

Max Kemp - Sophomore - Student Liaison to Decorah City Council

Born in the Winneshiek Medical Center on May 9th, 1994, Max Kemp quickly learned to love his city. In school he was involved in numerous activities. He lived in Decorah for his entire life and enjoyed the community so dearly he decided to attend Luther College. Having lived in Decorah my entire life I find I know the city quite well. I have worked numerous jobs from Mabe's to Fareway and even the local USDA. I am familiar with many of those in power and know how the city likes to run. Proper communication has always been important to me and I would like to extend that to this position. Most importantly, I would like the opportunity to properly represent Luther.

Adam Sorenson - Senior - Student Liaison to Decorah City Council

2014 Graduate from Plymouth, MN majoring in Political Science and Economics with minors in Spanish and Computer Science. Currently the action Student Liaison to the Decorah City Council, and radio host for KWLC. I also produce a local radio show for KPVL, and the Northeast Iowa Peace and Justice Center. I will continue to represent the will of the students to the Decorah City Council and work with the city and Student Senate to provide the best outcome to everyone in situations where conflicts arise. I will work to make sure the wants and needs of the student population are attended to, and that students are well aware of the actions of the Student and City Councils, and how these actions could affect them.

Sam Ward - Junior - Student Liaison to Decorah City Council

I am a current sophomore Political Science and Religion major with a minor in International Studies. I am interested in many aspects of the college, student life and how cities function. I have experience with various SAC committees and am President of a student volunteer organization, Students Helping Our Community (SHOC). I am greatly interested in how the college functions in relation to its community of Decorah. As President of a student organization, Students Helping Our Community, I am involved with the community at large and seek to serve it in another, more formal position. I will be interning this summer doing public policy research for the city of Des Moines and hope I can use that knowledge, coupled with prior experience, to better the relations between the college and the community.

Claudia Calderon - Junior - Diversity Rep. for Race and Ethnicity

I am Claudia Calderon an international student from Bolivia. I am a double major in Economics and Management. I am a member of the Student Activities Council, I am currently co-chair for publicity and former co-chair for diversity. I am a UWC alumni graduated from UWC Red Cross Nordic in Norway. My goal as Diversity Representative for Race and Ethnicity, is to engage international and intercultural understanding on campus. Luther College is an excellent place to share and learn from different cultures, backgrounds and identities As Diversity Representative, I will like show to the Luther community how important is to share and celebrate our differences. I am an open mind person who values every opinion because I believe that every person is important to make Luther a better place.

Ruonan Zheng - Junior - Diversity Rep. for Race and Ethnicity

I am Ruonan, an International student from China. It's almost my fourth year of studying abroad in the US. I am majoring in International Studies and potentially English/Communication minor. I like to discuss different culture and racial issue in different forms of language. I am passionate about what media is effective to address those issues, especially interested in reading social, cultural, political issues through the lens of camera. After last year of being in Student Senate, I became more motivated about making a change of this institution in my voice. I have a lot of ideas of making a change of the racial and ethnicity issues, especially the social and cultural gap between international students and American students here at Luther College.

Melody Elele - Sophomore - Diversity Rep. for Culture and Religion

My name is Melody Elele. Currently I am a sophomore at Luther College and I am an economics major. During my free time I love bike riding, cooking and talking with my friends. I enjoy talking about different issues because I aspire to work for my government. The experience I have gained from living in more than one country has given me an opportunity to experience different forms of cultures and modes of life styles. This experience has made me better equipped to help people. I believe that spending two years in the Luther community has helped me develop a strong foundation about this institution and enables me to represent the student body. I am interested in diversity issues and I want to represent the minorities in the Luther community. I would like to share information and issues regarding diversity in the Luther Campus.

Marilyn Garces Basantes - Sophomore - Diversity Rep. for Culture and Religion

My name is Marilyn Garces Basantes from Quito, Ecuador. I attended the United World College Red Cross Nordic in Norway for two years. I attended Luther with the full hope of accomplishing a career that will prepare me to contribute to the economic and human development of my homeland. Currently I am a freshman student creating my own major called International Development Studies. One of the most important understandings I got being a part of student international communities in different countries for more than two years, is that cultural and religious differences could be a unique bridge that connects wonderful worlds and not walls that separate them. I am running to be diversity representative because, I am aware of how important it is to promote active cultural and religious interaction between students with diverse backgrounds in order to increase their understanding of each other's differences, but more important similarities.

KH. Muhtasim Utsho - Junior - Diversity Rep. for Culture and Religion

Being a former president of the Muslim Students Association and Allies, Khandaker Muhtasim Utsho is a person who, above all, values cultural experience. Experiencing student life with American, multicultural, and international student bodies, Utsho learned to respect the differences and to embrace the similarities present in their cultures. He is also involved with the student organizations Paigaam and Ethnic Beats, and is very much open to numerous new and enlightening experiences. Culture is what defines how we live our lives, and religion is a very important aspect of culture. Cultural diversity is what makes us who we are, which is why I would like to celebrate the value of diversity by being an effective mediator between the senate and the cultural groups associated with cultural and religious diversity. Representation is the goal of this position, and I think there is no higher pleasure than representing what makes us who we are.

Marley Crossland - Junior - Diversity Rep. for Gender and Sexuality

Marley Crossland is a sophomore Women's and Gender Studies major, Writing minor. She is involved in many activities, such as choir, PRIDE, Luther College Feminists, and Luther College Ballroom/Swing Club in addition to Student Senate. Through her various involvements, she attempts to make the campus environment welcoming to all. While Luther College is generally an accepting environment, Marley's goal as a Diversity Representative for Gender and Sexuality would be highlighting the sometimes-silenced voices of LGBTQ students at Luther. Marley hopes to continue her previous work in this position by further advocating for more inclusive housing options, and encouraging re-examination of campus policy regarding LGBTQ students and staff through the Campus Pride Index. As always, she hopes to faithfully represent a diverse range of student voices.

Jesus H Lucero - Sophomore - Diversity Rep. for Gender and Sexuality

Jesus H. Lucero is a first year, double majoring in Psychology and Music Performance. He is from Colorado. When he isn't hitting the books or locked up in a practice room, Jesus enjoys great talks, hiking, running, and simply being outdoors. As a representative of the Diversity for Gender and Sexuality, Jesus firmly grasps these ideas of diversity. Although Luther has turned to accepting and inclusion, there is more to be done to include those that still feel singled out to separated. He advocates strongly for the achievement of equality and representation for those who stay silent when they need to be heard.

Eyala Mbella Manga - Sophomore - Diversity Rep. for Gender and Sexuality

My name is Eyala Manga, I am from Cameroon and I am a freshman in Luther College, Majoring in International Studies and Environmental Science. I like to spend time with my friends during the weekend and watch French comedies. I enjoy working with people from different backgrounds. My dream is to work for an NGO and serve my country, and my community. I am confident that my first semester in Luther College has been a great experience that afforded me the opportunity of knowing what I am capable of accomplishing. I am running to be the Diversity Representative for Gender and Sexuality not only because our society today leaves no space for the public to discuss the flaws of Gender and Sexuality, but also because Equality before the law is an important value to me since a young age. I believe in the idea that we should all have access to basic rights and should be all treated fairly despite our sexual orientation or gender identity.