This year’s first year representatives are Suveer Daswani, Caroline Duncombe, Chris Pieper, Tejas Singh and Diego Tamayo. 280 first years voted in the election. The range of votes hit some extremes: Duncombe, Singh and Daswani, who were the top three most voted-for candidates, received support from more than half of voters. Duncombe received 174 votes, gaining support from 62% of voters and more votes than any other candidate. Singh received 158 votes, Daswani received 148, Tamayo received 104, and Pieper received 84. For some, margins were close: Rachel Wilson-King—who campaigned by chalking sidewalks across campus—received 83, only one vote less than Pieper. The other candidates, in order of votes, were Chance Carnahan, Max Harrison, Annika Sanora, Cody Olson and Andie Wilhelm, who tied in second-to-last place, and Blaze Beecher. There were also 37 write-in votes.

Caroline Duncombe

“An issue that is important to me on campus are the dysfunctional hand dryers in the first year dorms that just warm up your hands before you just end up drying them on your pants. I am also a strong advocate for transparency of student government and hope to make the issues that are being talked about during our meetings even more open and maybe even televised so that every student may see what topics are being discussed that will change the campus. I didn’t run on a slate, and I don’t think any of them won the election. They all lived on the same floor and were in the same first year course, one of the policy classes. As for one thing that makes me distinct, well … I’m a Wisconsinite who loves rugby, dogs, cheese, travel and smiling. I am going to work hard to make this campus one where everyone can feel safe and at home.”

Tejas Singh

“As an MCSG rep, I plan on working harder towards student health and cleanliness services. I also wish to strengthen our recycling program and informing the college about waste dumping practices. Drug abuse is also something I wish to tackle.”

Suveer Daswani

“With the help of the library staff, I will do my best in making sure that the resource textbooks, at least a copy of each, are available for all courses and not only for the ‘more populated’ ones.

Meal-swipes are not available for students on the weekend, post and prior to brunch and dinner hours. I hope to bring in this service for all students. So for all you early-risers and all-nighters, when your stomach starts to growl, you’ll have a place to go!

I will continue to support and encourage one of Macalester’s most important campaign, ‘Not Anymore.’ I will initiate various discussions, activities and seminars with regard to the topic, in order to create not only a safer environment but also a happier one.”

Chris Pieper

“One of my main goals is to foster an environment of inclusiveness, comfort and welcome among all members of the first year class through programs and fun activities, promoting awareness of campus resources, and making sure all students have an equal and represented voice in campus policymaking. I plan to be active in working to make the campus more sustainable. I’m an approachable guy who likes to get to know people … come say hi! I consider myself a ‘practical visionary’ – I’ll work to come up with the best, most optimal solutions to issues while keeping reality in mind.”