Naomi Girson | staff writer

In just a week, the Student Government Association will elect a new president and executive board for the next year.

The SGA election will be on March 19, and voting can be done on campus link. Their next meeting, on March 26, will be in between the election and inauguration, to serve as a transition before the new administration steps in.

The two prospective presidents are both freshmen, Nick Miller and Mwango Kasuba.

Faith Cook, outgoing SGA president said that it is quite unusual for both presidential candidates to be first-year students, but she still feels confident about passing the SGA torch to either one.

Miller has a full ticket, and Kasuba has all but one position filled, though voters are free to vote for members of each ticket.

They will not hold a debate for the candidates, but both have different campaigns. Miller is heading the advocacy party, while Kasuba represents the culture party.

The inauguration will be held on April 2 at 5:30 p.m. at Moonlit Burgers, and anyone is free to attend.

Cook, at her last official meeting as president, spoke about SGA’s growth this year.

“It’s been really really fulfilling to watch this room fill up more and more throughout the year and watch our events be super active, and see you guys be so engaged,” Cook said. “And be here sharing your opinion, giving your voice, giving your thoughts and feedback because what you’re doing matters.”

Cook, along with many other SGA members will receive awards at the annual Spirit of Community Celebration (previously known as the Spirit of Diversity Celebration). It will be held on April 4 in the Power Center ballroom. The event is open, but attendees need to RSVP on campus link.

Samiya Henry, co-chair of the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Committee, encouraged everyone to attend. She also went over the passed amendments on the SGA constitution, which were just voted upon last month, and have since been updated on the document.

With the constitution updated in time for the election, SGA members now have the opportunity to run for the new executive board position, including Henry, running for the advocacy party and Nathaniel Nesbitt, for the culture party.

In other news, Adam Wasilko, Duquesne University dean of students and advisor for SGA, announced that they will soon be getting cell service on the first floor of the student union, after the issue was brought to light by SGA members.

In open forum, SGA discussed possible musical guests to perform at Duquesne for next year’s homecoming. Duquesne President Ken Gormley sent a list of possibilities, including Ed Sheeran, Shaboozey and Smash Mouth.