Syracuse University students Mackenzie Mertikas and Sameeha Saied announced their candidacy for president and vice president of SU’s Student Association in a Facebook post Tuesday afternoon.

Mertikas, a junior public relations and political science major, currently serves as SA’s chief of staff and has served as an assembly member in the past. She is president of SU’s Traditions Commission, which plans events such as homecoming, and co-chair of the Student Communications Advisory Committee, campaign manager Julia Howard-Flanders wrote in an email to The Daily Orange.

Saied is a sophomore studying psychology. Her campus involvement includes being an orientation leader, a member of OrangeSeeds — a first-year leadership empowerment program — and community relations chair for OttoTHON 2019, a fundraising dance marathon for Upstate Golisano Children’s Hospital. Saied also works as a tutor in Literacy Corps, which brings SU students into city elementary and middle schools as part of the Shaw Center.

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“We believe all students at this university deserve to be seen, heard and understood, and we are passionate about making sure you are,” their statement read.

Their campaign will focus on five platforms: diversity and inclusion, financial accessibility, accountability and transparency, health and wellness and community engagement, according to their campaign website.

“Every wave starts small – we have set this one into motion, but you are the force that will make it strong and impactful,” their statement reads.

Sophomore Ryan Golden and Freshman Kailee Vick also announced their candidacy for president and vice president on Tuesday afternoon. SA elections normally take place in April.

Published on March 20, 2019 at 9:55 pm

Contact Gabe: gkstern@syr.edu | @gabestern326