The air was filled with both tears of victory and tears of defeat as the Southern University Student Government Association announced the winners and losers of this year’s election.
On Monday April 15 a primary election was held to determine the SGA leaders for the 2002-2003 school year. A runoff election was held on April 17 for those candidates who did not win outright in the primary elections.
In the race for SGA President Steven B. Sumbler, a senior biology major from Oakdale, defeated Edward James, a junior accounting major from Baton Rouge, with a total of 1181 votes to James’ 809 to become the new SGA President.
“It’s wonderful, it’s all due to God,” said the President-elect Sumbler. “I want to thank all the people who believed in me and I promise that I will do my best to represent SU to the fullest, Get ready for a change Southern.”
“Honestly I am disappointed, but the students voted. I hope that Steven will be able to deliver everything that he promised in his platform,” said James.
In the race for Miss Southern University Erica Walton (695 votes) and Latroya Foster (443 votes) earned the right to participate in the run-off elections which took place on Wednesday. In the run-off election Walton, a Junior Mathematics major from Belzoni Mississippi, blazed her way to victory over Foster by a score of 941-620.
“Thanks to everyone who supported me in this campaign and thanks to God for all he’s done for me. The fire will continue to blaze because it is an eternal flame,” exclaimed and ecstatic Walton.
“As Miss Southern University 2002 and 2003, there is a lot of work to be done before the year is out. The campus queens will meet and determine which community service projects and other projects for this year’s court. Get Ready,” said Walton.
The title of Senior Class President was won by Cari Bershell, a junior physics major from Tacoma Washington, who defeated William Griffin 227-229. The honor of Miss Senior was bestowed upon Judith Dillion, senior Architecture major from Baton Rouge. Dillion defeated Krystal Green 211 to 171 in the run-off elections.
“Thanks to everybody, I won’t let the senior class down,” said a very exited Dillion.
Kia Smith barely edged out underdog Charles Moon by a total of 28 votes. Sheena Foster became Junior Class Vice- President by defeating Alva Dunigan 299-192. The title of Miss Junior went to Almeshia Carter who beat out Cherish Hilton 279-161 in the run-off election. Ashley Patton the freshman Mass Communication native of Dallas defeated Rose Jones and Ashlee’ Sostand by receiving the majority of the votes in the primary election.
Tyquincia Wilford a junior biology major from Destrehan became the Association of Women Students president by the slimmest of margins squeaking past Brandis Rawls by 15 votes 598-583.
Those candidates who ran unopposed were: Mary Sims for SGA Vice President, Jonathan Goins for Men’s Federation President, Monica Bellard for AWS Vice President and Arthur Monroe for Sophomore Class President.
