WITHDRAWAL
On the night of Feb. 9, Student Government Association (SGA) vice president candidate and junior cinema and media arts major Hillary Ramirez announced that she withdrew from the race via an Instagram story.
“After careful consideration and prayer, I have decided to withdraw from the election due to personal reasons,” the story said. “This was not an easy choice, but I truly believe it is the right decision for me at this time.” Ramirez went on to express her gratitude for the support and kindness she received throughout her time campaigning and her decision to withdraw. She also encouraged students to participate in the election by voting.
NEW VICE PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATE ANNOUNCED
Ramirez’s running mate was Faith Ising, a junior history major and the SGA presidential candidate. Ising chose Josiah McCracken, a junior political science major, as her new running mate.
“I knew Josiah McCracken would be an excellent choice because of his dedication and commitment to Biola, its administration, and its students,” Ising said.” He is an incredibly determined individual, who seeks to ensure that everyone, regardless of who they are, feels not only seen and heard, but understood. He cares deeply about Biola and making it a better place for all students.”
ISING’S VISION
Ising added that her vision is to help bridge the gap between students and administration by helping the students understand how the university is run.
“While Biola provides as much information as it possibly can to their students, I think it could be helpful for senators themselves to explain said inner workings of Biola to students personally,” said Ising. “After meetings with various administrators or after these administrators speak to senate as guests, I would love to have senators share with students what they have learned, especially during their SGA Hour.”
Ising also wants to provide students with more opportunities to make their voices heard by having senators gather questions from students to bring to senate meetings for guest speakers to answer. She also shared that she wants SGA to be more transparent and be more involved in student life.
“Another vision I have is for SGA to have a much larger presence on campus. I want students to not only know who we are, but how we can help them, support them, and advocate for them,” said Ising. “I’d love to have students sit in on senate meetings and be able to see what it is that SGA does. I love the idea of being able to partner with Biola Administration to maximize our impact in improving student experiences and addressing their concerns.”
NEW RUNNING MATE NEW VISION?
Despite her vice presidential candidate changing, Ising stated that having McCracken as her new running mate refined her goals.
“I don’t think this mission changed when I chose Josiah as my new running mate. If anything, our mission became more focused and clear of the tangible ways that we want to work with Administration and serve students,” said Ising. “Josiah has brought so much to the table, especially with regard to the ways in which we can partner with students in everything that we hope to accomplish.”
Ramirez shared that although she dropped out of the election, she still supports Ising and McCracken as presidential and vice presidential candidates.
“I deeply care about Faith and know she has incredible ideas and plans for Biola. I believe in her mission statement. I think she and Josiah will do an amazing job. I admire both of them greatly for their dedication and ability,” Ramirez said.
WAITING FOR RESULTS
Ising and McCracken were the only candidates for the president and vice president position. Ramirez’s withdrawal from the election and McCracken being chosen as Ising’s new running mate happened within 48 hours before the election days which began on Feb. 11 and ended on Feb. 12. The results of the election are expected to be announced on Friday, Feb. 14.
