By Joe Vitale

Following a low turnout and a slew of uncontested elections, Ashley Domagola and Nicholas Sawicki, both FCRH ’16, were announced as the executive president and vice president, respectively, of United Student Government (USG) last weekend.

The two students, who have a combined five years of USG experience, earned 477 of the total 579 votes cast. (Student voters had the option to abstain from voting in specific races).

The numbers were indicative of a drop in voter turnout from recent years. 958 votes were cast in 2014, while 701 were cast the year before. 923 votes were cast in 2012.

“Both Nick and I are extremely pleased to have the opportunity to lead the United Student Government for the upcoming term,” Domagola said in a statement following the election.

Domagola currently serves as the head of the House Committee. Sawicki is founding chair of the External Committee on International Integration and serves as chair of the Dean’s Council of Fordham College Rose Hill. He currently co-chairs the Sexual Misconduct Task Force as well.

“First, we would like to congratulate the other members of USG who secured seats through the election this past evening and that we look forward to an extremely ambitious and productive year ahead,” she said. “Second, we vow that all of the enthusiasm, integrity, dedication and honesty that we have emphasized throughout our campaign and throughout our time serving on the USG will be hallmarks of our administration.”

While the executive ticket was uncontested, the executive board saw two contested races.

TJ Strazzeri, FCRH ’18, who defeated Eugene Kim, FCRH ’18, for the vice president of communications. He will replace Jenny Lim, FCRH ’15, in the position.

Daniel Stroie, FCRH ’17, who defeated Thomas Roemer, GSB ’16, for the vice president of finance. Stoie will replace Kara Norton, GSB ’16.

Students who won the remaining seats all ran uncontested for their positions.

Peter Vergara, FCRH ’18, will serve as the vice president of Student Life and Brianna Cali, FCRH ’16, will replace Harrison Pidgeon, FCRH ’15, as vice president of Health and Security. Federico Giustini, FCRH ’16, will take over as vice president of operations, replacing David Aaroz, FCRH ’15.

Salvatore Cocchia, GSB ’17, will serve as the vice president of the Gabelli School of Business and Garrison Grouch, FCRH ’17, will serve as the vice president of Fordham College Rose Hill.

Domagola and Sawicki will replace current executive president Nevin Kulangara, GSB ’15, and executive vice president Sara Skrobala, FCRH ’15, both of whom graduate in May.

A number of initiatives marked their term, including the establishment of a platform for student-run businesses, the formation of the Sexual Misconduct Task Force and increased efforts regarding Fordham’s sustainability.

Speaking with The Fordham Ram, Domagola and Sawicki said they want to strengthen relationships with organizations in the Bronx community and work toward securing permanent student representation on the Board of Trustees.

The two have also indicated an interest in securing the renovation of Collins Auditorium to ensure it will be accessible to all students. They also want to explore more opportunities for Career Services to cater to the needs of Fordham College students.

Domagola and Sawicki also hope to continue the effort to amplify USG’s voice on campus.

“USG has not always done the best job of communicating our work and our ideas to the Fordham student body, which is definitely something that we can improve,” said Domagola in an email to The Fordham Ram. “Students are consuming their news in a different way, and we need to adapt.”

Kulangara and Skrobala endorsed the two students before the election, saying that their experience and ambition can be a “platform for igniting change.”

“Student government at Fordham has come a long way over the past decade, but there is still untapped potential for student advocacy on our campus,” the current executives said. “With this bright future in mind, we proudly endorse Ashley Domagola and Nicholas Sawicki for the Executive Ticket. Ashley and Nick are two of the most dedicated and experienced student leaders on our campus.”

“This next term will provide an opportunity to not only grow the many important initiatives that have begun this year under President Kulangara and VP Skrobala, but to explore and develop new initiatives as the needs of our students change and develop.”

Two students, Troy D’Amico and Darcy McGuire, were elected as senators for GSB. Anisah Assim, FCRH ‘16, was re-elected as senator for FCRH, though two open seats remain.

Brigid Hilton was elected to the senate for GSB for the junior class, though one seat remains open.
Sebastian Albrecht will sit on the senate for FCRH as a junior, where there are also two open seats.
Current freshmen who were elected include Christine Phelan and Alex Zamora (both GSB) and Kaela Palmiter, Aaron Banasiewic and Erin Shanahan (all FCRH).

“This next term will provide an opportunity to not only grow the many important initiatives that have begun this year under President Kulangara and VP Skrobala, but to explore and develop new initiatives as the needs of our students change and develop,” said Domagola following the release of the election results.

“We are not only here to serve,” she said. “We are honored to do so.”