Speeches for the 2025-2026 Student Government Association leadership election took place this past Thursday, Feb. 20, at 5 p.m. Four SGA candidates delivered speeches at McFeely’s in hopes of securing an elected position.

The event began with SGA President Lillian Sellers offering remarks to the candidates. She also expressed her bittersweet feelings as she prepares to graduate, marking the end of her term as SGA president.

When asked who would like to deliver their speech first, Class of 2027 Senator and Budget and Finance Committee member Emily Wojnarski eagerly stepped forward.

“I’m confident that I have the experience necessary to fulfill the duties of VP of Finance to the fullest extent, which is what I hope to prove to you all throughout the duration of this speech,” Wojnarski stated.

Wojnarski is running for Vice President of Finance and believes her experience as a senator has prepared her well. She emphasized her strong connections with various campus organizations and, if elected, vowed to do “what is best for the students” — a quote written on the wall of the SGA office that has resonated with her.

Next to speak was Matt Jones, a senator representing the Class of 2028 and member of the Shippensburg wrestling team. Jones is running for vice president and aims to improve SGA’s social media presence.

“Through social media, we can promote our events, clubs, athletics and performing arts across campus to help build a sense of community. This would also help increase transparency and awareness for SGA,” Jones said.

Jones hopes to expand the SGA Instagram page to match the following of other university-affiliated pages, such as athletics and football. Jones believes SGA deserves the same level of recognition and support.

Daniel McCleary, transfer student senator, was next to speak. He is also running for vice president alongside Jones. McCleary believes his experience as a transfer student gives him a unique perspective, which he hopes to use to assist others on campus.

“Most students don’t even understand what the student government does. I believe that through the communication committee, we can interview our senators, interview our officers, and increase visibility of what each of them does and the students they represent,” McCleary said.

Overall, McCleary hopes to make Shippensburg University’s student government more representative and inclusive as he once felt underrepresented as a transfer student entering Shippensburg.

Vice President of Finance Nathan Garber has decided to take a different path this election season. While he did not expect to be able to attend and did not have a prepared speech, he improvised one. During his time as VP of Finance, Garber realized his passion lies in helping students beyond just their financial needs and student organization budgets.

“I found that I’m extremely passionate about helping students — not just with their finances but in a broader sense. I think that experience and that passion leads to a good foundation to serve as your Student Government Association President and continue growing that,” Garber said.

Garber is now running for SGA President and emphasized his passion for wanting to grow the public face of SGA as the other candidates also discussed.

“I feel like people don’t even know that SGA exists, and I strongly want to work on that,” Garber said.

Following the speeches, each candidate answered questions from current SGA President Lillian Sellers on topics such as conflict resolution, and Garber was the first to respond.

“I think a lot of resolving conflicts happens when we recognize that everyone’s input is valued and that the perspectives they bring to the table are important,” Garber said.

Candidates also fielded questions from audience members who were eager to learn more about their platforms.

SGA elections will take place from Feb. 24 — Feb. 27, with results being announced after Feb. 27 at 4 p.m.

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