The Fairfield University Student Association (FUSA) continues preparations for the presidential election, with a debate occurring tonight at 7:30 p.m. in the event hall in the Dolan School of Business. Two candidates are on the ballot for this election: Kevin Camy and running mate Gabriella Savino, as well as Courtney Sabogal and running mate Amaia O’Brien.
In an interview with the Mirror, Camy, a junior Psychology and Religious Studies double major with a minor in Education, shared that working with the current and previous president inspired his campaign for FUSA president. He credited them with his involvement on FUSA’s Health and Wellness board and further described his campaign as a “full-circle” moment.
“I think that it’s an opportunity for me to grow my service to the community [and] to the student population,” Camy said.
Camy shared that as FUSA President, his goals would be to expand dining options on the south side of campus by Faber Hall and Dulles Hall. Additionally, he plans to promote the DiMenna Nyselius Library’s Wellness Center, which opened last semester. He wants to ensure that students, particularly first-years, understand the resources available to them.
Camy, who has been a New Student Leader for the past two years, pointed out, “We do push [wellness] within our [First Year Experience] curriculum, but I think there’s nothing wrong with branching out more and marketing the work they do.”
Lastly, Camy wants to make FUSA more “accessible” to the student body, sharing that he wants students to have a better understanding of FUSA and the work they do. “That could increase interest in student governance and [allow] FUSA to become more active and vibrant,” he added.
As for the upcoming debate, Camy said, “I’m just trying to keep myself calm, cool, and collected… I am content with whatever happens as long as I don’t turn on who I am or betray my integrity. Whatever happens will be meant to be.”
Sabogal, a junior Communications and Public Relations double major with a minor in Marketing, says she “discovered a passion for student government I never knew I had” through her work on the Marketing and Public Relations board.
A flyer shared with the Mirror states that Sabogal and O’Brien intend to work on ensuring a positive student experience by listening to what changes students are looking for and maintaining communication and transparency. To do this, they plan to table in the BCC each month.
Still they have some ideas of their own for possible changes. The flyer states, “We aim to tackle changes such as adding more seating in the BCC, soundproofing study rooms in the library, and advocating for wider walkways to popular academic buildings, such as DSB.” In addition, Sabogal and O’Brien intend to work on expanding student parking and adding the beach to the Stag Bus route during warmer weather.
Sabogal and O’Brien also shared how they’re preparing for the upcoming debate. Sabogal said, “Our preparation style can be described in three words: Research, brainstorming, and collaboration.”
O’Brien, a junior majoring in Finance and Business Analytics, added, “We’ve been actively compiling a document of potential topics and our insights on each one. However, at the end of the day, we can’t predict every question—we just have to trust ourselves.”
Students interested in hearing more about either candidate can attend the debate tonight at 7:30 p.m. in the Event Hall at the Dolan School of Business.
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