Georgetown University students have elected seven new senators for the Class of 2029, along with four at-large senators, as announced by the Election Commission via social media platform X on Saturday morning.
The elections featured a competitive field of 26 candidates vying for the available positions.
The newly elected senators for the Class of 2029 are Dima Al-Quzwini (SFS ’29), Constantine Filippatos (SFS ’29), Iris Cho (SOH ’29), Sam Baghdadchi (CAS ’29), Angelina Kou (CAS ’29), Ishaan Jordan (CAS ’29), and Simon Maxwell (CAS ’29).
In the at-large senator elections, Evan Cornell (CAS ’27), Kat Scarborough (CAS ’26), Luke Schneeman (CAS ’28), and Youngsung Sim (SFS ’27) emerged victorious.
Cornell, who placed first across all voting rounds, expressed his gratitude, stating, “I feel extremely honored to know that so many people have put their trust in me to deliver on their behalf within the Senate, GUSA, and in conversations with administration.”
This election cycle has been marked by contention, including multiple campaign violation complaints within the executive race and challenges regarding Cornell’s eligibility to run while studying abroad.
Despite the competitive atmosphere, Sim expressed optimism about collaboration within the Senate, asserting that cooperation ultimately prevails over partisan tensions, stating, “Any partisan tensions are ultimately quelled by how much we want to serve the student body and see changes.”
Candidates in this election focused primarily on platforms that aim to enhance campus life and facilities, along with supporting student organizations.
The Voice staff conducted interviews and town halls to gather information about the newly elected senators.
Dima Al-Quzwini (SFS ’29) shared that her motivation to run for GUSA stemmed from her participation in the First-Year Orientation to Community Involvement (FOCI) pre-orientation program, emphasizing her desire to make a positive impact on campus.
She set goals to advocate for increased transportation options, extended hours for Leo’s, additional laundry credits, and more affordable rates for key replacement.
Al-Quzwini believes that her policy proposals stem directly from consultations with her peers. “Every single policy I’ve announced is something I’ve talked to students about and asked ‘What do you want me to change?” she stated.
Constantine Filippatos (SFS ’29) cited his leadership experience in several high school clubs as a foundation for his campaign, which prioritizes improving the functionality of printers at Lauinger Library, offering physical GOCards to all students, and doubling the laundry balance.
“I stand up for what I believe in,” Filippatos voiced, confident in his potential to push through essential policies for freshmen.
Iris Cho (SOH ’29) articulated a vision for a more welcoming Georgetown experience, where all students feel secure and connected.
She aims to ensure that student complaints regarding maintenance receive timely and thorough responses and advocates for cleaner residential halls and more trash cans on campus.
Cho also intends to encourage competitive student organizations to publicly share their acceptance rates and selection criteria annually.
Sam Baghdadchi (CAS ’29) plans to focus on the efficient and transparent allocation of Student Activity Fees.
His objectives include collaborating with the Department of Facilities to upgrade showerheads in freshman dorms and introducing an orange juice machine at Epi’s, alongside initiatives to enhance recycling practices on campus.
“I’m interested in making a difference through the small things,” Baghdadchi remarked, expressing a commitment to resolving tangible problems.
Angelina Kou (CAS ’29) outlined three pillars of her platform: food services, study spaces, and campus activities.
Kou seeks to reintroduce the former “Late Night Buffet” menu at Epi’s and to expand dining options for students with dietary restrictions.
She proposed partnerships with Bodega and Royal Jacket to make ready-made sandwiches accessible.
Kou emphasized her unique perspective, acquired through discussions with existing GUSA senators about past university regulations.
She aims to elevate hours in the Bioethics Library via a voluntary staffing initiative.
Ishaan Jordan (CAS ’29) is focused on reducing social restrictions and advocating for improved freshmen dormitories.
He expressed the need for more safe spaces for LGBTQ+ students and greater equity for first-generation students at Georgetown, adding, “There are a lot of indirect costs that come with coming to college, especially for first-years, that aren’t always addressed.”
Jordan stressed the importance of creating a supportive environment and lowering party restrictions to mitigate the prevalence of off-campus parties.
“This shouldn’t feel like four years away from home,” Jordan said while sharing his vision for Georgetown as a nurturing home.
Simon Maxwell (CAS ’29) did not provide comments to the Voice about his election or platform.
For the at-large senator positions, Evan Cornell (CAS ’27) seeks to channel the concerns of the broader student body.
Cornell reflected on the responsibility and privilege of representing multiple classes, asserting his commitment to amplifying student voices.
He noted, “So much about the Georgetown experience is incredible, from the people to the place to the endless opportunities, yet we see time and again students’ voices being ignored.”
Having previously served as a GUSA Senator and Chair of the Ethics and Oversight Committee, Cornell has a track record of advocacy, including securing increased furniture in the HFSC and initiating reforms in dining and housing.
As an at-large senator, he intends to address pressing housing challenges, particularly in light of the recent construction of a new residential complex that has not managed to accommodate all returning students comfortably.
Kat Scarborough (CAS ’26) emphasized her commitment to increasing club accessibility for the student body in her campaign.
Scarborough previously served as co-president of H*yas for Choice but did not respond to inquiries from the Voice.
Luke Schneeman (CAS ’28) has a vision for an enriched student life, aiming to minimize penalties for initial noise violations and ensure student input in the Vil A reconstruction.
He noted the significance of the Vil A rooftops as community gathering spaces and expressed a desire to maintain access to those areas following renovations.
Schneeman articulated the importance of making tangible improvements for students through GUSA, stating, “Students are the backbone of this university, and we deserve more from the [university] administration.”
Youngsung Sim (SFS ’27) will continue his efforts from the past year, having been reelected to serve as a senator.
Sim, currently the Deputy Director of Campus and Social Life within GUSA, aims to enhance campus spaces like the Healey Family Social Room and Lauinger Library.
One of his main initiatives this year involves establishing a quick-response hotline for students to report critical living concerns to Residential Living.
“There are no fast or efficient ways to communicate with Res Living,” Sim acknowledged, highlighting an area ripe for improvement.
He reaffirmed the significance of GUSA as a vibrant voice for the student community, promising to make impactful changes, even if not always communicated effectively to the student body.
With the new GUSA senators elected, students at Georgetown can look forward to initiatives aimed at improving their experience on campus.
image source from：georgetownvoice
