With a panel of five Saint Louis University leaders asking questions and a wide screen displaying every SLU TV-taped moment, the two candidates for Student Government presidency took the microphone last Thursday night to lay out their platforms.

Village Apartments Senator Maria Rozier of the “Stepping Beyond” ticket and Executive Vice President Evan Krauss of the “More for Students” ticket squared off in a 45-minute debate moderated by Election Commissioner Thiago Takahashi. Questions were prompted by student audience members and by a panel consisting of the following SLU community members: The University News editor in chief Andrew Ivers, Student Activities Board president Jenny Thumann, residence life director Argyle Wade, SGA president Cari Johns and residence life community development coordinator Megan Kinney.

In her opening statement, Rozier emphasized her party’s pledge to address “real issues,” while stating that SGA is not a community service organization but a “vehicle for advocacy.” Rozier said she aims to be a leader who will “‘step beyond’ and improve the quality instead of adding quantity.” Rozier listed her plans to restructure SGA, complete the renovation of residential halls, improve parking availability and increase advising.

Krauss stressed his strong desire to serve the SLU community and be the students’ voice. “My vision is simple: shared governance through shared goals. I will never hesitate once to stand up for students’ needs and concerns.” Krauss said hopes to increase upperclassman scholarships, improve academic advising, add academic programs, and provide 24-hour copy machines.

When the candidates were asked the purpose of SLU, both Rozier and Krauss agreed the University educates the “whole person,” intellectually and personally; however, as potential SGA presidents, each candidate upholds his or her route for maintaining SLU’s mission.

Rozier advocated outside programming such as the Great Issues Committee, which brings in speakers and “enhances the self intellectually.” She also asserted that the personal self could be developed through other student events that increase cultural awareness and social skills.

Krauss, on the other hand, identified the importance of building on what SLU already has, which, he said, includes recognizing faculty and staff. Krauss said that SGA will set an example for the school: “Through leadership comes serving, and that simply means finding students’ needs and meeting them.”

When prompted about the new SLU Arena, both candidates affirmed the general consensus that the new center for sporting events is necessary to interest prospective students, provoke current students’ spirit and bring money to the University.

During the second half of the debate, the two candidates were given the opportunity to ask each other a question. Krauss asked Rozier how she would restructure the SGA executive board.

Rozier asked how Krauss would maintain the broader role as president as opposed to the specific service-oriented action he has taken as executive vice president.

“I don’t think I ever sacrificed any of my commitments as executive vice president. My role of coordinating the efforts of the Hurricane Katrina relief was part of SGA. I was called on to do that to represent the students and student government. We coordinated the fundraising of $70,000 and led 33 students to New Orleans. I still managed to maintain all my responsibilities as executive vice president. I keep contact with 117 organizations on campus. I only think that adds to my position and credibility on this campus,” Krauss said.

Toward the end, the candidates were asked specifically about their credibility in the future. Panelist Kinney asked what legacy the candidates wanted to leave.

Rozier said she wanted SLU students to be “proud of where they came from,” especially when they graduate. If elected, Rozier wants to turn SGA from “the debate club” into a forum where students will “see something accomplished and will give momentum. Students will be respected on campus.”

Krauss said he wanted to be remembered for “getting things done to a higher level,” which includes being “one who truly cared and worked fully for students at all times. That’s what I’m about about: sacrifice for the students. I’m willing, ready and wanting to do that.”