By: Sahar Yousofi
As the 2025 ASSMU elections approach, candidates and current ASSMU team members are stepping forward with a shared commitment to shaping a stronger, more inclusive Saint Martin’s University. From fostering student engagement to ensuring representation across various communities, each candidate brings unique perspectives and goals for their respective roles. The Belltower had the opportunity to sit down with several candidates to discuss their visions, priorities, and the impact they hope to make.
Brandon Tuato’o: Strengthening Career Readiness for Graduate Students
Brandon Tuato’o, the current Senator of Business, is running for Senator of Graduate Students for the 2025-2026 term. He is committed to bridging the gap between students and career opportunities. As a Resident Assistant (RA), Brandon has already been making an impact in student life and now seeks to extend his support to graduate students, whether they are commuters or residents.
“My top priority is making sure that business students have access to internships,” Tuato’o said. “I remember attending a business school speaker series where many professionals expressed regret over not having an internship in college. I want to help students avoid that by creating more structured pathways for hands-on experience.”
Tuato’o also aims to implement resume workshops and professional development programs in collaboration with the Internship Hub. Additionally, he hopes to continue the Dress for Success workshop, which provides free professional attire for students.
To ensure transparency and accessibility, Tuato’o plans to hold regular office hours to address concerns from business students directly. “I want to make sure their voices are heard and that they have a representative who actively listens and takes action,” he said.
Brittany Holland: Encouraging Leadership and Representation
Brittany Holland, the current ASSMU Vice President for the 2024-2025 academic year, has seen firsthand the importance of strong student leadership. She believes that elections are vital in ensuring student voices are represented and that the campus continues to thrive under dedicated leaders.
“The students are the heart of the university, and their concerns need to be heard,” Holland said. “ASSMU plays a crucial role in advocating for students, and we need passionate individuals to step up and continue this work.”
She emphasized the importance of confidence, integrity, and active listening in effective leadership, encouraging students to take the leap and run for office. “You’d be surprised at how much you grow in these positions. It’s challenging, but it’s also incredibly rewarding,” she shared.
This year, ASSMU has launched several impactful initiatives, including the Winter Wishes program, which has been streamlined to better support students in need, and the Stellic workshops, helping students better navigate their academic journey. Holland hopes the next team will continue these efforts while also addressing leadership turnover and support systems for ASSMU members.
Kamara White: Advocating for Athletics and Campus Events
Serving as the Senator of Athletics, Kamara White has worked to increase student engagement in sports and campus events. She believes that the upcoming elections are critical for maintaining the momentum of student-led initiatives.
“ASSMU Senators are some of the most important people on campus,” White stated. “They keep clubs running, ensure student events are funded, and advocate for student concerns. Elections allow us to select leaders who will keep our university moving forward.”
White wants to see more student-athlete representation and support, as well as greater collaboration between athletics and student organizations. She highlighted that higher event attendance and better funding for clubs have been some of the year’s successes, but she hopes the next leadership team will work on reducing vacancies in ASSMU roles, which have made it challenging to meet quorum in meetings.
Kim Luu: Elevating the Commuter Student Experience
Running for Senator of Commuter Students, Kim Luu is determined to strengthen connections between commuters and campus life. Having originally stepped into the role during a special election, she realized how much work still needs to be done to support commuters.
“My goal is to increase engagement and create more flexible events that cater to the commuter lifestyle,” Luu explained. “Many commuters prefer events in the evening, so I’ve been intentional about planning activities that fit their schedules.”
Luu has already introduced Commuter Lunch Surveys to better understand students’ needs, and she has played a key role in revamping the Commuter Coffee Bar. She hopes to continue these efforts by collaborating with Public Safety to enhance resources for commuters, including better parking accommodations and increased visibility of support services like car battery jump-starts and tire inflation stations.
“Commuters live busy lives. They’re constantly on the go,” Luu said. “I want to make sure their time on campus is worth it by ensuring that resources are accessible and engagement is encouraged.”
The Importance of Student Participation
All four team members emphasized the importance of student involvement in the election process, whether by running for office or by casting their votes.
“Even if you’re not running, you can still be a part of the process by researching candidates, attending campaign events, and making an informed vote,” White stated.
Holland added, “Encourage your friends to apply. If you know someone who would be a great leader, give them that push. Representation matters, and we need dedicated individuals to step up.”
Luu echoed these sentiments, emphasizing that the work ASSMU does is ultimately for the students. “We represent you. Your concerns, your experiences, and your needs should drive the changes on campus. Voting is how you make sure your voice is heard.”
As the election nears, Saint Martin’s University students have an opportunity to shape the future of their campus by selecting leaders who will advocate for their needs, foster engagement, and drive positive change. Whether through stronger business connections, leadership development, athletic support, or commuter resources, these candidates are ready to serve—and they are counting on student participation to make it happen.
The Belltower 