Fall 2026 ASWU Senate candidates

The Willamette University Mill Stream. Photo by Iris McClure.

This information was provided by ASWU Vice President Erica Stotts and compiled by Alma Snortum-Phelps, publication editor for The Collegian.

Here are the candidates for the Fall 2026 ASWU Senate elections for the class of 2030.

Voting begins Wednesday, Sept. 2 at 8 a.m. and will end Friday, Sept. 4 at 8 a.m.

Kate Johnson (She/Her/Hers)

Hello! My name is Kate Johnson, I am from Las Vegas, Nevada, and I am a first year student planning to study environmental science and PPLE, and be on the pre-law track. Back home, I was an active student council member for 3 years, on the e-board for 2, and an engaged member of my school’s community. I was editor in chief of the yearbook, president of the Women’s Student Union, and co-president of the film board. I love being a part of a community, whether I’m actually playing a role in it, helping guide it, or watching it grow! Even though this is my first year here, I have loved attending events hosted by the school and seeing the kind of atmosphere that is fostered here. I am so ecstatic to be a part of Willamette’s community, and I believe that being on the senate for the freshmen class will allow me to use my ideas and skills to help this campus flourish!

Lilly Klump (She/Her/Hers)

Hi! My name is Lilly and I am running for a senate position! I am a first year and have always been interested in leadership. I have been in some kind of leadership/student government since 5th grade including ASB President and Vice President my junior and senior year of high school. I am so happy for this opportunity and so excited for this school year and everything to come!

I want to be in ASWU because I have always been in some kind of leadership position. It is definitely my passion. I was student body president and vice president in high school and that will play a role in my ideas that I bring to ASWU. I want this year to just overall be fun, college is stressful so I want to do things that help students also have fun. I also hope this program opens up opportunities for me and helps me meet new people and share ideas/experiences.

Finley Simon (He/Him/His)

My name is Finley Simon, my pronouns are he/him, and I am running as senator for the class of 2030! I want to represent my class in ASWU to help improve both artistic and ecological concerns. In high school, I was the president and founder of Museum Studies Club and vice-president of Film Club, which gave me a deep understanding of the importance of both seeing and creating art. Art is an integral and often overlooked part of a liberal arts education, and I hope to encourage its proliferation on campus if I am elected. I am also deeply concerned with the environment and how modern culture is slowly shifting from environmental appreciation to apathy. With the abundance of nature on and around campus, Willamette University can serve as an example of humanity's ability to coexist with native ecosystems. In ASWU, I aim to lead efforts in improving environmental integrity on campus. I also plan on supporting existing campus events, clubs, and facilities that have strong environmental standards in place. inclusivity and ensure every student feels safe and respected. As your senator, I promise to listen, amplify your voices, and turn your ideas into meaningful change.

Lola Niedzialkowski (She/Her/Hers)

Hey Bearcats! My name is Lola Niedzialkowski (she/her), and I’m from Austin, Texas. I am running to be your freshman senator for the class of 2030. In my senior year of high school, I served as my school’s student body president. During my time as student body president I focused on increasing student engagement. I heavily advertised the elections for our school committees, and doubled the number of applicants than we have had in previous years. Additionally, I started creating themed nights for our sports games, where students could dress up in theme and cheer on our athletes, which increased attendance to our athletic events. Besides just student engagement I also learned through that experience how to reach solutions that prioritized student needs and most importantly, I learned that being a great leader means making sure every student feels represented and heard. Although I have only been at Willamette a short time I have grown to love the community here and I want to do everything I can to make this school the best it can be for our students. I would love to bring my prior leadership experience and my enthusiasm for this school to the senator role in ASWU this year. I would be honored to have the opportunity to serve you as the class of 2030 senator this upcoming school year!

Jana Tana

Heyy! If my face looks familiar, you’ve probably seen me around campus or on social media. My name is Jana Tana, and I’m running for a position in the Class of 2030 Senate! I was born and raised on the island of Oʻahu, Hawaiʻi where I graduated from the same high school as my king, Bruno Mars! I am currently a freshman who is actively exploring and getting lost around school. So if you see me snooping around, feel free to call me out...or more favorably to say hello! Growing up in spaces where stereotypes can affect people, even in the most diverse communities, I became troubled by how they can negatively affect others. I took to addressing these concerns through serving in Student Council and using my pageant titles as a platform to advocate for causes I care about. I’ve raised a thousand dollars for the American Heart Association, educated at different K-12 schools about mental health supports, and spent three years developing my social impact initiative, Change the Narrative. I hope to continue creating spaces where students feel heard, supported, and represented because what people say doesn’t define you.

David Rodriguez (He/Him/His)

Hey Bearcats! My name is David Rodriguez, and I am excited to run for ASWU Senator. During high school, I was not only very involved but also as a leader for my school that focused on community service. In my senior year I was President of National Honor Society, Vice President of French National Honor Society, and was Captain of my Cross Country team. All these experiences shape who I am, and as the right person to give a voice to the class of 2030 and the Willamette community.

This year I want to learn more about the people of Willamette and what can be done to make this place thrive. I want to hear from people as to what their needs are for this campus, and to make it clear from day one, that I am here for you and our community.

If elected, I want to create opportunities that will foster connections between Willamette students and the people of Salem for the betterment of both communities. Through community service opportunities or just a chance for Willamette to be more involved in a positive way for Salem. We can do it! I'd be honored to represent you through ASWU.

Maggie Delgado (He/She/They)

As someone with a passion for leadership, I would love to join ASWU because in this new environment, which for many of us is far different from our background, I want to foster a comforting community. I am experienced in a myriad of leadership roles that I believe have equipped me with the tools necessary in order to serve my community. During high school I served as a president in 2 clubs, a treasurer in 2 clubs, and a team captain for my schools envirothon program. I have a thorough understanding of what it takes to run organizations, fund them, and serve as a role model for my peers, all skills that will be vital for a role in the senate and managing school activities and clubs. I hope to accomplish a connection to my peers and advocate for their wants and needs. This may include amenities such as vending machines, water fountains, and benches, or increased funding for extracurricular programs. Ultimately, in my role I want to represent all students from any backgrounds and provide a homely college experience.

Rigvye C. Miethe (He/Him/His)

Hello Willamette University! My name is Rigvye C. Miethe (He/Him/His) and I will be campaigning to be a part of the ASWU senate in the upcoming election. I’m asking for your vote so I may be one of four winning candidates representing the class of 2030. As a senator, I will have the opportunity to have an early headset with incredible experience in the career I wish to pursue after my higher education. Being a public servant for the local state government. Even more, I wish to be part of our shared community here at Willamette. I’m here to promise to be a listening representative, to hear the concerns and complaints you and your peers may have, and to do my best to fix the issue causing them. Voting for me isn’t putting your faith in a shooting star. I would not be running for senate unless I felt confident in my ability to help our community continue to be the progressive and caring community that it has always been. If you have any fears, doubts, or worries about your trust in me. Find me by the Quad between classes and ask me anything you wish. Thank you!

Mabel Fleckenstein

Hello! My name is Mabel Fleckenstein and I’m running to be one of your senators for the class of 2030. I’ve always loved being involved in school politics and see this as a great opportunity to make Willamette an even better place for myself and my classmates. I’m interested in a variety of different activities – from art, theater, intramural sports, and the outdoors – and I promise not to hold any bias or favoritism towards one facet of clubs when making Senate decisions. My experience in both Girl Scouts and student government in high school has

prepared me to stay organized, be efficient, and work effectively in a group, all skills that will be beneficial in a Senate role. I also love meeting new people, so if anytime throughout the year you have suggestions, questions, or concerns about Senate decisions, I’ll be more than

open to talk! If you see me around campus, come up and say hi :) Vote Mabel!