President (2 candidates)

Candidate #1: Rachel Petrecca

Hi there! My name is Rachel Petrecca and I am a sophomore majoring in the Psychological and Social Sciences. When I got involved in the Student Government Association (SGA) my freshman year I fell in love with the Abington campus and all that we stand for. I began to get more involved around campus.  Summer of 2012 I was an orientation leader. I really enjoyed working as a team and getting to know the faculty and staff. I loved every second of getting to know the incoming freshman and helping them in their transition to college. I loved representing Abington so much that I became a Lion Ambassador in the fall semester. Our campus is my second home and I love showing it off! This semester I joined THON. THON raises money for children with cancer. I attended THON weekend at University Park when we all found out that Penn State raised over 12 million dollars for these sick children! I spread my membership among various clubs in an attempt to unify our organizations and campus community.

This past year, I served as SGA’s Public Relations Chair. I was in charge of promoting SGA events.  I chaired a committee that helped hang flyers, “chalk the walk”, and utilize social media to advertise events to the student body. Throughout my time at Penn State Abington, I’ve taken notice of the student leaders we have.  I’ve quietly observed them and took mental notes on what I believe works well and what I admire about them. I’ve learned a lot through my observations and experiences. I know I would make a great President because my sole purpose is to represent the student body. I’m privileged to know many people around campus and intend on getting to know even more. I am a hard working, passionate, and dedicated individual who would love to be your next Student Government President.

Campaign Statement

My intentions are to implement the wants and needs of our student body. I will reach out to clubs and athletic teams to make our campus community stronger! It’s a goal of mine to see students fill the stands at our home athletic games. With clubs and organizations collaborating, memorable events will be created. I am dedicated to making your college experience the absolute best!

Candidate #2  Stacy Wanerman

I am currently a sophomore at the Penn State Abington College with a Marketing major with a Management minor. My intention is to attend law school after I have received my baccalaureate degree.

In addition to my studies this past year I have been secretary for Student Government Association. With this job I have also taken on Chairman of No Place For Hate Week and also the job of Treasurer for the Spring semester.

Beside my work at Penn State Abington I take part in many volunteer activities. Below is a few examples of what I have taken part in.

ANGEL FLIGHT EAST In November 2010 I was awarded the "Youth in Philanthropy" award by the Association of Fundraising Professionals. I received this honor for my work with Angel Flight East (AFE).  AFE transports by airplane adults and children to receive medical treatment. There is no charge to the patient.

PHILADELPHIA RESIDENTIAL MORTGAGE FORCLOSURE DIVERSION PROGRAM
I am proud to assist Judge Annette Rizzo with the Residential Mortgage Foreclosure Diversion Program, which is the first city-sponsored plan in the U.S. to broker negotiations between mortgage lenders and homeowners who have fallen behind on their mortgage payments. The pilot program has garnered national press coverage and has become the model to be emulated both within and beyond Pennsylvania's borders.

SAINT MARY’S VILLA FOR CHILDREN AND FAMILIES
St. Mary’s Villa for Children and Families provides a specialized residential program for youth who have demonstrated a history of truancy, emotional disturbance, family conflict and difficulties in the community. In November I began my work there and have helped to teach the children about the community service work and the importance of education. Since my first time there, I continue to guide the children to a stronger and brighter future.

Campaign Statement

Being Secretary of the Student Government Association this past year has taught me how to be a strong and effective leader. The most valuable lesson that I learned is how to be ambitious in what I believe in and how to put others first. I look forward to a chance to use these qualities as your president.

Vice President (2 candidates)

Candidate #1: Andrew Devine

I was born and raised in Bensalem, Pennsylvania (a northeastern suburb of Philadelphia) and have lived there my whole life. Throughout high school I successfully juggled my academics along with many co-curricular activities, showing me the importance of managing my time and energy. I attended Penn State Abington in 2010 as a freshman, majoring in Corporate Communication. After getting involved with SGA during my sophomore year I explored some of the other great clubs and organizations on campus including Lion Ambassadors, THON, and Spring Fest. During the time spent in these clubs and organizations I have created long lasting friendships that fuel my spirits and motivation to continue becoming involved at Penn State Abington.

For the past two years I’ve gotten to experience the ins and outs of the Student Government Association at Penn State Abington. After being a general board member my sophomore year, I decided I wanted to dedicate myself further to the organization and the campus. For the 2012-2013 academic year I was elected SGA Events and Retainment Chair. Throughout the duration of my position I experienced both struggles and accomplishments. The role taught me the importance of motivation, proactiveness, accuracy, reliability, and communication. It is a position I am thankful to have held, and it has made me both a stronger and more knowledgeable individual.

This year I am running for the position of Penn State Abington’s SGA Vice-President. First and foremost, I’m confident that, as part of a team, SGA can continuously improve the campus experience for each and every student by ensuring that they receive a full return on their college investment. I am ready to be part of the team that connects the multiple clubs, organizations, athletic teams, and individual students at Penn State Abington like never before.

Campaign Statement

Penn State Abington is a campus of diversity, culture, talent, and excellence. If elected as your SGA Vice-President, I will ensure that the opportunities on this campus are available to all students. I want your voices to be heard, so your idea of the ultimate college experience can become a reality.

Candidate #2: Sufyan Musah

I was born and raised in Ghana, a country of approximately twenty-two million people in western part of Africa. Being a former British colony, the formal language spoken in Ghana is English. However, even in schools where English is supposed to be spoken frequently, local languages dominate since those are the languages family and friends speak among themselves. I happen to speak the most widely spoken in West Africa called Hausa. Hausa originated from northern Nigeria, the most populous African country.
As a brother to two sisters, I have always assumed most responsibilities in my life. Both in school and in the community that I grew in, I have assumed leadership positions and worked with certain forms of group. In my junior high school I was made the academic prefect of my school. I also volunteered in my community to help the illiterate register to vote and perform the voting exercise on election days. At Kumasi Polytechnic where I studied Accounting before I transferred to Penn State, I was actively involved in student government being the foreign affairs chairman for the Muslim Student Association.

Despite all these experiences I have accumulated in school and in my community, when I arrived at Penn State I knew I would face the challenge of effective communication in English. Ninety-five percent of my daily conversation in Ghana was in Hausa so my real test is here, where almost 100% of my interaction with people in and outside school must be in English. However, I cannot share my rich experiences without getting involved so I confidently joined the SGA and MSA. I wish to run for SGA Vice President so I can help progress Penn State Abington’s diversity and unity by initiating educative and participative programs for all students.

Campaign Statement

“Leading The Way For Students Today”