At the start of the winter quarter, the Associated Students of Seattle Pacific began seeking new candidates for the president and vice president of SPU’s student body for the 2025-2026 school year.
On Monday, Feb. 17, these candidates were given the opportunity to speak with students and the current ASSP cabinet about their goals and aspirations and why they believe they should be elected as SPU’s new student leaders.
Running for vice president is junior nursing major Maripaz Gutierrez Corona, the current vice president for SPU’s Students for Life club, who hopes to strengthen student relationships with the Office of Safety and Security.
“The Lord has placed a desire in my heart to run for VP, and I’m excited for this opportunity,” Gutierrez Corona said. “I want to share with you the goals I have: encourage greater student involvement, ensure that faith is not just something we talk about but something we live out every day and strengthen the relationship between students and campus security.”
The first presidential candidate is junior computer science major Ryan Fecaratta, the current editor of SPU’s Lingua Arts journal. Ferrocata aims to highlight student groups and restore students’ pride in their university and campus.
“Everyone I spoke to sees the water leaking in, and many just want to jump ship before they drown,” Fecaratta said. “I do not like that. I believe there is something here at this school that we cannot just let sink. I will push to the forefront our student organizations to help guide SPU and provide students with a more clear vision of the future.”
The second presidential candidate is junior social justice major Karla Navarro, the current treasurer of SPU SFL. Navarro aims to cultivate a more cohesive student body.
“I am seeking to enhance our campus experience through the following priorities: transparency between students and administration, strengthening student involvement and addressing safety concerns,” Navarro said. “I truly believe in the future of SPU and will diligently advocate for improvement in deficit areas.”
Overall, each candidate’s goals and aspirations are rooted in communication and community.
“More connections means more flourishing for students,” Navarro said. “It’s not going to be easy, but it’s important.”
Students can vote for their candidates on Wednesday, Feb. 19. Posters with the QR code can be found posted around campus, and a link will be provided on the ASSP Instagram page, @asspspu, or the ASSP website. Full speeches from the candidates have also been posted on the ASSP Instagram.
