Below are the responses collected by The Campus over email from each ticket for president and vice president of the Allegheny Student Government during the 2026-27 academic year. The Presidential Debate will take place on Thursday, March 26, at 7:30 p.m. in the Shafer Auditorium in the Henderson Campus Center.
In 150 words or less, introduce yourselves to the Allegheny student body.
Ella DeRose, ’27, and Kylie Thompson, ’27: Our names are Ella DeRose, ’27, and Kylie Thompson, ’27. Ella is a Political Science major and Spanish/Economics minor. She is a member of Tri Delta, Orchesis, works at Pelletier Library, and served as ASG President before studying abroad this fall. Kylie is a Business major and Biology minor. She is a Meadville local and a former member of the Allegheny Women’s Softball team. We are close friends that have always supported each other’s passions. Together, we are excited to work toward an inclusive Allegheny as the next ASG Executives.
Aubrey Carion, ’27, and Amberlyn Escobar, ’27: Hello! Our names are Aubrey Carion and Amberlyn Escobar, and we are honored to be candidates for ASG President and Vice President. As juniors, we have dedicated our time at Allegheny to meaningful engagement, leadership, and service within our campus community. We are both members of the Bonner cohort, where we have developed strong partnerships with community organizations and a deeper understanding of service-driven leadership. Aubrey is a member of the Women’s Lacrosse team and has been involved in Student Government since her first year, currently serving as Director of Community Relations. Amberlyn serves as President of the Black Student Union and is actively involved in the Andrew Goodman Foundation, the Center for Political Participation, the Law and Policy Program, and the Allegheny Enrichment Program. Before stepping into these leadership roles, however, we began our journeys at Allegheny as students seeking connection and belonging. That shared experience continues to shape our perspective, and fuels our commitment to fostering a campus environment where every student feels represented and empowered.
What has motivated you to run for ASG president and vice president?
Carion and Escobar: Our decision to run for ASG President and Vice President is grounded in a deep commitment to community engagement and student advocacy. We believe, whole-heartedly, that every student’s voice holds value and deserves meaningful representation in the decisions that shape our campus. When we first arrived at Allegheny as first-year students, finding our place was not immediate. We did not enter college as recruited athletes or with established networks of support, and like many students, we navigated the uncertainty of seeking connection and belonging. While that experience presented challenges, it was also transformative. Through involvement, relationship-building, and opportunities to serve, we found our community. We are running for ASG President and Vice President to ensure that no student feels invisible in our community—and to help build a campus where every student has the opportunity to find their place.
DeRose and Thompson: We have never been shy of forming connections, and that’s exactly what motivated us to run for ASG executives. Community is at the heart of our agenda. Having served as President before, Ella has never let go of her passion for collaboration and service. We both believe in the power of shared governance and feel that our experience, passion for leadership, ability to merge groups of people, and commitment to the mission of ASG could once again bring a positive impact to campus. Kylie shares the same sentiment of impact through action. Being a local student, she is passionate about connecting students with opportunities and sharing Meadville with more students. We want to be a resource for students who feel that ASG has not yet recognized their potential to create a community of belonging.
What has prepared you for this position? What management experience do you bring to the table?
DeRose and Thompson: Our experience is valuable. Ella DeRose served as ASG President during her sophomore year, giving her a clear understanding of the role and a unique perspective on how it can be done even better than before. She understands how to delegate, listen, and lead. She knows what it means to be accountable to you. As a former Senator, Kylie actively promoted engagement and connection between her classmates. She also served on the Community Relations Committee. Kylie is recognized for her work ethic, being able to manage a team and make decisions on the fly. We are both experienced leaders who prioritize dialogue over direction.
Carion and Escobar: At the core of our preparation for this candidacy is a strong commitment to community-centered leadership. Throughout our time at Allegheny, we have taken on roles that have challenged us to lead with purpose. Our combined leadership experiences have equipped us with both the perspective and the skills necessary to serve effectively. As members of the Bonner cohort, we have developed lasting partnerships with local organizations, which has grounded our leadership in collaboration and a nuanced understanding of community impact. In addition, Aubrey’s three years of involvement in Student Government have provided valuable insight into institutional processes and student advocacy, while Amberlyn’s work with multiple campus organizations has broadened her leadership across diverse spaces. Together, these experiences have prepared us to lead with intention, inclusivity, and a shared commitment to strengthening campus culture.
What is the main objective(s) your ticket hopes to achieve?
Carion and Escobar: Our ticket is grounded in a single guiding objective: Bridging the Gaps. This slogan reflects our commitment to strengthening connections across every part of the Allegheny community. Through this vision, our platform is built on three core pillars: One Team, One Campus, Community Without Walls, and Bridge to the City. One Team, One Campus focuses on increasing engagement with our athletic programs while encouraging stronger collaboration between athletic and non-athletic communities on campus. By creating more opportunities for shared experiences and support, we aim to cultivate a more unified student body. Community Without Walls is centered on representation and accessibility. This initiative is designed to ensure that every student’s voice is heard and meaningfully represented within Student Government and across campus decision-making. Bridge to the City emphasizes strengthening the relationship between Allegheny students and the greater Meadville community by encouraging greater student involvement beyond campus. Together, these pillars work to connect athletics, student organizations, academic departments, and the greater Meadville community—ensuring that every student feels included and part of a truly unified campus.
DeRose and Thompson: The theme of our ticket is community, achieved through shared, accessible, and convenient opportunities for sustained dialogue. We want to create meaningful involvement that allows students to explore new passions and perspectives. One initiative of ours is a “micro-engagement” program to help students promote their organizations, seek involvement, and advertise a need for skills or experience. We will utilize Instagram, Gator Hub, and possibly a weekly collaboration with The Campus. The commitment is low – we want to connect you with other students on a one-time basis. There are many ways for you to participate on campus without a long-term commitment.
With all of the things happening inside ASG, conversation can shift away from our purpose as representatives. We want to create a Student Delegate program to respond to concerns as soon as they arise. We propose a team of delegates, selected on behalf of their cohorts or groups as direct representatives to report on issues and work with ASG. We understand that a full-time commitment to ASG might not make sense for everyone and hope to talk face to face with you to learn more about the progress you are making or hope to see.
Why should high-information voters — like club leaders — vote for you?
DeRose and Thompson: To club leaders: Our platform highlights the need for sustainable leadership and involvement. We are committed to an open discussion grounded in accountability, acceptance, and inclusion. Let us advocate for you and help you succeed.
To rising juniors and seniors: Once you have spent a year or two on campus, the mission of ASG becomes much clearer. As rising seniors ourselves, we’re excited to work with you, especially those who might be aware of ASG but have not yet been involved. We’re committed to pushing for change that makes an impact during our year-long term, not just ideas that fall through the cracks. We want to make it easier for you to keep growing and meeting new people, even as you pass the halfway mark of your Allegheny experience.
Carion and Escobar: High-information voters—especially club leaders—should support our ticket because we understand the realities of leadership on this campus and are committed to making organizations better supported. Our platform emphasizes stronger collaboration between organizations, improved communication with Student Government, and increased visibility for student-led initiatives. We are committed to ensuring that organizations have the resources they need to succeed. Your vote is not just support for a candidate—it is an investment in a leadership team that values your work and is committed to helping your organizations thrive.
Why should low-information voters — people who are not familiar with ASG — vote for you?
Carion and Escobar: Low-information voters should support our ticket because our campaign is centered on improving the everyday student experience. Our platform, Bridging the Gaps, focuses on creating a campus where every student feels like part of a community. We understand that every student has finite energy—balancing academics, jobs, athletics, and personal commitments—and that it’s impossible to engage with everything on campus. That is why strong, reliable leadership matters. A key part of our approach is prioritizing visibility over volume. Rather than adding more programs or initiatives, we aim to highlight events and opportunities that already exist. We will ensure that every student feels included and able to engage meaningfully without stretching themselves too thin.
DeRose and Thompson: Not every student knows the impact of ASG on campus, but it is crucial that these students have an outlet. We recognize that ASG isn’t your focus. So why us? We hope to create flexible ways that allow you to focus on your commitments while trusting us to represent you.
We are also aware of the unique experience of being a commuter student. You deserve the same experience. It shouldn’t be an inconvenience to feel integrated. We hope to increase programming that connects students when it works for you.
If you are not aware of ASG’s mission, it’s not your fault. We’re inviting you to take a seat at our table. We hope you join us in any way possible to advocate for improvement across campus.
What do you think are the most pressing issues to current students?
DeRose and Thompson: Accessibility is a major concern on our campus. Physical, learning, medical or any sense of ability should never preclude students from accessing resources or impact their experience as an integrated member of the community. We see the challenge of belonging. It has become increasingly common to see students lacking direction or connection within the community. We hope to increase opportunities for a more integrated community. Another focus is our role as a carbon neutral campus and our commitment to sustainability. For many, this is a key draw toward Allegheny. We hope to draw attention to student projects highlighting sustainability efforts. We also recognize the challenge of financial and social accessibility, including within Greek Life, community involvement and opportunities on campus to connect with the city, the longevity of student organizations, and more.
Carion and Escobar: Some of the most pressing issues on our campus include limited visibility of events, student engagement, overall mental health, and the sense of connection between students. Many students are unaware of the opportunities available to them, which can make it difficult to feel involved or advocated for.
Our campaign addresses these challenges by strengthening connections across campus and prioritizing visibility over volume, ensuring that existing events, programs, and resources are clearly communicated and accessible to all students. By improving awareness and engagement, we aim to foster a campus environment where every student feels represented, respected, and able to thrive.
How do you plan to connect with students while in office?
Carion and Escobar: Our plan to connect with students focuses on accessibility, communication, and meaningful engagement. We aim to ensure that every student is aware of and able to participate in the programs, events, and opportunities available across campus. We prioritize listening and dialogue, creating spaces for students to share their ideas, concerns, and feedback directly with Student Government. Through these efforts, we strive to create an environment where students are actively involved, supported in their pursuits, and connected to the broader Allegheny community.
DeRose and Thompson: Through our proposed Student Delegate initiative, it will be possible to meet with more students to address issues. We know what it’s like to feel unseen. You should be able to approach your student representatives. Neither of us are afraid to speak out for those who might be underrepresented within ASG, and we want to talk to you directly. We respect your views and opinions, and want to work toward a better future. Leading with kindness might seem simple, but we are passionate about advocating for you and using our skills to serve Allegheny.
