Meet this year’s candidates running in the Lincoln SU Elections
A lot can be said for how someone plans to spend June 21st
Lincoln’s SU elections have begun once again, and your Instagram requests are probably filled to the brim with campaign accounts, eager for you to vote for them. Voting opened last night and closes in three days, so look no further if you want to know more about the candidates who are running in this year’s elections.
From their plans for June 21st to one thing they would change about Lincoln, here is a look into your future Vice Presidents and Officers at the University of Lincoln’s Students’ Union.
Vice President of Education
Talia Adams (She/her)
If you could change one thing about Lincoln, what would it be?
Make Steep Hill less steep. My little legs can only take so much”
Describe yourself in three words.
Outgoing, ambitious and, reliable.
What are you doing on June 21st?
Getting all of my friends together in the closest bar/pub.
Why should Lincoln students vote for you?
I am an active member of the university and have been engaged in many areas such as being a Course Rep 18/19, School Rep 19/20, College Officer 20/21 and have served you your VK’s working at the Engine Shed.
I want to continue to improve Lincoln students’ academic and wider university experience as VP education and aim to: enhance academic support, focus on equality, diversity, and inclusion, and support student development and ideas.
Phillip Morgan (He/him)
If you could change one thing about Lincoln, what would it be?
I would like Lincoln to become a safer place for people to live in, where people feel happy walking home at all times of the day, without having to worry about being attacked or harassed.
Describe yourself in three words.
Ambitious, driven and, dependable.
What are you doing on June 21st?
I will be out clubbing in Lincoln (if all goes to plan), spending as much time with as many of my friends as possible, I have missed them all far too much this last year.
Why should Lincoln students vote for you?
Students should vote for me as I have a clear plan of action (I ASK): Improve, Accessibility, Support, and Knowledge. I aim to create change in the area of education, driven by student feedback, which will be at the heart of every decision I take in the role.
So, I ASK all University of Lincoln students to elect Phil Morgan as your next VP Education.
Vice President of International
Amina Akugri (She/her)
If you could change one thing about Lincoln, what would it be?
Increase integration amongst our students and the community.
Describe yourself in three words.
Approachable, responsible and, support.
What are you doing on June 21st?
I haven’t actually thought about it but I know definitely is going to be a party because who doesn’t like a party.
Why should Lincoln students vote for you?
UoL students should vote for more because I am a thoughtful person they can rely on to represent their interest. As I said a vote for me is a commitment to more. This is because once I commit to something be rest assured that it would be achieved. Students need a dedicated person to represent them and I am your girl, Amina.
Sunitha Lazarus (She/her)
If you could change one thing about Lincoln, what would it be?
The safety of women to be increased.
Describe yourself in three words.
Unity, Loyal and, friendly.
What are you doing on June 21st?
Enjoying the summer in the UK with my summer outfits.
Why should Lincoln students vote for you?
I would like to give the international students the best university experience and want to create a unified and diverse student community at the University of Lincoln.
Vice President of Wellbeing & Community
Callum Roper (He/Him)
Callum is a familiar face within the SU, and he currently studies politics at UoL.
If you could change one thing about Lincoln, what would it be?
There’s a lot of things I would like to change but cheaper buses so I can further explore the city would be great.
Describe yourself in three words.
Driven, approachable and caring.
What are you doing on June 21st?
I will hopefully be going to the Strugglers Inn for a good pint.
Why should Lincoln students vote for you?
As this year’s community officer, I have already demonstrated my ability to deliver. As VPWC my priorities will be to ensure everyone feels safe, further build up mental health provisions, and establish an inclusive campus for all.
Edward Poole (They/them)
If you could change one thing about Lincoln, what would it be?
If I could change one thing about Lincoln it would be to make it a safer community for people who are more at risk or who don’t feel safe as they should.
Describe yourself in three words.
Passionate, trustworthy, and charismatic
What are you doing on June 21st?
Hopefully, I’ll be going to Home for their welcome home event!
Why should Lincoln students vote for you?
Lincoln students should vote Ed for VIBES (Vital Improvements Benefitting Everyone’s Safety). I will work with as many students and people in the local community to create a safer and more positive community by focusing to reduce risks of sexual assault, increasing support for survivors, implementing a nightline service into the uni, and helping students understand their rights as tenants more for better living conditions.
Zara Christian-Norris (She/her)
If you could change one thing about Lincoln, what would it be?
Safety in Lincoln is my number one priority. In light of recent events with Sarah Everard, it is not more than ever crucial to make sure women all of backgrounds feel safe whilst walking at night.
That’s why I want to implement a body of volunteers called the Engine Shed Angels to keep students safe in the SU Engine Shed nightclub and help reduce cases of sexual harassment.
All students deserve to feel safe wherever they are.
Describe yourself in three words.
Outgoing, loud, and annoying
What are you doing on June 21st?
The Engine Shed’s welcome party of course! Get me a drink.
Why should Lincoln students vote for you?
I care deeply about the well-being of students. I want to help make every single student feel happy, included, and safe on and off campus. #votezara!
Harriet Kennedy (She/her)
If you could change one thing about Lincoln, what would it be?
I would dramatically increase the amount of lights and cameras around the city and leave them on for much longer, so many students not only go out socially but also work late hours and have late study sessions at the library, all of which they should be safe walking home from.
It’s appalling that university students don’t feel safe, it needs to be a priority, it needs drastic change!
Describe yourself in three words.
Caring, bubbly, and determined
What are you doing on June 21st?
I am going to the SU welcome back night out and I couldn’t be more excited
Why should Lincoln students vote for you?
Wellbeing is a cause I care about more than ever, I personally know how hard it is to handle wellbeing issues and all I want is to help people get through that!
Voting for me is voting for a safer Lincoln, where wellbeing, health, and the quality of living standards for students is improved.
Lucy Dunkerley (She/her)
Lucy is running for VP of Wellbeing and Community and currently studies Psychology at Lincoln.
If you could change one thing about Lincoln, what would it be?
Make it more accessible for people with visible and hidden disabilities.
Describe yourself in three words.
Lively, driven and, caffeinated.
What are you doing on June 21st?
Rain or shine definitely in a pub garden with friends (I’ll wear my waterproofs if necessary).
Why should Lincoln students vote for you?
In a nutshell, there isn’t anything I won’t tackle to make student wellbeing a priority. I make it my mission to dismantle this idea that there are things we should just ‘put up with’ or ‘keep quiet’ on.
I have plenty of experience hearing both on these sentiments, but ensuring every single student is represented, feels safe, and is healthy isn’t something I take lightly. I want to work for students, to spend a whole year making everything about them.
Megan Greaves (She/her)
If you could change one thing about Lincoln, what would it be?
If I could change one thing about Lincoln, it’s how safe we feel. I know what it’s like to walk quicker down certain roads or make sure I have got good shoes on if I have to run.
This shouldn’t be the case. If elected, I will ensure there is a safe and inclusive process of providing feedback so I can work with organisations within Lincoln to benefit the whole student body in regards to their safety in the city.
Describe yourself in three words.
Friendly, committed and, approachable.
What are you doing on June 21st?
Ideally sat in a beer garden with my best friends.
Why should Lincoln students vote for you?
Lincoln students should vote for me because I recognise that we are individuals outside of being students. Individuals with other commitments, interests, hobbies, friends, and family.
If elected as VPWC I will ensure that your other commitments are supported and your strengths acknowledged so you can be exactly who you want to be. Your wellbeing is key to your success and achieving excellence. Vote Megan #1 VPWC and #GoForGreaves
Sophie Yeaman (She/her)
If you could change one thing about Lincoln, what would it be?
I want Lincoln to be safer for everyone, I want to not have to worry about popping to the shop or whether my friend got home safe or about what I am wearing.
That’s why I set up a volunteer safety patrol on and off campus to make things safer for us all if I am elected.
Describe yourself in three words.
Caring, passionate and, determined.
What are you doing on June 21st?
Going to give my family the biggest hug ever!
Why should Lincoln students vote for you?
I truly have their best interests at heart and have been working hard to make a change on campus throughout my degree via the Peace of Mind Society, Wellbeing Cafe, and local charities. I’m extremely determined and passionate (hence running again). I have struggled myself during university which drives my passion to push for better and from mine, and listening to other students’ experiences, know what’s working and what isn’t.
My manifesto points are all based on feedback from students about what they want, and I’m 100 per cent confident I’ll be able to achieve them all and so much more. I would love nothing more than the opportunity to continue to fight for the best for us all and represent every single student at the University! I will not stop until there is change!
Vote Sophie for YOUR #1 VP Wellbeing & Community!
Becka Sharp (She/her)
If you could change one thing about Lincoln, what would it be?
It would be that landlords allow family pets to visit! I miss my dog incredibly!
Describe yourself in three words.
Bubbly, passionate and, dedicated.
What are you doing on June 21st?
I will probably be reuniting with my closest friends as long as Boris gives me the go ahead!
Why should Lincoln students vote for you?
Students should vote for me to see active changes to both wellbeing opportunities and the Lincoln community. I want all voices to be heard over this upcoming year and to make changes that are beneficial yet achievable within a year.
It’s the year to #MakeThingsBecka. Vote Becka #1 for Vice President Wellbeing and Community!
Vice President of Campaigns & Environment
Ethan Day (He/Him)
If you could change one thing about Lincoln, what would it be?
I would keep the street lights on much later to make sure that people feel safe in Lincoln.
Describe yourself in three words.
Thoughtful, experienced, and dedicated.
What are you doing on June 21st?
I will most likely be sitting in Towers with a pint of cloudy apple cider!
Why should Lincoln students vote for you?
Lincoln students should vote for me because I am passionate about improving student representation and I have the experience to do it.
Riley Wade (They/them)
If you could change one thing about Lincoln, what would it be?
Working hard to ensure there are detailed anti-discrimination policies fully in place for each and every marginalised group.
Describe yourself in three words.
Radical, compassionate and, proud.
What are you doing on June 21st?
If the Covid problem is dealt with and I am vaccinated, I’ll be hitting the town for some boots-on-the-ground activism, and maybe a little bit of clubbing the week after. If not? Home with a pizza and my cats, doing the same work but online!
Why should Lincoln students vote for you?
Students should vote for me because I am the only candidate promising cross-board radical change aimed toward marginalised students and student activists.
After four years of activism in LGBTQ+ groups at the uni, organising everything from the Trans Rights March to cross-collabs with other unis, I know I am the loudest, proudest person for the job.
Jacob Stinson-Grigg (He/Him)
If you could change one thing about Lincoln, what would it be?
I would want the Lincoln council to provide compost bins to all houses.
Describe yourself in three words.
Passionate, committed and, driven.
What are you doing on June 21st?
Going to the nearest Spoons with all my friends.
Why should Lincoln students vote for you?
I think Lincoln students should vote for me because I am confident that I have the skills, commitment, experience, and knowledge to represent students across campus in my role.
I hope you can cast your vote for #1 Jacob for VPCE and #standwithstinson as I am ready to be your next VP campaigns and environment.
Natasha Kirchin (She/her)
If you could change one thing about Lincoln, what would it be?
Safety. For women, Lincoln is extremely unsafe and as VPCE I want to implement measures that keep the City of Lincoln and the campus safe. The same goes for Queer people.
Lincoln can often feel unsafe for queer people and I want to work to create effective hate crime & discrimination policies within the uni that can be taken across the city to include the council and make Lincoln safer for everyone, no matter their identity.
Describe yourself in three words.
Passionate, qualified and, queer.
What are you doing on June 21st?
I’ll be going on a long-overdue Lincoln bar craw that ends like every night, in Scene.
Why should Lincoln students vote for you?
I’m passionate. I’m passionate about making a difference. As a queer woman, I know how important it is to have effective representation and representation that fights for you.
I want to fight for the rights of marginalised people and make Lincoln a safer home for everyone. As current LGBT officer, I know how hard this job can be, but I know much a role like VPCE is needed and how much impact it can have.
Vice President of Activities
Emily Dale (She/her)
If you could change one thing about Lincoln, what would it be?
I think the main change to work for in Lincoln would be the push to keep streetlights on longer – we already have an amazing community here at the university, but with regards to the Sarah Everard situation, we need to make sure all residents are safe here at night.
Describe yourself in three words.
Passionate activities nerd!
What are you doing on June 21st?
Until I get into Quack, I’ll be bingeing Netflix at home!
Why should Lincoln students vote for you?
I’m not just all flashy videos and posters – I really do have plans to back up all my promises! I am the best for the job and my manifesto can prove it!
International Students’ Association Officer
Benjamin Tan
If you could change one thing about Lincoln, what would it be?
It would have to be having more green spaces and nature scattered around the city area. The West Common is great and all but the high street is quite bland in my own personal opinion.
Describe yourself in three words.
Loyal, brave and, true.
What are you doing on June 21st?
Going out out, meeting with old friends and new ones, being human again.
Why should Lincoln students vote for you?
Lincoln students should vote for me because I joined ISA in my first year, at the time I was totally new to the student setting and I was welcomed without stigma or prejudices.
As my time at Lincoln is slowly but surely coming to an end, it would only be right for me to also endow that feeling of belonging onto my fellow Lincolnites.
Women’s Officer
Zuzanna Romanska (She/her)
If you could change one thing about Lincoln, what would it be?
I believe that Lincoln has a lot of work to do in terms of safety in public areas, especially when women’s safety (and any other identity that is not a cisgender hetero man) is concerned.
There is a serious issue with the number of streetlights that remain off after dawn (or work only for a short amount of time), and hence create a risk for women’s safety.
Describe yourself in three words.
Feminist. Passionate. Aware.
What are you doing on June 21st?
I will hopefully be awaiting my vaccination, and I’ll be able to (finally) visit my family after almost a year of not seeing them. Also, extensively hugging people because it was impossible for such a long time.
Why should Lincoln students vote for you?
I would love to become your next Women’s Officer because women’s issues and inequality, in general, is something that I breathe and live every day. If I care about something, I stand behind it until the end, making sure that I have done everything in my power to make a positive change. I also want to bring our community’s attention to international feminist issues.
I believe they deserve our attention and that women’s activism should have no borders. I pursued a Gender Studies course because I was eager to understand the complexities of the movement. I also wanted to find out how we can finally move forward to gender equality, leaving patriarchal supremacy behind us.
Or at least, try our best to do so. I believe that every voice of protest matters; every ‘no’ resonates with importance if joined by all of the other ‘no’s’ that have been said out loud. I care, I act, and I educate myself to then share my knowledge with you. That is why I believe that I am a suitable candidate for the Women’s Officer position.
Disabilities Officer
Georgia Allen (She/her)
If you could change one thing about Lincoln, what would it be?
If I could change one thing about Lincoln, it would definitely be the accessibility of venues and outdoor sports.
Describe yourself in three words.
Ambitious, caring and, determined
What are you doing on June 21st?
Honestly, I will be baking for my local children’s home that I haven’t seen for so long and getting a hug from my friends.
Why should Lincoln students vote for you?
I know exactly what they are going through. During my second year, I was diagnosed with an invisible illness that really affected my mobility and I struggled with accessibility when I was able to leave the house. Due to this, I am extremely passionate about campaigning for disability rights and I have shown this through being the publicity officer for the disabilities campaign 2020/2021.
Changes to accommodate any disability in daily life and in events should and can be implemented throughout the university. I will fight for this by working with the university and working with both societies and sports so your voices are heard and real influential change can happen.
Heather Groves (She/they)
If you could change one thing about Lincoln, what would it be?
I’d make it so the city was safer and more inclusive for everyone.
Describe yourself in three words.
Kind, confident, and approachable!
What are you doing on June 21st?
I’ll be enjoying being outside and possibly in a coffee shop.
Why should Lincoln students vote for you?
I want to push for a more accessible campus and continue the real change that is being made for disabled students because no one should feel excluded from the university experience.
Environmental Officer
Megan Basker-Hugill (They/them)
If you could change one thing about Lincoln, what would it be?
I would change Lincoln to make it easier to live sustainably, more eco-friendly, an improved recycling system, and more information for the public on how to be sustainable.
Describe yourself in three words.
Happy, friendly and, relaxed.
What are you doing on June 21st?
No plans set in stone, but a trip to the pub with my pals is very likely.
Why should Lincoln students vote for you?
I am passionate about the environment and want to do everything possible to protect it. So a vote for me would ensure there is a friendly approachable officer in the SU that cares about your opinions and does their best to make the change students want.
Societies Officer
Miles Halley (He/Him)
If you could change one thing about Lincoln, what would it be?
The one thing I would change is for the council to allow the street lights to stay on throughout the night to increase safety across the city.
Describe yourself in three words.
Charismatic, passionate, and ambitious.
What are you doing on June 21st?
On June 21st, you’ll find me at the biggest party in Lincoln (if Boris allows)!
Why should Lincoln students vote for you?
We have a very exciting year ahead! I want to help all sports and societies come out of this pandemic better than ever! I can’t wait to see our amazing students led groups plan the activities they’ve been itching to do all year!
I strongly believe next year will be the best yet for sports and societies as everyone will be looking for new experiences after being locked up all year! I would also like to make sure every society committee has a wellbeing officer to be the first point of call to point students in the right direction of help.
Together we can achieve #thenextmilestone
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