Silhouette

Issue date: 8/31/06 Section: Front Page

RUPP

Last spring's SGA presidential election was a tight race, which resulted with Chris Corbett winning over Cassie Rupp by 12 votes. Lisa Theye withdrew from the race for personal reasons. 

However, a month before the fall semester began, Corbett announced that he would not be returning to GCCC citing personal reasons and therefore was unable to fulfill his position as SGA president.

According to SGA sponsor Ryan Ruda; the bylaws of the college state that in the case the elected president should not be able to fulfill his or her duties, the runner-up would become SGA president. For Rupp, who was runner-up, the news came as an unexpected, yet pleasant short notice surprise. She received the news just two weeks before the start of the fall semester.

"It was completely unexpected. I still wanted the opportunity, but was slightly hesitant to take on the responsibility on such short notice," Rupp said. "But now that it is under way I am comfortable and confident about the situation because we have a very strong executive board who have been a lot of help in the process. They have been a lot of help, and we plan to make this an incredible school year for our student body."

Rupp has not wasted any time making up for lost time.

"SGA has met with our new activities coordinator [Dane Hernandez] who is very enthusiastic and has a lot of great ideas, which will help student involvement, and I'm really excited to see what the year entails," Rupp said.

To some students the change has come as good news.

"It's pretty sad on his [Corbett's] part to quit, and she'd be the best one to take over since she knows how to run things and I think she'll do a good job," Samantha Roecker, Ingalls, Kan., who voted for Rupp in the Spring, said. "I saw she had done things for other organizations before I ever knew who the other guy was. But it's better he leave now than in the middle of the year, so Cassie has a fresh start."

To other students who voted for Corbett the change has been disappointing.

"It frustrates me [that Corbett did not return]. What was the point of having an election? My vote was wasted," Alanea Phillips, Pratt Kan., said. "I think there should be another election held. Not that she [Rupp] would do a bad job; I just think it's in the best interest of the students. SGA president is a big deal and she shouldn't just win by default."

Despite the late start Ruda said he believes Rupp is doing a fine job taking over her role as President.

"Cassie really isn't behind the eight ball too much I think she'll step in there and do a good job, she's very energetic and exited about the opportunity, and we're sure she'll do a good job for us."

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