By Theresa Smith
GCU News Bureau
The platforms are prepared, the debate topics are polished and the flyers are posted for the next election cycle for president and vice president of the Associated Students of Grand Canyon University (ASGCU).
In one corner, Samuel Yonan is running for president with VP running mate Bret Malkin versus Jacob Montgomery, an aspiring president, and Anthony Clark, his VP choice.
Election week runs through Friday.
The debate will run from 6-7:30 p.m. Wednesday on the first floor of the Student Union, North Dining Hall. Refreshments will be served as the candidates share their vision for the 2019-2020 academic year.
Each pair of running mates revealed their top two priorities to GCU Today:
Yonan-Malkin ticket
Job 1: Implement a Church Fair each semester, a place where students can get connected with local churches. It would be mostly for freshmen and transfers and out-of-state students. Many of them don’t have cars. We can organize car pools and we can build community from our platform, helping them connect with church communities and grow with their walk and their faith in the Lord.
Job 2: We want to expand the student representation of GCU by creating a House of Representatives within ASGCU. We have about 150-plus clubs, and each club can be represented in the House of Representatives. It would not only add diversity and improve communication, it would hold student leaders accountable.
Montgomery-Clark ticket
Job 1: We want to add recycling initiatives. We believe that we are called to be stewards of the Earth. GCU students should be examples in leading. We want to promote sustainable practices. We can start with small stuff to be better stewards.
Job 2: As Christians, we want to be inclusive. We do not want to leave anyone out on the margins of society. We want to build community in every small corner. This campus is amazing, and there are so many reasons to be involved here with GCU.
Here's a look at each candidate:
Name: Samuel Yonan
Year at GCU: junior
Major/minor: government with an emphasis in public policy/Christian studies
High school/hometown: Lassen High School/Susanville, Calif.
Previous leadership experience at GCU: One year as a senator-at-large with ASGCU, including serving on the appropriations committee; involvement with Young Americans for Freedom, Outreach
Leader you admired and why: Margaret Thatcher. She was the longest-serving prime minister of the United Kingdom. She built an impeccable record, and in every election, she was elected with an overwhelming mandate. She led by her convictions, and she carried out the duties of the day.
Last great book you read: Doris Kearns Goodwin’s book about Abraham Lincoln, “Team of Rivals.”
Three key personality traits: hard worker, outgoing, being goofy
Name: Bret Malkin
Year at GCU: junior
Major/minor: marketing/Biblical studies
High school/hometown: Scottsdale Prep/Scottsdale, Ariz.
Previous leadership experience at GCU: two years as a resident assistant
Leader you admired and why: Judah Smith, a pastor from Seattle and Los Angeles. He is a powerful speaker and leader. He is very loud; he uses his vocal tone a lot. He allows the Holy Spirit to speak through him, and he uses examples in his life and other peoples’ lives to point back to God.
Last great book you read: “Everybody, Always” by Bob Goff
Three key personality traits: Genuine -- people can tell that I really care for them and others. The way I show it is to really focus in conversation and ask questions and really get to know people. Inviting -- I grew up as the youngest of five boys and I was not included in a lot of stuff when I was younger, so I make it a point to include everyone. Patient -- I have really learned to be patient through my college experience.
Name: Jacob Montgomery
Year at GCU: sophomore
Major/minor: communications
High school/hometown: Big Christian Valley/Modesto, Calif.
Previous leadership experience at GCU: A member of Freshman Class Council; currently ASGCU senator
Leader you admired and why: Captain America. He is someone willing to sacrifice everything to protect people -- and he leads from the front. He is always going first.
Last great book you read: "Fahrenheit 451" by Ray Bradbury
Three key personality traits: giving, competitive, loving
Name: Anthony Clark
Year at GCU: sophomore
Major/minor: communications
High school/hometown: Mountain Ridge/Glendale, Ariz.
Previous leadership experience at GCU: A member of Freshman Class Council; currently ASGCU senator
Leader you admired and why: The author, Bob Goff. His message is simply that we are called on by Christ to love everyone -- straight, gay, black, white, purple, etc. We are called on to love everyone regardless. It is a call for unconditional love.
Last great book you read: “Everybody, Always” by Bob Goff
Three key personality traits: Caring -- I am really caring toward others; I care deeply. Loving -- It is the theme from Bob Goff of loving people unconditionally. I aspire to it. Outgoing/extroverted -- I love people.
Contact Theresa Smith at (602) 639-7457 or [email protected].
