Candidates
Clayton Breon (Presidential Candidate)
“Hello, My Fellow Zips! My name is Clayton Breon, and I am running for Student Body President for the 2025-2026 Academic Year. I am a Freshman studying Political Science, and I currently serve in the Undergraduate Student Government as the Senator for the Buchtel College of Arts and Sciences. I am currently running for Student Body President because I believe that students ought to get the best possible experience in their time here at the University of Akron. I believe strongly in encouraging people to voice out their concerns/comments and what they wish to see in the future here on campus. If elected, we will use the necessary funds, professional network, common sense, and communication with faculty/staff to tackle the problems most important to you and the overarching student body. If you feel the need to reach out for any particular reason, do not hesitate. To learn more about our platform or to submit a concern, check out our Instagram page, @WeHearUA. Thank you!”
Dylan Leipold (Vice Presidential Candidate)
“Hi Zips! My name is Dylan Leipold, and I am running for Student Body Vice President for the 2025-26 academic year. I’m a Junior studying Human Resources and currently serve as the President of the Interfraternity Council. I’m running for Vice President because, along with Clayton, I believe in elevating student voices and driving real change on campus. If elected, we will use our funding, talent network, and connections with administration to tackle the issues that are most important to you. If you would like to learn more about our platform or submit a concern, check out our Instagram, @WeHearUA.”
Platform: #WeHearUA
Madilyn Shaw (Presidential Candidate)
“Hello Zips! My name is Madilyn Shaw, and I am a second year Political Science Major, with a Pre-Law Philosophy Minor and a Manual Communications Certificate. I’m currently in Undergraduate Student Government, I serve as an Associate Justice in the Judicial Branch, a member of USG's Mental Health Task Force, and a member of USG's Ohio Student Government Summit planning committee. Along with this, I am the Secretary of the Honors Civics Club, and a member of the Pre-Law Society. I am seeking election as the Undergraduate Student Body President for many reasons, all of which ultimately lead back to what's most important: you. Advocating and investing in what is best for students at The University of Akron has been important to me since beginning my college journey. With different projects and initiatives done through my engagement among USG and beyond, and with the support of the four pillars under the All4UA platform, I am committed to supporting students being the best that they can be during their time at UA.”
Bethel Tsige (Vice Presidential Candidate)
“Hi Zips! My name is Bethel Tsige, and I am a fourth-year majoring in Chemical Engineering, with a Polymer Science & Engineering Minor, and an International Business Certificate. Within USG, I have previously served as a Project Manager within the USG Executive Branch for two consecutive terms. As for my other involvements, I am currently an Ambassador for the UA Women in Engineering Program and a Student Assistant at Bierce Library. Previously, I have been the President for the Society of Women Engineers, Class Representative for the American Institute of Chemical Engineers, and also have been involved with the National Society of Black Engineers, African Student Association, Theatre Guilde, and have also been an Undergraduate Research Assistant for four semesters. My purpose for pursuing election and running for the Undergraduate Student Body Vice President is to provide growth at the University of Akron within academic opportunities, community connections, student engagement, and to create a connection between the student body, USG, and beyond.”
Platform Statement: “The platform ALL4UA is structured around 4 principle pillars: 1. Amplifying Academic Opportunities; 2. Enhancing the Community; 3. Expanding Personal Growth; and 4. Empowering the Student Perspective”
Forest Pence (Senator At-Large )
“Hello hello! My name is Forest Pence and I am a third-year honors student majoring in geology and minoring in physics. I am currently involved in USG as a Project Manager. Otherwise, I am involved on campus as President of Geosciences Club and Treasurer of LGBTUA, as part of the Diversity Committee, and as a Community Assistant in the residence halls. I have previously been Vice President of Pride in STEMM. I am running for Senator At-Large because I often run into situations where I would like to help change campus for the better. With this position, I would have the ability to help enact the changes that students want.”
Noah Sterns (Senator At-Large)
“Hello! My name is Noah Sterns, and I am a first-year Chemistry major. I love the University of Akron, and I want to do my best to improve the campus environment for everyone. I am seeking election as a Senator-At-Large because I believe I can bring meaningful, positive change to our home. My mission as Senator-At-Large would be to open better lines of communication between the Undergraduate Student Government and the students in which it represents. Go Zips!”
Megan McCracken (Senator of the College of Engineering and Polymer Science Candidate)
“Hi Zips! My name is Megan McCracken and I am a freshman majoring in civil engineering with a certificate in surveying. I am currently in USG as the Senator for the College of Engineering and Polymer Science and was previously the Senate Clerk. Outside of USG, I am involved in Elevate, the American Society of Civil Engineers, the Steel Bridge design team, and I am apart of the Williams Honors College. I would like to continue my position as the Senator for the College of Engineering and continue to represent my fellow students to make the College of Engineering and Polymer Science thrive.”
Dakota Whitacre (Senator for the College of Business Candidate)
“I am a first-generation college student that has benefitted from both the University of Akron and the students here on campus. I am currently working on obtaining my Economics BA/JD and two minors in Finance and Pre-law Philosophy. I am an honors student as well as a member of the College of Business Dean’s Team. Outside of the College of Business I am member of the Phi Delta Theta fraternity and a member of the Interfraternity Council. The reason I am seeking election is very simple, I want to give back to the students and programs that have given me so much during my time here at the university, and more specifically the students and staff within the College of Business community.”
Ryan Kasik (Residence Life Senator Candidate)
“My name is Ryan Kasik and I’m a sophomore Political Science student. I’m currently a member of the Bulger Hall government serving as a representative. I want to use my experience working in Hall Government to help better represent students and make campus life a better experience. I want to improve the residence halls and provide more experiences and events to help better connect the community and create a more engaging environment for students.”