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Student Government President and Vice President elects Nicholas Keen (right) and Jessica Valerio stand in front of the statue of St. Ignatius in front of the Danna Student Center. Heidi Herrera-Wanke/The Maroon

"Brighter Administration" to lead 2025-26 student government By Lily Bordelon lmbordel@my.loyno.edu

Nicholas Keen and Jessica Valerio were elected as the Student Government Association’s President and Vice President for the 2025-2026 school year after running unopposed. Keen, a rising senior majoring in Music Industry Studies with minors in Marketing and Business Administration, has been a part of SGA since he joined the First-Year-Council as a freshman before transitioning to Senate for three years. “It felt like a natural transition. I knew it would be a great way to stay engaged and build relationships,” said Keen. Since joining Senate, Keen has worked as a Senator at Large for the College of Arts and Sciences and was the Speaker of the Senate his junior year. He has created, co-written, supported, and helped pass over 50 pieces of legislation aimed at benefiting students and improving SGA’s bylaws in these positions. Keen stated that he plans to focus on building a brighter community by expanding outreach and resources, including prioritizing grants for students that are underfunded by initiating the Brighter Futures Scholarship. “As a local New Orleanian, I love our surrounding community, and I think we can deepen those connections,” he said. Keen said he also plans to launch a pass called the SGAccess Pass, which

gives students discounts to local restaurants, and he’s also planning on creating a syllabus bank so students can access course information before classes begin, as well as implementing more grants that will recognize students for their academic achievements. Keen has many projects he looks forward to working on, including establishing a sustainability fund, supporting the planning of a Lavender Graduation, expanding and securing sponsorships for Iggy’s Cupboard to meet rising student needs, and building a stronger sense of belonging by uplifting current students while welcoming new ones. “We want to keep Loyola students safe and aware of the resources available to them,” he added. “I also plan to focus on increasing transparency—especially regarding student fees—and making the New Orleans community more accessible to everyone.” The student body being involved in the decision making process is incredibly important to Keen, and he plans to continue holding open forums where the student body can connect with administrators. He also plans to hold student roundtable discussions where students can address their concerns and be heard. “Feedback is key! We want to hear what worked this year and what didn’t,” he said. Throughout his efforts, Keen has de-

veloped an insight to what has made him successful, and he specifies that taking a look at the bigger picture is always important. “The world can be overwhelming at times. Remember that we’re here to pursue a higher education and grow as individuals,” he said. “Take your time, become the future you want to see, and continue being the compassionate community that makes Loyola so special.” Vice President Valerio, is also a rising senior majoring in Biology and minoring in Forensic Chemistry. She was also in the First Year Council before serving as Vice President of Loyola’s Chapter of American Chemical Society for the 2023-2024 school year and is currently the Vice President of The National Organization for the professional advancement of Black Chemists and Chemical Engineers. “Enjoying my experience with student government in high school, I wanted to carry that knowledge to college and help contribute to the Loyola Community,” said Valerio. While working alongside President Keen, Valerio also aims to advocate for concerns on campus, including DEI and sustainability initiatives. She also wishes to focus on implementing SGA micro-grants into the community, including programs where students can apply for performance or research grants to obtain the money they

need for either project and to connect with more organizations across campus. “All of Loyola's Registered Student Organizations have great ideas that often overlap,” she said. “Improving connections across student orgs can increase student engagement and facilitate event planning for those who organize.” One aspect Valerio said was important to achieving goals was to continue trying new things. “Loyola is a melting pot of beautiful encounters and great experiences waiting to happen so try new things even when you're scared because more often than not, the outcome is very fulfilling,” she said. Valerio said she is grateful that Loyola elected her administration and is looking forward to the fall. “I would like to extend my gratitude to the Loyola Community for their faith in President Elect Nicholas Keen and I to curate a Brighter Loyola!” said Valerio.

Year in Photos: Check out our photo gallery on p.12 Eve Bronsink performed at Tipitina's for the Loyola’ Uptown Threauxdown in December 2024 during the Popular and Commercial music showcase. Sophia Renzi/The Maroon