Three parties run for Penn State Brandywine student government in rare election

MEDIA, Pa. – For the first time in eight years, three student-led parties are competing for leadership positions in Penn State Brandywine’s Student Government Association (SGA), signaling a renewed sense of student engagement on campus.

At Brandywine, SGA is the official governing body for the students. SGA plays a vital role in enriching student life on campus; the organization advocates for campus improvements, acts as a voice for the students and plans events throughout the academic year to get the Brandywine community involved.

Austin Duckett, director of student affairs, noted the significance of this year’s SGA election, stating it’s clear how invested and empowered students are to make a difference on campus.

“I’ve been advising Student Government Associations for the better part of 15 years throughout my career. Regardless of which institution I have served, I’ve observed that engaged students don’t wait for change — they lead it. This election is significant to our campus because it reflects a growing culture of student voice and leadership at Brandywine,” he said.

“There are three campaign platforms this year — The Student Voice Party, Better Brandywine Party, and United Brandywine — which signals an energy of students stepping forward, owning their experience and helping define what Penn State Brandywine becomes next. When students show up to lead, it’s a clear sign they feel connected, invested and empowered to make a difference on campus — which are sentiments directly aligned with my goals as Brandywine’s director of student affairs.”

Meet the parties

The Student Voice Party

• Tatiana Lewis, President
• Tayvon Reid, Vice President

The Student Voice Party’s main goal is to transform challenges into solutions and create a stronger community where no student’s voice is left unheard.

“I am running for Student Government Association President at Penn State Brandywine because I am determined to create a community on our campus where everyone feels included. I truly love meeting and connecting with others, and I would love to be a voice that represents our student body,” Lewis said. “My goal is to make a lasting impact on this campus that will succeed me, by ensuring that every student feels heard, represented and supported to the best of my ability.”

“Throughout my experience with the Black Student Union on campus, I see how much potential the campus has, and I feel that it’s important to emphasize it,” Reid added. “I’m excited to be one of the voices for our students, and I’m excited for the opportunity to serve our campus.”

Better Brandywine Party

• Stephen Terry, President
• Adrianna Lauri, Vice President

The Better Brandywine Party’s main goals are to get students more engaged by having clear communications between SGA and the campus community, improve the student experience with facilities projects, and empower current and aspiring student leaders.

“I will work with our regional and University partners to create and encourage more consistent career-entry experiences across all majors, not just the few that exist now,” Terry said. “Over my two years at Brandywine, I have worked to transform our Technology Club from an inactive group to one of Brandywine’s most engaged organizations, hosting dozens of events from panels to speakers from industry to competitive debuts that gave Brandywine an international reputation. I’m ready to bring the same results-driven, Brandywine-first leadership to SGA to build a better Brandywine.”

“I have also had the privilege of discussing our campus with a wide range of our student body through my work on campus, and I intend to continue those conversations as vice president to ensure open communication between SGA and students,” Lauri added. “Under our leadership and connections, I am confident that Stephen and I can build a better Brandywine for all of our students here.”

United Brandywine Party

• Matteo Achilles, President
• Joseph Engelbert, Vice President

The United Brandywine Party’s main goal is to ensure each student at Brandywine has a place at Brandywine.

“Brandywine’s story starts with its community. The hundreds of students that have come from all different backgrounds and cultural identities are what makes a united Brandywine, and a united Brandywine is what will be delivered,” said Achilles.

“I'm here to make Brandywine's SGA accountable for each other, and I believe that United Brandywine serves to understand one another and grow together,” Engelbert added.

How students can vote

Students can cast their vote for the party they think will best represent the student population at Penn State Brandywine between April 7 and 9 on DiscoverEast. All Penn State Brandywine students are encouraged to participate and make their voices heard.