GSA elects new leaders; some seats remain open

By NIKKI VELISARIS
Collegian Staff Writer

The Graduate Student Association elected new officers at last night's meeting, but several positions remain empty.

Laurel Martin (graduate-animal science) was elected GSA president with 18 approval votes and was the only official presidential nominee on the ballot.

Martin told GSA members at the meeting she hopes to increase participation in GSA activities and create a team effort among graduate students.

"I think we face a problem because so few people are doing so much work," Martin said.

Martin feels GSA needs to increase involvement with Penn State as well as with other graduate student organizations.

Erdat Cataloglu (graduate-science education) was elected as next year's treasurer. However, there were no registered candidates for the positions of vice president, secretary, University Park Allocation Committee member or University Faculty senator.

All nominations made at last night's meeting for vice president, secretary and UPAC member were declined.

"Normally what we do in this case is hold special elections at the next meeting," current GSA President Jill Bush said.

Steve Pechous (graduate-plant physiology) was nominated for the Senate position and accepted the nomination.

He told the GSA members that although he does not know much about the position, he is looking forward to the experience.

Five graduate council positions were available and only four have been filled by Jennifer Page (graduate-horticulture), Jason Clobes (graduate-material science and engineering), Frank Von Willert (graduate-agronomy) and Isis Kanevsky (graduate-pathiobilogy).

Kanevsky did not attend last night's meeting, but GSA members said she would be willing to take on the responsibilities. However, she still can decline nomination.

Martin said she is not discouraged by GSA's failure to fill all elected positions.

"I know it is a big commitment and it does take a lot of energy. But if we work together, we can decrease the load," Martin said.