Most important issues facing students

Nick Stathes (junior-political science and economics) and Pat Daley (sophomore-English) said tuition affects every Penn State student, and it's currently having a negative impact on the student body.

Stathes and Daley said current tuition obstacles can be conquered through student awareness, communication and cooperation from the university.

"Tuition is one of the few issues that benefits almost everyone equally," Stathes said.

The candidates said that throughout their campaigning and "Meet the Candidates" sessions, they have encountered a number of students concerned with current tuition issues.

"Everyone seems most concerned about tuition," Daley said. "We want the focus to stay on the students."

Stathes said another issue facing students is the process of self-discovery and personal growth.

"The reason we're here is not only to grow as individuals, but to prepare ourselves for a future," he said.

Motivation for running

Stathes said his experience with USG has given him the ability to assess the situation and prepare for the presidential role.

"I see the potential and feel as though I'm the individual that is going to be best able to tap that potential," he said.

Both of the candidates said their passion for Penn State was a reason they decided to run for the executive positions.

Daley said his years on campus have made him realize the improvement Penn State requires.

"I still had to realize how much I really loved Penn State and how much work it really needs to become the ideal university," he said. "This is something worth all my efforts."

Previous community/university involvement

Stathes and Daley attended Saint Joseph's Preparatory School in Philadelphia together.

Since then, Stathes has served as a USG town senator, is on the USG internal affairs committee and has been the liaison between the current USG executive branch and Senate for the past month.

For the past two years, Stathes has been working for the Department of Intergovernmental Affairs in Delaware County. Stathes has been a project manager for the Community Emergency Response Teams grant and worked with nonprofit organizations concerning the Delaware County emergency services training center.

Daley has worked with Habitat for Humanity and was a member of the Atlas team for the Interfraternity Council/Panhellenic Dance Marathon.

He was also a member of the USG social awareness committee.

— Compiled by Marissa Carl