The Associated Student Government presidential race is shaping up around how to rebuild student trust and engagement, with two tickets offering distinct approaches to leadership and impact. Mateo Coulson ’28 and running mate Johnathan Amidi ’27 are campaigning to strengthen school spirit and expand student governments’ presence across campus. Their platform emphasizes outreach through clubs, student organizations and social initiatives, arguing that improvements to student life can have the most immediate effect. “If we can’t get that much done through legislation, the best thing we can do is improve student life,” Coulson said. Amidi highlighted Coulson’s interpersonal style, describing him as someone who “goes out of his way to talk to students like they matter.” Their proposals also include increasing direct engagement with student groups and making ASG more visible in everyday campus life. Opposing them are Laura Da Costa Locatelli ’27 and Bella Rene ’27, who center their campaign on outreach, equity, and collaboration. Their platform focuses on improving communication between the student government and students while addressing affordability and inclusivity. “I feel like ASG is doing so many amazing things, but it’s not necessarily something the student body is always aware of,” Da Costa Locatelli said. Rene emphasized the importance of making ASG feel more approachable and relatable to students, especially in how representatives connect with their peers. “I think also, if people feel like the people at ASG are their friends,” Rene said. “We’re all just students, just like everyone else.” Their proposals include expanding awareness of campus resources and launching a student-run textbook exchange program to reduce costs. Rene emphasized collaboration with admin and student groups to turn student concerns into action. Both tickets identified low student engagement and skepticism about the ASG's effectiveness as key challenges, pointing to declining participation and limited awareness of initiatives. Students can ask questions of all the candidates at 6 p.m. today in Charney Hall, room 106. 📝: Dylan Ryu 📷: @elainez_ly + Dylan Ryu

From old jeans, to thrifted ties and discarded fabrics, Santa Clara University students spent months turning second hand materials into runway-ready fashion. The University’s annual EcoFashion Show challenges student designers to create original looks using secondhand and upcycled materials. The event, now in its fourth year in its current form, aims to highlight the environmental and social impacts of the fashion industry. For senior Anna Truong ’26, this year’s show carried extra weight. “I started thinking about it in summer,” she said. “I wanted to make my last year count.” Truong, who began sewing during quarantine by making a bucket hat out of an old T-shirt, has spent the last three years refining her craft. This year she pushed herself, creating three collections. “Princess Treatment” featured two ballgown style princess dresses. “tie dance,” was curated using old ties, and “37th St Denim” got its title from the 37 pairs of jeans used to create the three denim patchwork looks. “I’m a little crazy and a little ambitious,” she said, laughing. Her designs relied heavily on materials from Bucky’s Closet, a campus resource providing free second hand clothing. Truong cut hundreds of hearts and squares, reassembling pieces into detailed, labor intensive garments. “I couldn’t have done it alone,” she said. “I had to give a shoutout to my team.” Looking back, Truong sees the show as a reflection of her growth over the past four years. “I’ve grown a lot,” she said. “This is a part of who I am now.” As she prepares to graduate, Truong plans to continue pursuing fashion, building her portfolio and exploring opportunities in the fashion industry. “I don’t think I’ll stop creating,” she said. For others, like Crowe, the journey is just beginning. After her first experience at the show, she’s already thinking about next year.” “I’ll do it again,” she said. “Now I feel more comfortable.” 📝: Isabella Alvarez 📷: @elainez_ly