On Friday, April 1, newly elected Student Government Association (SGA) President Luke Holloway, Vice President M.J. Ahmad and Chief Justice William Takewell sat down with The Lion’s Roar and discussed campus politics and revealed a little about themselves and their lives as students.
Luke and M.J., when Charika Tolliver announced you as President and VP, how did you feel? You both looked very excited.
Luke: I was very excited. We worked really hard on the LEAD campaign. We both decided that no matter what happened, this is something that we would both learn from.
M.J.: It was a very surreal kind of moment. It was very exciting and basically a great opportunity that we took advantage of. I’m looking forward to serving the university.
William, you ran unopposed and I thought that was a bit unusual. Any idea why that happened?
William: This is the first year that anybody has had to run for Chief Justice. Nobody really turned in an application. Maybe people just think I’ll do a good job.
What plans do you have for your branch of the SGA William?
William: Our branch directly oversees parking appeals, judicial aid and constitutional interpretation. We looking into using an online appeal system to make it easier for students and were also going to have a traffic court set up to actually talk before the justices so we can make a better decision on their parking appeals. Really, I’m just looking to make this branch more organized.
Luke, in both the debate and your platform description, you spoke of building off of tradition. What new ideas will you bring to the table for Southeastern?
Luke: I really want to work with diversity of the student body. Especially last week I have met and seen a lot of diversity on campus and I think that is something we need to promote. I’m really going to work hard with the SGA and students to promote that diversity. We’re all leaders no matter what walk of life you belong to.
OK, this is a question for all of you. Everybody is talking about budget cuts. Another cut is inevitable, but what can this administration do to help mitigate the damage to students?
Luke: I think, as SGA president, my job in that regard is to voice the concerns of the students. And I will continue many of the things from the last administration, such as the letter writing campaign and voter registration drives just to make sure that those in legislation and authority know that we cherish our education.
M.J.: I just want to say that the administration has done a great job. Southeastern is in a better position than many other universities. We have already budgeted $10 million to suffice any cuts that do occur next year. We’re doing a great job, especially Dr. Crain who has done an astounding job. We have saved over $1 million dollars in the general fund and we’re on a good track right now.
William: Just to kind of piggyback off of that, I think what it’s going to take on out part is just educating the students and help them realize that we still have the lowest tuition, the lowest fees in the state even with this increase. I tell that to people all the time and they’re like ‘you’re serious?’ We are still the cheapest in our system and our state for the education you get.
Ok, enough of the politics. Now we get to the fun questions. For starters, what do you guys do for fun? How do you unwind?
Luke: I enjoy going to the Pennington a lot. I play basketball there a good bit. I definitely voted for the referendum because I wanted the Pennington to stay open so I could work on my three point shot, which is still struggling. I’m actively involved in my fraternity, and I just love Southeastern. My family lives in Saudi Arabia, so I don’t get to connect with them often.
M.J., you’re in track, so I imagine that keeps you busy.
M.J.: Yeah, I’m a very busy guy. The little free time I have I like running and I help younger people. I’m a volunteer coach at Trafton. I help out with the kids there and I also help out with the AU team in Hammond. We have over a hundred kids beneath the age of 18 that compete nationally. We have a young guy named Tommy, whose dad was a Southeastern alumni and owns The Crescent. He is ranked number one in the country. He’s fourteen years old and runs a mile in 4:40.
What about you William?
William: I don’t have free time. I’ve been taking 19 hours since I transferred to Southeastern. But honestly, I love being lazy whenever I can. I like sitting at home, on the couch hanging out with my little sister and my family. Whenever that happens, I love it. It’s my favorite thing in the world.
What kinds of classes are you guys taking? Which ones do you love and which ones do you absolutely hate?
Luke: I’m a history major. Right now I’m taking History 493. It’s tough work, but I enjoy it. I love our history department and their professors.
M.J: I’m taking 24 hours this semester, a lot of finance classes. The one I dread the most is my Biology 107 class. I’m graduating in May and this is the one that I’ve postponed the longest. I’m just not that interested in Biology.
Um…how are you taking 24 hours of class on top of evertything else and you aren’t dead?
M.J.: I’m very time oriented. I like to use my time wisely and stay organized. I just keep punching the bag.
What about you Will?
William: I’m an organizational communication major. I really don’t have a least favorite class, but I do have two favorites. I’m in a leadership and communications class. We talk about all the theories behind leadership and how to communicate effectively, It’s so much fun. Then a training and development class with professor Fluker.
What music do you guys like listen to?
Luke: I’m definitely a Pandora guy. Just put something in and let it go. I do enjoy Christian rock, but, this might sound un-American, but I’m not a big listener of music. I’m more of movie guy.
Ooh. What kind of movies do you watch?
Luke: No horror movies (laughs). I like inspirational stuff, like Rocky, but I really enjoy history movies like all of the Pacific and all the Band of Brothers. Really when anybody does something important I enjoy.
Back to Music. What do you listen to M.J.?
M.J.: Everything (he laughs).
William: Yeah, I have the everything category too. My iPod goes from Adele to Lil Wayne then Lady Gaga and Lady Antebellum. I listen to everything. I’m excited; I’m going to the Lady Gaga concert next weekend.
Any favorite TV shows?
Luke: I am an avid watcher of the show Chuck. I do not stop talking about this show. It’s the only show I actually keep up with. Everybody should watch it’s on NBC at 7 o’clock.
M.J.: Two and a Half Men.
(Laughs)
William: Of course you do.
Luke: Tiger blood!
(Laughs)
William: I have two, I’m sorry, I can’t pick. I really liked Glee when it came out. But now I’m a huge Parks and Recreation fan.
What’s your favorite sport?
Luke: I think my favorite sport to play is basketball. I also ran track. I think me and M.J. have the highest mile time for president/vice president combination in the state of Louisiana.
M.J.: I run track for Southeastern, but I’m an all around sports guy. I like football, swimming, tennis and golf… I love it all. My favorite is running because it brought me to Southeastern.
William: I like watching football; it’s definitely my favorite sport to watch. I also enjoy a brisk walk.
My final question, and perhaps the most important one: If you could have one superpower, what would it be?
Luke: There’s an old TV show, I don’t even know what it’s called, but this guy in it can touch a book and know everything in it for thirty minutes. That would be the coolest power for a college student.
William: I like Harry Potter a lot. I would like the ability to just apparate.
M.J.: I can’t believe nobody wanted to fly, so I’ll pick that one
(Laughs).
Awesome! Thanks for your time guys, and good luck.