downtune music- we are listening

Since 2005, I have been a member of the Associated Students at the University of San Diego. This makes me the most experienced and senior AS rep at USD. As I reflect on my time on AS, I realize that I’ve gained a tremendous amount of insight about leadership and organizational structures during the last four years. The time has come for USD students to vote for a new President of AS. The choice is between Chris Liepman and Alex Plumb. I’ve known both of these guys for quite a bit of time. Chris is currently my supervisor on AS, and I believe he is the best candidate for the position. I’ve never worked with Alex, so I can’t testify to his strengthens or weaknesses. Alex is a great guy and would do a great job repping USD.  However, I have worked very closely with Chris over the past year and I’d like to share with everyone why he is a great candidate candidate.

Here is my list of reasons:

1) Experience

The biggest weakness of AS at USD is high turnover. The majority of students who step into the AS Leadership role have little idea of what ideas and programs have previously existed for their positions. Students are always coming and going every year, and little progress is made.  They also don’t know what trends are going on. Some don’t care, some are poorly trained and not well advised. AS needs experienced leaders, and Chris Liepman’s service this past year as VP of Programming makes him the most experienced candidate. Chris knows exactly how to execute his goals, while Alex will have a difficult time learning how to pull off any plans he might have. Chris Liepman is the pragmatic choice because he knows the right people and processes to make progress for USD students. This takes years to develop fully, but Chris has a huge leg-up on Alex.

Finally, if Alex is interested in being AS President, why hasn’t he ever signed up for an AS position in the last three years? There are always positions vacant. Alex has never stepped up before to join AS, and running for President may prove to be too grand of a leap.

2) Demeanor

Chris Liepman is one of the most professional people that I have had the pleasure of calling friend. I can be extremely stressed and upset about a crisis, and he has a certain presence about him that is very productive. I’ve never seen him rattled or shaken by a stressful issue. However, he is also very passionate about USD. He loves USD in a completely sincere way. Torero Pride isn’t a joke for Chris, but rather a commitment he brings to life through effective leadership. Still, Chris is one the most fun people I’ve worked with in my 4 years on AS. He is friendly, never fake. Alex is a very funny guy, but Chris’ sense of humor just strikes me as more friendly and honest. Administration already respects Chris, which will be helpful in achieving his goals.

3) Ideas

Chris Liepman has progressive ideas about improving USD. During my time working with Chris, he has supported bringing Beer Gardens to campus, and allowing for more freedom of expression on campus. Chris knows the new Student Life Pavillion will dramatically change the USD experience. He also is an advocate for the alcohol serving lounge on campus. Yeah for drinking on campus! He respects diversity and wants to reach out to the United Front Multicultural Center. He knows about problems regarding strict and un-hip administrators. He has always supported me when I’ve had issues with the administration. He always puts students first, and never “sucks up” to administration. Chris works with passion and integrity, you can just tell that he cares. Chris will support any student who has a good idea, even if it isn’t popular with administration. Chris wants a more active campus, and I believe he has the skills to bring this to life.

I could continue to write about Chris Liepman’s outstanding qualifications, but I’d like to end this blog by saying that I’ll feel comfortable leaving AS after 4 years with Chris Liepman in charge. Alex Plumb is a great guy, but I believe he is biting off a little more than he can chew. AS President is a huge job and my experience with Chris has leads me to give him my full endorsement!