Strive Sweeps SGA Election

Ben Sharp hugs campaign manager, Gracen Daniel, after an emotional win. Sarah Self-Walbrick/The Hub@TTU

Ben Sharp hugs campaign manager Gracen Daniel after an emotional win. Sarah Self-Walbrick/The Hub@TTU

With a record turnout of 33,170 voters, the Strive campaign bloc—Ben Sharp, Alex DeRossi, Witt Westbrook and Kevin Koestler—won the 2016-2017 Student Government Association executive positions on Friday.

Newly elected Internal Vice President Witt Westbrook said his initial response was a feeling of shock. Then, he realized what is ahead of him.

“We’ve got a lot of work to do,” Westbrook said.

External Vice President DeRossi and Graduate Vice President Koestler agreed. The three vice presidents said they are excited they won as a team and are excited to continue working together.

Kevin Koestler, Alex DeRossi, Ben Sharp and Witt Westbrook are excited to get to work. Sarah Self-Walbrick/The Hub@TTU

Kevin Koestler, Alex DeRossi, Ben Sharp and Witt Westbrook are excited to get to work. Sarah Self-Walbrick/The Hub@TTU

“We’ve all become so close, so I’m so happy all four of us got it,” DeRossi said. “I think that’s what’s most important about our whole concept of Strive. We wanted to be in it together because we work well together.”

Sharp, who made an unsuccessful run for external vice president last year, said he began the day with a “you win some, you lose some” attitude. But he is thankful to be on the winning side of the election this year.

“To have that many people put their faith in me is pretty incredible,” Sharp said. “I really appreciate it. I look forward to doing what I said I was going to do.”

The Strive campaign ran on a promise to improve every student’s experience at Texas Tech. The team plans on increasing diversity, boosting school spirit and improving safety.

Current SGA President Holton Westbrook and Ben Sharp ran for office together last year. Sarah Self-Walbrick/The Hub@TTU

Current SGA President Holton Westbrook and Ben Sharp ran for office together last year. Sarah Self-Walbrick/The Hub@TTU

Holton Westbrook, the current SGA president, said he is proud of each candidate who ran. Holton and Witt Westbrook are brothers.

However, Holton Westbrook is also roommates with OneTech 2016 presidential candidate John Michael Getz. He said announcing the winners feels bittersweet.

“It’s tough to see certain people not be able to represent our school at that level, but it’s also cool to see the execs that will be here to represent at the level that they will,” Holton Westbrook said. “I know they’ll do well, and I’m looking forward to seeing them work.”

To hear about all of the winners, watch the video of the announcement below.

About Sarah Self-Walbrick

Graduate Executive Director — Mass Communication Graduate Student, Class of 2017
Sarah, a Lubbock native, has two bachelor of art degrees in electronic media and communication and journalism, and is pursuing a master's in mass communications. She loves Texas, her husband and dog, and good storytelling.

Comments

  1. How is voter turnout 33,170 when Spring 2016 enrollment is 32,440?

    https://www.depts.ttu.edu/irim/ARCHIVE/ENR/SPRINGENRL.php