First annual ASNCU Debate & Discussion a Success

March 12, 2016 by Kenny Kessler

The Beacon Bolt is a publication of the student body of Northwest Christian University.

Last Monday evening, the inaugural ASNCU Debate & Discussion was held in the Banquet room of the Burke-Griffeth Residence Hall, presented by The Beacon Bolt. Prospective ASNCU candidates, running in the election for the 2016-17 school year cabinet, comprised a panel and fielded questions that had been submitted by students throughout the week leading up to the event. The candidates included Austin Dame as the lone runner for ASNCU President; Zephaniah Hollins and Katelin Downs competing for Vice President of Academics; Katy Noel for Vice President of Activities; as well as Steven Ray and Kayla Miller vying for the Vice President of Environment position.

Prospective ASNCU candidates, running in the election for the 2016-17 school year cabinet, comprised a panel and fielded questions that had been submitted by students throughout the week leading up to the event. The candidates included Austin Dame as the lone runner for ASNCU President; Zephaniah Hollins and Katelin Downs competing for Vice President of Academics; Katy Noel for Vice President of Activities; as well as Steven Ray and Kayla Miller vying for the Vice President of Environment position.

The night was split into three segments, each consisting of five questions directed at any candidate on the panel. There were games between each question series to incorporate all in attendance. The games included trivia on quotes said by either the biblical King David or music sensation Adele, in which competitors had to correctly guess which figure said uttered the quote in question. Game two was the party classic “Marshmallow Catch”, and the third game, like the first, consisted of quotes from either Jesus or rappers, with the audience having to correctly guess who said it. The event was hosted by the ever-lively Delia Evans, the current VP of Academics, who kept things rolling at a good pace and the audience engaged with her trademark showmanship. Winners of each game were awarded a Dutch Bros. gift card.

The questions asked of the candidates ranged from serious to lighthearted. Topics such as stating specific ambitions for ASNCU in the coming year, and how the school could be improved, allowed the candidates to lay out some particulars on ways they hoped to continue bettering the NCU student experience. Less serious inquiries, such as stating their favorite ice cream flavor with the prerogative of defending their position, or dealing with the alleged “cookie shortage” on campus ensured that there was never too long a period between laughs.

The atmosphere was excellent and the event was well attended for its first time. A huge thanks to everyone who came and to ASNCU for their support, especially Miss Evans for hosting. It was great to hear from our candidates, all of whom performed very well and helped create an enjoyable environment. Thank you for agreeing to participate. Our student government will be in good hands next year.

**Post-election update: The 2016-17 ASNCU cabinet will be comprised of Austin Dame, President; Zephaniah Hollins, Vice President of Academics; Katy Noel, Vice President of Activities; Steven Ray, Vice President of Environment.