By Brandon Searle
Former Purchase Student Government Association (PSGA) Chair of Senate, Sophia Pallozzi, announced that she would be stepping up as the next PSGA president on Oct. 9.

Sophia Pallozzi holds up PSGA banner while smiling in the PSGA Conference Room. (Photo by Arlenis Marmolejos)
The announcement took place at a Senate meeting at 12:30 p.m. in the Presidential Conference room on the third floor of the Student Services building.
The presidential position had been open on account of the impeachment of former President Me’ilani Nelson on Sept.18.
Pallozzi, a junior journalism major, ran against Maura Vander Putten, an environmental science major and director of the Free Store. A debate was held for students to hear from each candidate on Sept. 25.
It is undisclosed how many students voted in the election and how many votes each candidate received. However, in an email sent out by Sedajah Lance-Stewart, the coordinator of public affairs and relations, Pallozzi won by 54.26%.

Sophia Pallozzi smiles during the presidential debate on Sept. 25. (Photo by Alex Del Cueto)
Vander Putten voiced her approval of Pallozzi and acceptance of the election results. “I don’t mind losing to Sophia,” Vander Putten said. “It’s clear from the debate that we share a lot of values and I think she’ll do a great job.”
Madison Valdez, a senior arts management major and coordinator of clubs and organizations, said she was glad to see Pallozzi win the election. “It was definitely pretty nerve-wracking that we had to find somebody new but I’m really glad that we at least got somebody who’s already on the PSGA board,” Valdez said, adding, “I have a lot of faith in Sophia. I think she’s going to do really well.”
Connor Hoffstatter, a sophomore graphics design major, senator for the School of the Arts, and member of the public relations committee and public arts committee, agrees with Valdez. “I think [Pallozzi] is very driven so I think she was the best pick,” Hoffstatter said. “I think she’s very balanced. I don’t think she would be biased against anyone or any group of people so I think it was important and a good decision that she was elected as president.”
Pallozzi is transitioning into her new role straight away. “I am starting to email all of the college committees that I’m going to be sitting on,” Pallozzi said. “[I’m] reaching out to students and saying goodbye to my position as chair.”

Sophia Pallozzi smiling while leading the Senate meeting on Sept. 25. (Photo by Alex Del Cueto)
Orion Morgan, a sophomore arts management and screenwriting major, is poised to step in as Chair of Senate. “I literally found out I had the job two days ago,” Morgan said, “It’s been interesting learning all of the stuff Sophia was doing behind what I could see before...it’s interesting taking more of a leadership role in PSGA.”
“I’m excited,” Pallozzi said. “I’m a little sad that I’m leaving behind [my former] position because I love being Chair of Senate but I’m excited to take it to the next level.”
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