WHAT'S NORTHWESTERN SAYING?

Nate Perkins - ASG Student Life Director

Having served on ASG's Executive Board for the past year, I have seen first hand the work of all the candidates, and from that experience I emphatically endorse Mike and Tommy for ASG President and VP.

As Academic Vice President, Mike's transformation of the Academic Committee into a prolific and successful committee was amazing and is surpassed only by the laundry list of accomplishments and side projects he has worked on in the past year. He has managed to surpass his campaign promises as Academic Vice President. This track record indicates that he is the best candidate for the job of President and someone you can trust. Additionally, Mike's ability to work both with administrators and independently to accomplish projects is vital given the current lack of funding throughout the University.

Tommy has an equally accomplished record both in and out of ASG. His passion for the student body is emphasized through the Alcohol Task Force, ASG Rideshare and Airport Shuttle work he has done, all of which extend beyond the scope of his currently required duties.

There are no two people better suited for these positions than Mike and Tommy, and I hope you will join me in voting for them on April 15.

Karan Desai - DM 2009 Exec Board - Corporate Relations Chair

ASG is meant to serve every student’s interest. This means that the leader of the organization should have experience with numerous communities, the ability to understand each individual worry, and the understanding to take their concerns and produce tangible improvements. Mike is not just good for the Greek community or the theater students or the engineering students; Mike will serve all of Northwestern. In my time at Northwestern, I have had the fortunate ability to be involved with many different communities at NU and to take in the diversity of our varied backgrounds and ideas. Ultimately, Northwestern is a student body comprised of sects – the theater students, the Greek students, the athletes, the pre-meds, Dance Marathoners, etc. For a better Northwestern, I hope that the next ASG President is someone that can relate to various groups, build bridges between us, and build more unity in our community. We don’t have to be so separate; we share common concerns and wish together for a better undergraduate experience. Mike McGee is best suited to understand our collective wishes. He is the candidate with the most experience and the creativity to put forth worthwhile and long-lasting improvement on our campus. Thus, I wholeheartedly support Mike McGee for ASG President.

Mark Shpizner - President of Northwestern A Cappella Community Alliance (NACCA)

Make no mistake about it: Mike and Tommy are the real deal. Mike has shown consistent dedication to ASG since his freshman year, and has considerably improved student life on campus over these past three years. I am endorsing Mike for his continued support of student groups on campus, and for his desire to not only deliver solutions to groups, but to give them direct access to more university administrators and facilities. Mike and Tommy will fight for student performance groups and have vowed to make it easier for students to start up new groups and gain ASG recognition. I am confident that Mike and Tommy's leadership in ASG will ensure that our diverse student groups will continue to make life on campus more vibrant and exciting for everyone at Northwestern.

Brittney Anne Bahlman - Former Panhellenic President

I am so excited to formally endorse Mike McGee and Tommy Smithburg for ASG President and VP. Having worked with both Mike and Tommy on various capacities over the past year, I have seen first hand that they both possess the leadership, passion, and dedication to take ASG to the next level. Their vision for Northwestern and the student experience is inspiring, but more important, their vision is realistic. Mike and Tommy understand what it takes to create change - they know how to work within the system, how to connect with students, and how to bridge the divide between NU students and administrators.

The greatest thing about Mike and Tommy is that they both have a proven track record to back up their vision. Mike's accomplishments leading the Academic Committee are astounding - he has done more in one year than I have seen his position do during my previous three years at Northwestern. In addition to his commitment to ASG, Mike has maintained strong relationships with other student groups where his experience has proved invaluable. I can only imagine the strong ties he will build with all student groups in the role of ASG President. Tommy's accomplishments in his few short months on ASG have been nothing short of miraculous. He stepped in with a passion that ASG lacked and made strides to solve some of NU's most pressing problems, including transportation, non-alcoholic programming, and off-campus living. His creative solutions are something that ASG cannot live without.

Claire Lew - ASG Treasurer

The reason I am supporting Mike and Tommy for ASG is simple: leadership. People like to throw this word around a lot, but when it comes to Mike and Tommy, it's very clear that they exemplify leadership--they don't just talk about it. I've seen this first hand, having worked with them extensively for the past year on ASG Exec. Both Mike and Tommy choose to lead from the front, living the values of commitment, determination, and integrity in everything they do. They never see themselves "above" anyone else, and they get their greatest sense of accomplishment when they have helped other people.

But what I admire most about Mike's and Tommy's leadership is that they inspire you to be a part of something bigger yourself. For me, they have been that necessary reminder of why I'm involved in ASG in the first place: to make Northwestern better. Mike and Tommy help you reconnect with what's important, and empower you to act on what you believe in. It's what the best leaders do. Northwestern needs Mike and Tommy as their leaders. I will be voting for Mike and Tommy on April 15, and sincerely hope you will be too.

Sammy Ludington – President of Phi Beta Sigma, President of LaFe (Latino Fellowship of InterVarsity Christian Fellowship)

It is an honor to formally endorse Mike McGee and Tommy Smithburg for ASG President and Vice-President. It is refreshing to see two candidates who are so passionate about building a better Northwestern, and making Associated Student Government work for the interests of students. Having worked closely with Mike on a number of projects ranging from Minority Enrollment Initiatives to the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day Committee, and I have been so impressed by the level of competence, commitment, and due diligence that he has exemplified. I have never worked so closely with people who have been so dedicated to working for the betterment of the Northwestern community, as Mike and Tommy. Truth be told I am generally apprehensive to support ASG insiders for the presidency, however I firmly believe that Mike and Tommy see ASG as a vessel to articulate the needs of the student body, and will work tirelessly to lobby our demands before administration, the Board of Trustees, and the greater Northwestern community. Therefore I wholeheartedly endorse Mike McGee and Tommy Smithburg for Associated Student Government President and Vice-President.

Bennett Weisse – DM Advertising Co-chair

Mike is an incredibly hard working and dedicated individual who bleeds purple pride. Having known Mike for the past 3 years, I can honestly say he is a perfect fit for the job of ASG President because he cares about NU students and can rise above the politics and red tape. Voting for Mike and Tommy really does mean NU students can expect more.

Yazmin Harris - Homecoming 2009 Co-Chair, One Voice PR Chair

It is with great pleasure that I endorse Mike McGee and Tommy Smithburg for ASG President and Vice President, respectively. Looking at their platform and their proposed goals, Mike and Tommy have a clear vision of not only what Northwestern wants, but what we need. They are incredibly in tuned with our campus, and represent a refreshing change that we have lacked here at Northwestern. Mike and Tommy’s endearing personalities and genuine enthusiasm for Northwestern, coupled with their extensive leadership experiences will undoubtedly make a difference in our community. I, along with many other students, expect more from our experiences here at Northwestern…Mike and Tommy can give more.

Maddie Orenstein - FUP Co-Chair, NCDC exec member

Mike McGee is an ever-friendly and familiar face to anyone anywhere on campus. He basically lives in Norris, not because he loves the buffalo chicken salad, but because he loves being around students, loves talking to students about what they are up to and loves staying up all night solely for the purpose of improving student life at NU.

Mike has sucessfully broken out of the many isolated "Northwestern niches" more than anyone that I know and he understands our campus inside and out. He knows how to work within ASG, but more importantly, cares more about what is outside of ASG, and Mike and Tommy will bridge this gap. The energy and passion that Mike and Tommy bring is purely in the interest of our ENTIRE student body, and we have a unique opportunity to elect them!

Mike Yang - ASG Senator

I could tell from the beginning that Mike and Tommy were different. They were both in positions of leadership, but proved to be two of the most approachable and open-minded people I had met thus far in ASG. With Mike and Tommy, you know what you're getting. Mike's been an insider outsider in ASG - a veteran of student government with a unique balance of hard-earned experience and a knack for knowing what the ordinary student is thinking. Tommy has been a leader outside of ASG at DU and has made an instant impact on the trajectory of our organization this year. More so than with anyone else in ASG, I feel that Mike and Tommy are like the rest of us, whether in ASG or not. Ordinary people; extraordinary results.

Marcus Shepard - African American Student Affairs Intern

Mike is one of the most down to earth, approachable, and motivated individuals that I’ve met at Northwestern University. Mike genuinely cares about the issues and has a track record to prove it. Once he puts his mind to it, Mike always accomplishes it. Some might say that Mike is too committed which is evident from his instant replies to emails even around 4am. I'm fully behind his efforts to make NU a better place, and I know that Mike will work for us, the students. Anyone can tell that Mike is qualified by his body of work, but the man behind these accomplishes impresses me even more. Although Mike has done so much for us already, he is still willing and eager to accomplish more and make NU into a better place for all students.

Jessica Bleyzer - President of Pi Beta Phi

I support Tommy Smithburg for ASG Vice President because he knows how to get the job done. Not only has he has built great working relationships with a wide variety of both faculty and staff, but he also maintains friendships across the entire spectrum of the student body at NU. He sees the potential that ASG has to give students what they want, and he's willing to do whatever it takes to actually make use of that potential.

It's time for ASG to be more than a resume-filler opportunity for politician wannabes. It's time to hold ASG accountable. It's time to vote for Tommy Smithburg for ASG Vice President.

Lily Vreeland – VP of Programming for Model Arab League, ASB Exec Board

I support Mike and Tommy for ASG President and Vice President for numerous reasons, but none more than their clear dedication and experience to improving the experience of all Northwestern students. Both inside and outside of their work in ASG, they both work extremely hard in any endeavor that they pursue and both have two of the most incredible work ethics I have ever seen. Every time I go to Norris I will undoubtedly see Mike working away on another project, while Tommy is always present around campus trying to attack his next challenge. Having watched them build this campaign and their great dynamic and relationship as a team gives me further confidence that this pair will do the best job possible in leading ASG. They have a clear plan to achieve their goals and yet they are both always open to helpful and constructive criticism, a mix that will be sure to create great results.

Neha Sobti - Race Alliance, Operation Smile

The first time I met Tommy he somehow managed to get me excited about his Alcohol Safety Task Force, which was previously not really a subject I had thought a lot about. He definitely has a way of exciting and motivating the people around him through his own genuine passion. Even more, he matches this quality with his true interest in the ideas of the people around him. He really understands that Northwestern is not comprised of one person, but many different individuals that will be affected by the initiatives he pushes forward, and that it is important to understand each of these point of views. Because of these characteristics, Tommy has proved to me that he is the best candidate for Vice President this year.

Shalini Singh - Chair of the ASG Winter Campaign

Mike's enthusiasm and passion are infectious and the best things about him. He really cares for students and the university--something I noticed when I saw him interact with students when we went door-to-door for the ASG Winter Campaign. Tommy is a get-it-done machine, with practical action plans to execute ideas. He has his priorities in the right place and just like Mike, is passionate about Northwestern. Most importantly, Mike and Tommy are awesome people who connect with students, have right contacts with the administration, and are simply the best candidates for our President and VP.

Manisha Taparia - ASG Senator for NCDC

Over the past two quarters I have had the absolute pleasure of getting to know Tommy Smithburg through ASG. He is a sincere, modest, perseverant and warm individual who treats people with respect. He is a genuine person who patiently listens to others before volunteering his own opinion. For the people who know him, his perspectives and views carry tremendous weight and importance for them. The strength of his character truly shines through during high stress situations when his very friendly demeanor does not crack. It is these qualities, which make him an excellent leader and have allowed him to accomplish so much. He is truly is one of the nicest guys I have met at Northwestern.

Brooke Stanislawski - ASG Clerk

Mike and Tommy possess the unique ability to be respected leaders while remaining approachable and personable. I value their words and opinions very highly and at the same time, I feel comfortable speaking with either of them about any concern knowing that they will do everything they can to address it. I know that they genuinely care about the students as seen through their passion for everything they do in ASG. Their heartfelt commitment becomes apparent from their willingness to sit through every Senate to the numerous changes they have made. The one thing that really stands out is that Mike and Tommy are real in everything that they do.

I knew from the day I met Mike that I could trust every word he said. When Tommy was introduced in Senate, I learned that he would lead by the values of honesty, transparency, and straightforwardness. If Mike and Tommy are elected, I can trust that every decision in ASG will be made first and foremost with the students' interests in mind. They are running solely because they believe they can make the Northwestern experience better, not for power, or to enhance their resume, or to pursue their own interests. The students' well being is the primary focus for Mike and Tommy, something that I cannot emphasize enough.

Sheena Agarwal - Freshman Quad C.A.

For me, Mike and Tommy are a team that embody ASG. Together they can relate to just about every student on campus, and because of that they recognize the needs of the students. Both are humble and passionate individuals, that together will be able to make a positive impact with their innovative ideas and strong working style. When it comes down to it, Mike and Tommy, regardless of all that they've done for NU, want to continue to serve the student body. They are two sincere guys that treat everyone as their peers and can motivate any group to go above and beyond. Great people. Fantastic leaders.

Nate Baum – Former President of Delta Upsilon

Tommy Smithburg would be an outstanding ASG Vice President. Having worked with Tommy very closely for an entire year, I know that Tommy is the kind of guy you want charged with important responsibilities. There is no question that he will dedicate 110% to any task that he undertakes. He is extremely connected around campus, and will listen to student input on how to improve campus life. Tommy will have a positive influence on ASG as Vice President, and I urge you to vote for him and Mike on April 15.

Kaixi Ouyang - Former President of APAC

I first met Mike when he was a sophomore running for AVP, and even back then I was impressed by his maturity and visions for our school. After a year of serving on ASG executive board, he has proven himself to be a devoted and enthusiastic representative of the student body, spending countless nights at Norris and working tirelessly to improve the academic experience at Northwestern. He is an open and caring person who truly wants to help others and who can also reach out to our diverse campus community. I have full confidence that he will not only meet but exceed expectations as ASG president and will always put student interests first and foremost. For these reasons I endorse Mike McGee for ASG president.

Collin Davis - Brother, Delta Upsilon

Tommy is one of the most motivated, well-rounded, and leadership-oriented individuals I have had the pleasure of meeting during my time here at Northwestern. As a friend, he's one of the best guys I know. I'm fully behind his efforts to make changes for the better at NU, and I know that Tommy will work for us, the students. Tommy is qualified and Tommy cares. That's what's important.

Liz Walker - Alpha Chi Omega, Peer Health Exchange

Mike and Tommy are two of the most personable people I have had the pleasure of meeting at NU. They are both focused, intelligent, capable, and committed, but more than that, they are truly dedicated to putting those talents to use as voices for the Northwestern student body. They have worked up one of the most realistic and impactful platforms I have ever seen for the next ASG term, and, if elected, I am completely confident that they will accomplish each and every one of their goals. It is time for a student government capable of action, instead of excuses. We can absolutely expect more of Mike and Tommy, and not only that, we can expect to get it.

Jump back to top.