Syracuse Sun

New Student Association President German Nolivos ’26 and Vice President Reed Granger ’26 are committed to involving as many student voices as possible in the decision-making process on campus.

"Listen. Learn. Lead." These three verbs were repeatedly emphasized by Nolivos and Granger during the Student Association’s (SA) spring general elections.

Hammering home an effective message to Syracuse University’s student body was especially important since Nolivos and Granger were running unopposed. With no competition, the duo was essentially guaranteed to assume leadership roles as president and vice president. However, they did not intend to simply coast to victory.

They worked tirelessly to convey the important role SA plays as a bridge that listens to student concerns and works with the administration to resolve them.

“We wanted the students to understand that we cannot effectively work without their input. We want to leave our mark on student government by focusing on these recognized student organizations and multicultural organizations that have been looking for help from the student body and the SA. We can strengthen the relationship between our students and student government,” says Nolivos, a Posse Leadership Scholar and first-generation college student studying political science in the Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs and College of Arts and Sciences, as well as public relations in the S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications.

“We needed to convince students to engage with the Student Association, and we campaigned on those values of listening, learning, and leading. Our goal is to advocate for new policies that are effective in resolving the issues our students face, and to let the student body know how truly important our advocacy is,” adds Granger, who is studying photography in the Newhouse School and political science in the Maxwell School and College of Arts and Sciences.

The message was well-received, as Nolivos and Granger were elected president and vice president after garnering more than 90% of the votes. The SA is the official student governing and advocacy body for nearly 16,000 Syracuse University and SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry undergraduates.

Nolivos and Granger have held previous leadership roles on campus, expressing excitement about their new positions while striving to involve as many student voices as possible in decision-making processes on campus.

The “listen, learn, lead” motto extends beyond a campaign slogan, influencing Nolivos' and Granger’s main objectives as elected student leaders. For this upcoming academic year, their primary goals include:

- Listening to traditionally underrepresented student populations;

- Learning from engaging with collective diversity on campus;

- Leading by fostering an inclusive, accessible, welcoming campus for all;

- Improving campus safety, especially on South Campus;

- Enhancing dining hall food quality while continuing complimentary grocery trolley runs;

- Helping reduce the University's carbon footprint towards achieving carbon neutrality by 2032;

- Creating changes enhancing overall student experience.

Nolivos shared his vision: “My goal is always to empower students who work under me, ensuring that SA's 100 members know they’re appreciated, making sure their work impacts our campus.”

Granger emphasized continuity: "To spread word of SA more broadly among students while maintaining good relationships with administration."

Both leaders offered advice for new students at Syracuse University based on their experiences:

Granger stressed time management: "I wish someone had told me about managing my time before my first day."

Nolivos highlighted building support systems: "In your first weeks on campus, build up your support system by meeting people from all over."

Reflecting on common mistakes for first-year students:

Nolivos advised careful class selection: "Think about required classes you should take first for future success."

Granger warned against overcommitting: "Don’t join too many clubs or take too many classes initially."

Discussing personal growth at Syracuse University:

Granger spoke about friendships: "This campus has given me elements of friendship I never experienced before."

Nolivos reflected on overcoming challenges: "Syracuse made me realize my power despite being a political refugee."

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