AAS Candidate Statements for the Class of 2029 and Transfer Students

The students below have announced their candidacies for these elections. All candidates are listed by position, then alphabetically by last name. If a statement ends in ellipses, it is because it has been cut off to fit the 100 word limit.

Class of 2029 (19 Candidates, 8 seats)

Amir Ali

As a first-generation college student from rural Ohio, diversity and opportunity were hard to come by. This motivated me to pursue activities helping underserved communities. I volunteer for Sight for All United, a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing free vision screenings for low-income and multicultural populations, and was Student Council President for two years — increasing membership by 60 students, making it the largest club at my high school. These experiences have guided me to become a change-maker and someone people know they can count on. As an AAS Senator, I’ll do the same. Have No Fear. Just Vote AMIR!

Parker Alleman

Hi! I’m Parker Alleman, running to represent the class of 2029. 

As the only freshman from Louisiana, I believe Amherst should invest in underrepresented states to reach more great students. May help us beat Williams too …

The Amherst College Textbooks (ACTS) program is valuable, but students often receive books late or after long lines; distribution must improve and expand. 

Course registration shouldn’t depend on luck but on genuine interest; our 4 p.m. friends shouldn’t be eternally doomed.

As a low-income student, I’ve seen how great Amherst can be. Together, we can make it even better.

Elizabeth Aniello

Hey class of 2029! I’m Liz Aniello, and I’m ready to serve as your senator.

In high school, I served as director of communications and a student council senator. I led our social media efforts to keep students informed and actively engaged with the council. I also worked with faculty to speak up for student needs. I’m ready to do the same at Amherst. I stand for improvements to common room spaces, increased engagement between AAS and the student body, and a convenient, sustainable to-go box system at Val.

Liz stands on biz, let Liz make your voice herd!

Tiara Campbell

Hi Class of 2029! I’m Tiara Campbell, and I’m from Kentucky. I hope to get your vote for freshman AAS senator. As your senator, I will listen to what y’all want to be done to improve our college experience! One idea is to have live updates on how busy Val is, making dining easier. I will fight for social gatherings to help destress from academic pressure and to show school spirit. Lastly, I will communicate with everyone to ensure the administration hears your voices and opinions! Don’t forget: Put Tiara on TOP!

Tim Churchill

I am running against nonchalance. In fact, I guarantee I’m the most chalant guy here. What makes campus fun is when people don’t take themselves too seriously and get involved in whatever shenanigans they can. I’m the senator who spent an hour in a dunk tank in high school, taunting my attackers. I’m the senator who put on my best outfit and won Most Performative Male, and the senator who is definitely (100% chance) going to win this season of Amherst Survivor. As a senator, I’ll spend my time making more chalant events on campus. #It’sTimTime

Luis Diez

Hello everyone! I’m Luis, and I’m excited to be running for Senate this fall. It's been amazing to meet this community, and I’d be honored to advocate for you in AAS. As a senator, I will organize more mixers to bring students together throughout the year, from picnics on the quad to a “Night at the Museum” event at Beneski. I’ll work to implement Sushi Tuesdays at Grab-n-Go, and push for additional stairmasters in the Fitness Center. Above all, I promise to listen attentively to each concern, question, or idea you have and do everything I can to address it.

Sam Jafari

“It is not our differences that divide us. It is our inability to recognize, accept, and celebrate those differences.” — Audre Lorde 

As an international, low-income, first-generation student and a hijabi, Muslim woman, I understand the challenges of navigating intersecting identities. If elected, I’ll ensure all voices are heard, valued, and represented. I’m dedicated to fostering inclusive spaces where every student feels they belong. I currently serve on the E-board of Active Minds and have proposed a new club to support Afghan students at Amherst, while also celebrating Afghan culture. Your voice matters, and I’m here to amplify it.

Seitaro Kobayashi

Hi, I’m Sei Kobayashi, running to be one of your AAS Senators. I’ve had so much fun at Amherst so far, and I'll make sure our next few years here are even better! I’m an intensely loyal person who always stands up for what my friends want. This passion will apply to my work in the senate, campaigning for what you want to see on campus. I’ll implement friendly competitions between floors and entire residence halls with prize incentives to make Amherst the fun, interconnected campus it should be. Remember, Sei is the way to an awesome Amherst future. 

Andy Krasner

Hey everyone! My name is Andy, and I’m excited to be running to serve you as a freshman senator! The point of student government is to accurately reflect the student body, but that’s only accomplished if people actually participate. I want to make it easier and more fun to share your ideas, whether that’s through fun incentives for contributions during public comment or simpler pathways to get your thoughts on the senate floor. Our class is full of students with plans and suggestions that can change Amherst for the better. I’ll work to make sure your voices are heard!

Beckett Lawrence-Apfelbaum

Hey everyone! My name is Beckett, and I believe that I would make a strong and tireless advocate for your needs as we all take our first steps here. I’m hoping to join the Orientation and First-Year Life Committee, where I would push for more events (such as school- or class-wide tournaments) that can bring our community closer together — and make these events MUCH more fun and inclusive. My goal is to foster a successful and memorable freshman year for you all, so Bet On Beckett!

Thali Mitsou

Hi, I’m Thali Mitsou, and I’m excited to be running for the position of freshman senator. My main focus as a senator will be to advocate for the needs and wants of the freshman class, always being available for a chat and ready to listen. In high school, I served in student government for all four years, specializing in organizing events such as our fall luncheon and cultural night. I’m ready to continue doing so while at Amherst, facilitating a more vibrant social life that encompasses all student backgrounds. Remember to Rally with Thali!

Ella O’Neill

Do you want someone who will actually listen to your voice and fight for it?

Hi, my name is Ella O’Neill. I’m here for my passion to make sure every student's voice is listened to. You are the reason I'm running. My email is always open, and I want to make sure you have someone to fight for your ideas that shape our community. Together, we can make Amherst more sociable, united, and resourceful. Let’s elect leaders who represent us all and are willing to make real change happen.

If you want to make a difference, let’s do it together.

Micah Scott

Hi, I’m Micah, a freshman from Brooklyn. Coming to Amherst from New York City, two things stuck out to me: One, opportunities to expand our food variety, and two, the potential for more multicultural celebrations. As your senator, I figured I could address both areas and bring our diverse community together. Why can’t we host a cookout with the Black Student Union and the Asian Student Association? Or a mixer between the South Asian Student Association and the African & Caribbean Student Union? Good celebrations, good food, and enjoying those together are what I want to promote as an Amherst senator.

Ally Spino

From class president to an Amherst freshman, I’ve learned leadership isn’t about the title, it’s about the positive impact we make and becoming a voice that represents everyone. I care deeply about our community and the active role each of you has to create change. I understand how overwhelming it can be to step into a new space and try to find your place. I want to make that transition easier: I am a proven advocate, a dedicated student, your ally, and a compassionate leader. With better common rooms, free detergent, expanded transportation, and more, let’s make this year extraordinary.

Mayen Thorsen

My name is Mayen, like the Mayan Civilization, but with an E. While I’m not an expert on building ancient civilizations, I do know how to build a strong community. I’ve previously worked on student government, launched my high school’s civil discourse initiative, and advocated for my peers as a student activist. At Amherst, I hope to continue my leadership as a senator, creating a culture of community, transparency, and school spirit. I will uplift diverse perspectives by openly communicating with fellow students and holding myself accountable to produce senate projects that improve the student experience. Vote Mayen for Senate!

Luc Vulliez

Hey Mammoths!

I am running for AAS Senate to make campus more fun. Here’s what I will accomplish:

1. We’re in the 21st century now, who still uses their hands? Let’s BUILD A BIDET in every building on campus!
2. It’s time for us to make WOMEN’S RIGHTS a forefront of our school culture. Let’s bring FREE WOMEN’S PRODUCTS to all bathrooms!!!
3. I will create a system for students to CASH OUT on unused Amherst Dining Dollars at the end of every semester, so you don’t pay for what you don’t use.
4. More laundry machines and more jobs.

Tony Wang

I’m Tony, and I’m running to be your first-year senator!

In just the past few weeks, I’ve had the amazing experience of meeting so many of you. After hearing all of your different perspectives and diverse thoughts, I want to be your voice on our campus as your representative:

Do you want late-night ice cream in Val? What about storage spaces to put other people’s laundry when you’re cleaning your clothes? 

Ever wanted to meet new people at a school-wide mixer? 

If you want all those activities and more …

Don’t be lonely — Vote for Tony!

Brian Yu

Hi, I’m Brian Yu, and I believe in laboring tirelessly for the community. As a former team captain, food shelter worker, and bible study leader, I will be a pragmatic, steady, and calm presence in the senate body. My experiences as an independent filmmaker, lead singer slash guitarist, and certified Southern Californian will be sure to inject a good deal of sunshine and fun, as well. They say that when you really want something, the entire universe will conspire to help you get that one thing. Well, I want you to remember: a vote for Brian, a vote for you!

Transfer Election: (2 candidates, 1 seat)

Javkhlan “Jay” Batsaikhan ’28

As an international and transfer student, I believe every member of our community — students, faculty, and staff — brings strengths and contributions that matter. At Bunker Hill Community College, I served as student government president and student trustee, leading with a focus on equity, transparency, and collaboration. My motto, Information = Education, reflects my conviction that timely, clear, two-way communication allows us to identify gaps, propose solutions, and build together. Having also mentored 100+ peers, I am honored to stand for the transfer senator position, committed to amplifying transfer voices and advancing unity and shared purpose within the Amherst community. 

DeAngelo Rankin ’27

F*** what I want; I'm advocating for YOU!

YOU know what YOU need. YOU know what YOU want.

Advocating for YOUR ideas, YOUR concerns, and YOUR solutions.

With YOUR support, YOUR voice will be heard!

Correction, September 27, 2025: A previous version of this article included a statement from a candidate who had withdrawn from the election prior to publication. This statement has been removed.