Published: 02 July 2024
After weeks of arduous campaigning and spirited debate, Monday 24 June saw two new Deputy Presidents elected for the St George’s Students’ Union (SU).
We’d like to wish huge congratulations to Joe Kenwright, who has been elected Deputy President (Education) in Tooting, and Evelyn Harwood, who will be the Deputy President (Welfare) in Tooting for 2024/25.
We caught up with both victorious candidates to hear a bit more about them, their campaigns, and what their aspirations are for their time as Deputy Presidents.
First and foremost, could you each tell us a bit about yourselves?
Joe Kenwright: Hello, my name's Joe and I’m your new Deputy Student Union President for Education (Tooting). I’m originally from Kendal in the Lake District and moved down to Tooting three years ago to start my degree in Paramedical Science. While at St Georges I have been a prominent member in the Men’s football team with previous committee roles as Treasurer and Social Sec. I’ve also been involved in the rugby club as well as participating in the Fashion show this year. Outside of University I enjoy taking advantage of the multiple venues around London and going to gigs and festivals. As well as occasionally travelling back up north to see friends and family.
Evelyn Harwood: I’m a second-year medical student here at St George’s. My experience within the SU stems from my committee roles of social secretary of the Boat Club as well as president and producer of Revue; I have also helped with Ronald McDonald House charity events this year, helped raise money for Mind in the Revue Christmas show and raised money for St George’s Hospital Charity and Papyrus at the 24-hour row. These roles have given me insight into various aspects of the SU, and lead to opportunities to get to know a lot of amazing people.
For those who need a reminder, what were some of your main campaign pledges?
JK: My four main campaign pledges were to: set the foundations for a long and lasting merger with City while not losing the identity of Tooting; push for improvements in modern education facilities and techniques; create a student union where students feel welcomed, valued and empowered by increasing inclusivity and opportunity within societies; and create a safe and inclusive environment where students feel comfortable expressing their beliefs.
EH: Better signposting for academic support for all courses; improving experience with welfare; holding more wellbeing socials; improving communication between students and the SU; and maintaining the St George’s identity in City St George’s, University of London.
Who or what inspired you to run for Deputy President?
JK: My friends were the main people that inspired me to run for Deputy president, they gave me the confidence to push for the role and reminded me why they thought I would be a good candidate. I feel I have the qualities to make an approachable and hard-working president and my friends definitely deserve credit for ensuring I pushed for, and ultimately reached this goal.
EH: My main inspirations for running for Deputy Pres have been my friends (and previous Sabbatical Officers) Erin and George.
They have done so much amazing work within the SU, and I love that I now have the opportunity to do the same!
- Evelyn Harwood, Deputy President (Welfare) -
What are your hopes and aspirations for the Students’ Union over the coming year?
My hopes over the coming year are to make the Student Union as transparent as possible and make students feel welcomed and valued. I’d like to address student concerns as quickly as possible by working closely with year reps and consulting with the student body themselves to ensure I’m being the best representative for them I can possibly be.
- Joe Kenwright, Deputy President (Education) -
EH: Taking on this role means being a first point of contact for welfare and wellbeing, as well as for matters of equity, diversity and inclusion. A lot has been done over the last few years to make improvements, and my aims are to build upon what is already in place as well as implementing my manifesto pledges.
If you had one piece of advice for anyone considering running for a sabbatical position, what would it be?
JK: My main piece of advice for anyone thinking about running as a sabbatical officer in the future would be to consult the student population as a whole and not get tunnel vision on those who you interact with frequently. It’s quite easy to get feedback and ask the concerns of students in your circle and those who you see frequently.
However, as Students’ Union President, your job is to represent the entire population, so it’s important to reach out to those groups of people or societies you may not see frequently to get their views or concerns so you have a well-rounded and comprehensive view of the students views and concerns.
- Joe Kenwright, Deputy President (Education) -
My one piece of advice for anyone considering running in future is don't be scared to try! Don't be afraid to run for the role, there are challenges and it isn't an easy job but if you're passionate and want to pursue it absolutely do!
- Evelyn Harwood, Deputy President (Welfare) -