When Benjamin Tietz stepped into the role of Student Government Association vice president this year, he said he did it for the students, not for his r+â-¬sum+â-¬.
As president pro tempore, Tietz stepped up after Adam Ittenbach resigned to study abroad this spring.
Although he did not originally support the Jayson Manship slate in the last election, Tietz said he accepted the position out of duty to the students.
Now Tietz said he feels that he can better serve the students as president of the SGA.
"I'm not running for SGA president to advance my career or further my r+â-¬sum+â-¬," he said. "I'm doing it because I genuinely care and feel I can make a difference."
In fact, the Fort Wayne native has been president of the Interfraternity Council, a senator in the University Senate and Special Events Chairman of the Homecoming Steering Committee, among other positions.
"Being in leadership positions is a constant learning process," Tietz, international business major, said. "You have to have your ears open and be willing to learn about different perspectives."
Bo Moreland, IFC president and Team Tietz supporter, said Tietz is one of the strongest student leaders on campus because he can relate to administrators and students.
"When he took over as IFC president, Ben took IFC to the next level," Moreland said. "He really raised the standards of the greek community. He's not going to just sit back."
However, Tietz said he has no aspirations of going into elected office after he graduates next year.
As an international business major and Spanish minor, Tietz said he wants to be a U.S. diplomat for Spain in the future.
For the time being, Tietz is focused on his studies and his campaign for SGA president.
SGA senator Elizabeth Stephan said she supports Tietz because of his experience.
"I like his ideas, and I've seen Manship in office," Stephan said. "I think Team Tietz has more to offer. They have more experience, and they have a better platform."
For his slate, Tietz has chosen Olufunmbi Elemo, Kathy Spenos and Matt Filer. Together the slate has five years experience in SGA and are connected to more than 30 campus organizations, Tietz said.
"Our slogan says it all: experience, diversity and quality representation," he said. "We're involved in almost every aspect of this campus: greek life, athletics, multicultural, governance and honors."
According to the slate's Web site, www.teamtietz.com, the slate has five issues on its platform: academics, safety, communication, environment and Muncie. The slate's main focus is improving communication between students and SGA, he said.
To incorporate communication, environment and Muncie, the Tietz slate wants to have a community "yard sale" for students, faculty, staff and Muncie residents, Tietz said. At the end of the academic year program, people can bring unwanted furniture to a central location where others can use it. If the Tietz Slate is elected, the program will begin in May, Tietz said.
"I genuinely care," he said. "No matter what happens with the elections, I want to make sure the student voices are heard. I will be there because students are the most important."
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