By Elijah Penn, Copyeditor
At the beginning of April, the Saint Leo University Student Government Union (SGU) hosted a campus-wide election to fill positions vacated by students graduating in May 2026. This included the position of SGU President.
This year, the winners were Amber-Kay Johnson for Vice President of Communications, DeJuan Wilson for VP of Finance, Shavaughn Young for VP of Relations, Jaccob Alexandar for VP of Operations, and Aubrey Wallace for SGU President.
Aubrey Wallce will succeed the current SGU President, Luigi Meschino.
“I’m very excited for her. I hope she gets the chances and abilities I didn’t,” said Meschino.
Meschino first met Wallace while both served as Orientation Leaders for the University. From the start, Wallace expressed interest in getting involved with SGU and asked Meschino to show her the ropes.
“She has a heart of gold,” said Meschino. “She can put her foot down when she needs to, and I hope that she is able to accomplish what she wants to accomplish, and I hope that she can stand her ground when she needs to.”
Wallace is a sophomore with a dual major in criminal justice and international studies. She describes herself as a “server” who likes to operate behind the scenes, but Wallace is no stranger to leadership roles. She currently serves as captain of Saint Leo’s Sporting Clays Team and was the captain of her high school Criminal Justice Competition Team. She also served on the SGU board as a senator.
She was inspired to run by the former director of Student and Family Engagement, Dawn McElveen, who told Aubrey she should run for the SGU board. Wallace took time to consider this idea, not wanting to commit unless she was ready to go all-in.
“I always want to give a hundred percent in everything I do. So, I did some processing … and I was like, okay, we can actually get something done,” said Wallace.
Wallace is excited to work with the SGU board, new and returning members alike.
“I feel like we [SGU] can come together, work as a united front … and get the job done. So regardless of adversity, regardless of conflict or whatever may arise …We have the same goal: to make this university better,” said Wallace.
Although Wallace is organized, intentional, and a leader, she is known across campus for her kindness and fun personality.
“I can be very blunt sometimes, mainly because I care about people,” said Wallace. “I always push to help. I’m a very helpful person. So, community service is very dear to my heart.”
“I’m a goofball behind the scenes,” Wallace admitted.
Wallace strives to make SGU approachable and to hear the concerns and issues students are having, especially for new students still figuring out campus life. Wallace intends to be an advocate and a voice for the students, like others have advocated for her.
This goal matches Meschino’s hopes for the future of SGU.
“I would hope that the union can focus more on an advocacy route. The events are always nice, … but definitely focus on genuine positivity for the student body,” said Meschino.
He advised the new SGU board to meet the students and administration where they are, not waiting to be approached first, get to know each other and form a foundation of community, set clear, attainable goals, and pray about everything.
“Lean on God’s plan and what he has visions for us on earth, for our small, little campus. Seek His advice,” said Meschino.
Wallace’s rise from a behind-the-scenes server to SGU President may have been unexpected for her, but her incredible journey was a result of following her own advice.
“Get involved,” Wallace urged. “I promise you, there’s something for you here … I would never be in the place that I am today if I did not get involved.”
“You get what you put into it,” Wallace added, “if you just stay in your room, you’re not going to meet anyone … Don’t aspire to make a living, aspire to make a difference.”
