Sen. Ella Aiono-Dimoff, a junior majoring in political science and minoring in general business, and Eric Gerdes, a senior in communication studies with a minor in journalism, are the candidates running for three Liberal Arts and Sciences (LAS) seats in the Iowa State Student Government Senate. 

Aiono-Dimoff is currently an LAS senator and Gerdes is the director of outreach. In 2024, 697 LAS students voted in the Student Government election.

Student Government is a student organization that exists to serve and represent all students, according to the student organization database. They annually distribute $2.6 million in student fee revenue to organizations on campus and in Story County.

Senate elections will take place Tuesday and Wednesday, and ballots will be emailed to students’ Iowa State email addresses.

The following interviews with Aiono-Dimoff and Gerdes were conducted by email.

What are your qualifications for being a Senator?

Aiono-Dimoff: “I have had the honor of serving as a LAS Senator this past term. I understand this role’s commitment and the duties necessary to fulfill. I am also a LAS Student Ambassador. This is the fourth semester I have held that role, and it has created a way for me to learn more and have a complete understanding of the opportunities and possibilities that LAS has to offer. Additionally, it has given me insight into what hardships other LAS students face. I am only one person, but LAS is the most diverse college on campus, housing 52 majors. My position has shown me how different every student’s life is from person to person, department to department. With my experience as a Senator and Ambassador for LAS, I have the skills and understanding of the college’s needs making me a qualified candidate.”

Gerdes: “As an active cabinet member within Student Government who has attended every Senate meeting this term, knows the issues impacting students, and regularly works with senators in the office, I am confident that I can make a positive impact within the Legislative Branch.”

What are the most significant issues facing your constituents, and how will you address them?

Aiono-Dimoff: “I believe an issue LAS constituents face is the lack of awareness of the different opportunities that LAS provides. For example, Iowa State is very unique in offering the Open-Option Program for students. I have known many students who have jumped from major to major or have stuck with a major they did not enjoy. Students should be studying what they are passionate about and the open-option program allows them to discover their major. Specific advisors have been assigned for open-option who help guide students through different opportunities to explore different things and find what truly interests them. And, open-option students are given the opportunity to try real, in-depth major-specific courses instead of simple introductory courses. Through trying labs, classes and meeting with professors, open option helps students find their true passion. This is only one example of what LAS provides, but I think this specifically could be very beneficial to students if they were aware of it. I would like to tackle the lack of awareness for the Open-Option Program as it applies to my fellow LAS students and the university as a whole.”

Gerdes: “As Director of Outreach for Student Government, I have had the opportunity to talk with so many students, including those in the college of LAS. Many of these discussions have been about how students can join Student Government and make a difference or about what Student Government is currently doing for the students. There have also been times where students have shared with me what they would like to see out of Student Government: advocating for more CyRide routes, making the student government allocation process more known, having an online platform for students to voice their concerns or ideas with student government. Beyond these issues, I also want to ensure LAS students are aware of the many resources available to them, such as tutoring services, study abroad opportunities and career fairs. These are heavily promoted through LAS and LAS Career Services via mass emails, but a lot of students still aren’t aware of these opportunities. My goal is to make sure LAS students not only have a voice in Student Government but also have the information they need to succeed academically and professionally.”

Why should students vote for you? 

Aiono-Dimoff: “I have learned a lot during my past term as a LAS Senator. I have taken away a lot from this position and aspire to continue working hard for my constituents. I think it is important that students are aware that they have representation in Student Government, a body that is influential on student experience. I am passionate about making every student’s experience positive whether that means bettering accessibility across campus, strengthening downtown engagement, or any other concerns my constituents bring to my attention. As a LAS Senator, I intend to continue ensuring your voices are heard and acted upon to improve your experience and that all concerns brought my way are addressed.”

Gerdes: “I have strong comradery with almost every member within Student Government and have proven my ability to communicate with students. I know what students want to see changed or improved on campus. As an LAS Senator, I will advocate for continued transparency between stugov and the student body, improved campus accessibility and encourage collaboration with other student organizations. I, along with many, many students, am also very passionate about parking on campus. As a senator, I will work to keep the Student Government Parking Ticket Relief Program alive. I also look forward to working with next term’s administration to improve CyRide and parking options for students, as both slates have made these issues priorities.”

What role(s) have you held in Student Government and when? 

Aiono-Dimoff: “I was sworn in as a LAS Senator this past September and sat on the Local Affairs Committee shortly after.”

Gerdes: “I am currently serving as the Student Government Director of Outreach for the Hursh-Margrett administration. I was confirmed in April 2024 by the Senate shortly after the Student Government inauguration.”

Why do you want to return to Student Government, and what are you most proud of during your time in Student Government? 

Aiono-Dimoff: “I want to return to Student Government because the work done on projects and the Senate floor is impactful for the student body. I am proud to be part of such a productive Student Government. Specifically, sitting on the Local Affairs Committee, we set up a very successful joint City Council meeting that inspired different projects. As an organization, we have completed so much and pushed boundaries, and all of the work is beyond rewarding. There is always work to be done to improve our student body’s experiences, and I am dedicated and determined to continue the great work we have already accomplished.”

Gerdes: “After being a member of Student Government for almost a year now, I’ve come to the conclusion that there really is no other student-led organization that does more to benefit student life at Iowa State. In fact, that’s why we have Student Government–to give the student body a voice in important decisions and to allocate funding and resources to other student organizations and projects. I want to return to Student Government as a Senator, so I can take a more active role in allocating funding and resources back to the students.

“During my time as Director of Outreach, I have worked within our PR committee to help rebrand Student Government’s social media presence. I have also organized outreach and giveaway events, as well as sent mass emails promoting Student Government programs and events like the Student Government Expo, Parking Ticket Relief Program, and Know Your Leaders Town Hall Series. 

“Recruitment has been a major focus this term. Last year, Student Government had quite a few vacancies that were never filled by the end of the administration. President [Martin] Hursh and VP [Quinn] Margrett made it a top priority for me to get more students involved, and I’m proud to say that we’ve made significant progress. I have helped recruit seven of our current senators and several at-large members for Student Government committees. The interest form I use for recruitment had a 15% conversion rate last semester, contributing to our highest membership in four terms—over 100 members, a 25% increase from last year’s administration.

“While I am proud of these statistics, what I’m most proud of is simply spreading awareness about Student Government and all we do to support the student body.”