Robert Sundstrom, Fordham College at Lincoln Center (FCLC) ’22, has been elected the vice president of the United Student Government (USG), filling the position left vacant from the spring 2020 USG elections. 

In addition, Aastha Aggarwal, Gabelli School of Business (GSB) ’22; Brigida Caruso, GSB ’24; Djellza Pulatani, FCLC ’24; Bianca Georgescu, FCLC ’24; and Cort McElroy, FCLC ’24, were also elected as USG class senators for their respective classes. 

This year, six students ran for freshman senator positions, which is a lower turnout than the previous year — likely due to remote learning; three of these candidates were chosen. The first-year class senator for GSB had only two candidates, and one student was chosen for the position. The junior class senator for GSB ran unopposed with three write-in votes.

As a part of her campaign promise, Loreen Ruiz, FCLC ’21 and USG president, publicly released the election results via Instagram. Out of 245 votes cast, Sundstrom gained 147 votes for vice president, with opposing candidate Joe VanGostein, GSB ’22, gaining 96 votes. Two were write-in votes.

VanGostein will retain his position as secretary for USG and plans to continue his initiatives for combating racial injustice on campus along with the rest of the USG members.

During his campaign, Sundstrom outlined the ways he hopes to increase inclusiveness and Fordham pride on campus. He said that he will expand his office hours and frequency of communication to Fordham students, as well as make the health resources Fordham provides to students more easily available. Sundstrom has also been meeting with various diversity groups and he hopes to promote these groups’ activities to a wider audience.

Ruiz, who ran on a similar platform of inclusiveness and Fordham pride, said she is looking forward to working with Sundstrom this year.

“With our enthusiasm and organization, I am looking forward to seeing what we accomplish this year,” she said. “Despite the circumstances, I am confident that we will be able to serve and engage the Fordham community. Both Robert and Joe are excellent people and I am glad to have them on USG!”