It’s February 20th, so you know what that means: Library Bridge is the place to be if you are campaigning for Student Government. If you find yourself being bombarded, don’t just take the free rice krispie treat, actually think about the people giving it to you. Ask them questions. You might already know who you are voting for; or you might not. Regardless, Her Campus Clemson got the chance to interview both Cameron Foster and Cameron Flowers, two of the candidates running for Vice President alongside their Presidential Candidates, Ryan Gillespie and McKee Thomason, respectively. Don’t forget to check out their websites, too, for more information!
Ryan and Cameron| McKee and Cameron
What was the decision process you took when deciding to run for Vice President?
Foster: My decision process was simple. I wanted to let Ryan make his decision based on who he felt was best suited as his running mate. I’ve always had an interest in running for Student Body Vice President, so when Ryan approached me it was a no-brainer.
Flowers: I was involved a good deal within the Greek community my freshman and sophomore years. That involvement opened up other doors, and I began to really understand and appreciate Clemson as a whole. When McKee contacted me about running together, I felt it a great opportunity to give back to Clemson as a whole and bring new ideas to the issues that we face.
Why are you running with your running mate and why do you feel like he is the best person for the job of President?
Foster: Ryan and I have worked together for the past two years. We have built a unique working relationship that allows us to accomplish our goals, while respecting one another’s opinions. While serving as Chair and Vice-Chair of the Campus Life Committee on Senate, we successfully worked together on several projects such as improving Campus Dining with the addition of Wendy’s and Subway as well as breakfast to-go options. Ryan is extremely approachable and respected by administration, which makes him the best person for the job.
Flowers: McKee and I have worked together on several different committees and projects throughout our time at Clemson, and all have been professional, positive engagements. He contacted me about running, and I felt both of us had the same envisions and goals. McKee has been successful at everything he has been in, and his hard work ethic leads me to believe there is no way he will fail as Student Body President.
What is your previous Student Government Involvement?
Foster: I served as a senator my freshman year, Vice Chair of the Campus Life committee my sophomore year and now as a junior, I currently serve as the Chief of Staff.
Flowers: Public Relations Committee
What part of your platform do you feel most strongly about?
Foster: I feel strongly about the expansion of NightCat service to and from downtown as well as the increase of late night dining options on campus. Additionally, we recently announced our 2-year plan called ‘Tablets for Tigers’ which would bring a tablet to every student on campus. I’m really excited and confident in this because not only is it already backed by the administration, but it would help push Clemson to Top 20 status.
Flowers: The issue of transparency between students and administration. I feel that if we can improve this relationship, it will not only help with respect between the two, but also kick start many of the other projects that we have envisioned.
Why do you believe that your team is the best one to represent all students on Clemson’s campus?
Foster: Ryan and I provide a unique balanced ticket to this year’s elections. We are both proven leaders that work well as a cohesive team, while also representing very different groups on campus. We also know the job of President and Vice President very well and are confident in our ability to excel in these roles.
Flowers: I think if you talk with anyone McKee and I have worked with, they will tell you two things:
1) No one will out work us and 2) McKee and I will stand up for what we believe in no matter who we are talking to, that we are not going to do lip service. I think these are two pertinent characteristics for the jobs we are running for.
What experiences have you had at Clemson that you feel make you prepared to be the next Student Body VP?
Foster: Having been involved with Student Government since my freshman year, I have a great deal of understanding of the position of Vice President. Serving as Chief of Staff, I have learned to be proactive and step in when necessary, to assure that projects are completed. I also served as the Vice President of my fraternity, Beta Theta Pi, which taught me how to govern a large body of students as well as plan multiple fraternal events. I feel that my previous leadership roles, both inside and outside of student government, have given me the strong leadership tools I would need to serve as Vice President of the Student Body.
Flowers: The relationships that I have forged between administration and many other faculty and students across Clemson’s campus will prove pertinent for the role of Student Body Vice President. This, along with the lessons I’ve learned from both success and failure throughout my involvement at Clemson have prepared me for the job of Vice President
Why do you think you’re the best candidate for Vice President?
Foster: Being a part of student government, I have built strong relationships with administration and have complete understanding of the job of Vice President. This would allow for a smooth transition, and for Ryan and I to hit the ground running right from the start of our term!
Flowers: I’m not big on tooting my own horn, but one thing I will say is that I will put forth whatever it takes to be successful at Vice President. The primary role of Vice President is project oriented, which means a lot of self motivated work. I ensure that no one will out work me at this.
What is your favorite part about Clemson?
Foster: Hands down, has got to be the Lakes surrounding Clemson. I love to fish and there is nothing like having 3 great fishing lakes within a 30-minute drive.
Flowers: The legacy it leaves on most everyone that attends; the fact that we have such a happy, inspirational campus life.
What is your idea of a perfect date?
Foster: Going to a Clemson sporting event. There is nothing better than going to a Clemson game with a date. It shows that they are 1.) a Clemson fan and 2.) a sports fan, two big factors for me.
Flowers: A home cooked meal and then a good movie
What is the one food you couldn’t live without?
Foster: Prime Rib and furthermore Pixie and Bills Prime Rib.
Flowers: Not really a food, but milk
What is your dream destination?
Foster: The Grand Caymans because of the fishing and weather. I went there for spring break with my family and it was definitely one of my all-time favorite trips.
Flowers: A big ranch out in Wyoming
Who is the person you look up to the most?
Foster: My father. He is a self made man who has provided for his family by working hard and has always put his family first.
Flowers: My Dad
Favorite Movie:
Foster: The Godfather: Part II
Flowers: Shawshank Redemption
Favorite Cookout Milkshake:
Foster: Strawberry
Flowers: Oreo and Chocolate
Favorite Spot to Study On-Campus:
Foster: First Floor of Cooper
Flowers: Back room in Norris