By Rebecca Cook
Gary Paterson was re-elected as president of University of Strathclyde Students’ Association at March’s student elections.
He won 1291 of the 2147 votes cast for president – 50% more votes than his opponent. He won majority vote in every Strathclyde faculty.
He is the second person to ever be elected for two terms at Strathclyde.
Paterson said “I think the last year has been a fantastic time for the Students’ Union, I’m incredibly proud of the work we have done, and I am really excited for the year ahead.”
“I’m really happy to be sticking around for another year, because we have achieved so much, and there is more I want to do.”
Supporters took to Twitter to congratulate Paterson, with one person tweeting that he has “done the work of 10 presidents.” He was also congratulated by politicians such as MSP John Finnie.
Paterson was also elected as an NUS National Delegate.
The election website experienced technical issues on the morning of the first day of voting.
Despite this, votes were cast by 3277 students in total during the two day voting period, making a 16.5% turnout rate. This is the highest election turnout rate in Strathclyde’s history, beating the previous record set in 2009.
The most votes came from first year students and students in the faculty of engineering.
In his first term, Paterson secured tens of thousands of pounds of funding for international students as well as improved facilities for all. In his second year, he promises to continue improving student life.
“We have a big year ahead of us. I want to see a lot more support & funding for students on campus to help access opportunities and development… I will be working to improve housing and transport support on and off campus.” he stated.
“I’m keen to make changes in the Union to get more support for student groups and to ensure our union’s services are student-led. I want to see dedicated space and support for student media, and more diverse offering in our food & drink services.”
Scottish Greens co-convenor Patrick Harvie was the special guest at the results and welcomed everyone in attendance.
Also elected were Nesaraj ‘Raj’ Jeyaraj as Vice President Diversity, Michael O’Donnell as Vice President Education, Gerry McDonnell as Vice President Support, Kyle Henry as Vice President Volunteering and Development and Ann-Marie Kennerley as Vice President Sports and Wellbeing.
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