College Republicans change leadership
USU College Republicans recently changed its leadership. Former president Evan Hall stepped down and Andy Pierucci was elected Tuesday.
“I’ve been involved in the College Republicans since my freshman year,” Pierucci said. “I’m excited to be the president. The rest of the board were busy and didn’t feel like they understood enough, so they voted me in. That’s not normal. We’ve voted for two presidents this year. We have regular elections, but we just wanted to get the organization going. I love the organization, and I wanted to see it exceed.”
Members and lower levels of leadership are excited about the change.
“With the new leadership we will be able to do good things this semester,” said Oakley Nelson, coordinating vice president of the College Republicans.
USU College Democrats also welcome the change of leadership.
“I don’t anticipate the change in College Republican leadership having an effect on the College Democrats,” said Brianna Bowen, president of USU College Democrats. “I have had the privilege of working alongside Andy Pierucci in other student organizations, though, and I anticipate the College Republicans will be in excellent hands under his leadership.”
USU College Republicans gives students real-world experience in politics and government, according to Pierucci. He said It takes what students learn in the classroom and applies it.
The group often works with the Cache County Republican Party.
“The Utah State College Republicans is an arm of the Republican Party,” Pierucci said. “Here in Utah, the Republican Party is the majority. It’s easy for Republicans to not get involved. College Republicans are those who are willing to put the effort in. They are the leaders that inform people on campus. It’s open to everyone. The only cost is time. It’s not just for political science majors. We have business students, English and history majors, communication majors. It’s for students with a like mind to get together to make a difference in their community and the nation as a whole.”
Part of the group’s responsibility is fundraising. The last big project was a four-hour concealed weapons permit course. The group held four classes with more than 100 participants.
“Last year raised about $1,000 for the club,” Pierucci said. “The charge was $40, and then the instructor gave us $10 per person who attended. This year we are doing a fundraiser. We just sent letters to the legislators of Cache Valley requesting donations for the organization.”
Pierucci encourages students who aren’t political science major to join the club.
“I encourage anybody who is curious or interested to come out to events,” Pierucci said. “There’s no time commitment. You don’t have to be a Republican. It’s just fun. Oftentimes, we do 9/11 memorials. We watch movies together sometimes. We’ve become friends. Yes, it’s like a political club, but it’s also a group of friends who enjoy what they are doing. I especially encourage those who are interested in government and politics to be involved. It’s a way to further your career. Every single congressman who is a Republican in Utah, we’ve been able to interact with.”
-marissa.neeley@aggiemail.usu.edu