Vielhauer-Lumley shares visions amidst campus-wide push to abolish student government

Sophomore Jerry Vielhauer and junior Sonia Lumley were elected Notre Dame Student Body President and Vice President to succeed the Kiser-Miller administration. Vielhauer and Lumley ran unopposed in the second-ever single-ticket election in student government records, marking the first unopposed election since 2012. 

The ticket highlighted several reforms, and it touted a central commitment to both Catholic identity and DEI—diversity, equity, and inclusion—within their platform. 

According to the Judicial Council, the Vielhauer-Lumley ticket won just over 55 percent of the total votes, whereas 44 percent of the students who participated in the election voted to abstain, resulting in 899 out of the 1621 votes to be counted as valid. The voter turnout constituted 18 percent of the student body, down from over 50 percent in 2024.

Vielhauer stressed the importance of keeping the university’s Catholic values and mission central to what they do. In an interview with the Rover, he said, “My Catholic faith is very important to me, as well as Sonia, and it’s going to be very important to us to make sure that we’re looking at everything through that framework and through that lens.” 

Vielhauer noted that they plan on integrating the university’s Catholic identity through proposals such as increasing outdoor Masses, bringing in more Catholic speakers “like Father Mike Schmitz,” and welcoming people from all backgrounds into the Notre Dame community with open arms. 

In regards to the previous administration’s efforts to improve and promote the annual PrideFest celebration, Vielhauer expressed uncertainty about continuing PrideFest programming. “Whether it happens and what it may entail may be at the discretion of the university administration.” Vielhauer added, “Therefore, we have not put much thought into this, but if that is something that is up to us, we will ensure that our decision aligns with the values and mission of the university.” 

In the area of Irish Experience, other efforts included in their platform consist of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives. Vielhauer and Lumley propose the following DEI policy points: “Establish monthly meetings where student government can interact with the Diversity Council. Converse with the Gender Relations on emphasizing inclusivity. Increase resources for First-Generation Low Income (FGLI) students. Work with the Department of Disability Advocacy on game day accessibility.” 

Vielhauer told the Rover, “We would like to meet with campus entities such as the Diversity Council to make sure that all voices on campus feel heard.” Vielhauer added, “At the end of the day, we want to make sure that every student on campus feels a part of the Notre Dame community, and that we all have an equal opportunity to find the success that we are all capable of achieving.”

Addressing the low voter turnout, Vielhauer remained optimistic, “Obviously we want to see as high turnouts as possible and I think the fact that there was only one ticket on the ballot contributes to people not caring about it, because ultimately they didn’t have a difference to make with a vote in this ballot and in this election.” 

Concerning the downward shift of turnout in comparison to last year’s 50 percent voter turnout, Vielhauer stated, “I believe that this is just an anomaly with the election pretty much being decided, but I definitely think moving forward that we’ll see a higher election turnout.” Vielhauer believes that student government efficiency is key to resolving this problem. “I think a big part will be showing that student government can get things done. Which is something we’re going to try our absolute best to do, and then hopefully give students more hope that their vote will matter.”

Further, underlying negative sentiment toward student government surfaced in light of the unopposed nature of this election.

The Observer’s editorial board continued its two-year streak of not endorsing a ticket, claiming that “Abolition is the remedy.” Furthermore, they expressed frustration toward student government by highlighting a campus wide push to abolish student government by encouraging voters to abstain in the recent election. 

The editorial argued that this election’s unopposed nature revealed the current culture within student government: “In some ways, it is a good thing that there is only one ticket on the ballot. It shatters the pretense of the usual popularity contest election and confirms what many already suspect—student government isn’t a battleground of ideas, but an exercise in self-selection. In the past, we’ve seen tickets with relatively similar visions and ambitious policy platforms lacking real substance. The fact that there’s only one ticket running suggests that students across campus have recognized student government for what it is and chosen to disengage.”

Despite the controversy surrounding student government, Vielhauer responded to this sentiment by emphasizing patience and reaffirming that without student government there is no chance for any change: “I think it’s very easy to be disappointed and frustrated with the system, because a lot of things have to happen on the back end to get things done substantially.” 

Vielhauer continued, “But I think it is really important to look at it over a course of a couple years and administrations and see that all those little things do add up, and we all see initiatives come into place years after they’ve been proposed.” 

Vielhauer further reflected on those students who may feel disillusioned with the current state of student government: “Whether they voted or didn’t vote for Sonia and I, I’m still representing them and I still want to hear their voices and what they have to say to the things they want to see change on campus.” He added, “I’m going to do my best to help both voters and non-voters alike, because we represent all of campus, which is a blessing, and I just want to try to do my best to be a certain leader to them.”  

Vielhauer and Lumley will be sworn in as Student Body President and Vice President on April 1.

Allison Bowman is a sophomore studying economics and constitutional studies. She can be reached at abowman9@nd.edu. 

Photo Credit: Vielhauer-Lumley Campaign (Instagram)

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