Get to Know the New Student Body President

After a summertime visit to Seattle University during high school, Dana Nguyen, '27, knew she was destined to become a Redhawk.

The combination of the small, welcoming campus and intimate class sizes made SU a place Nguyen believed she could thrive. And she was right.

Now a senior majoring in cell and molecular biology, Nguyen is the new president for the Student Government of Seattle University (SGSU). Previously serving as a Senate Chair, Nguyen's priorities as president include leading with compassion and ensuring transparency.

“Being a senator meant connecting with my peers on a personal level and listening to their concerns. I was able to learn the structure of SGSU and Seattle University,” Nguyen says. “This has allowed me to use the connections I have made to connect my team with other students, staff and faculty.”

In this Q&A, Nguyen discusses her priorities as president, why she loves student government, post-graduation plans and more.

Why did you want to be president of SGSU?
I have been in SGSU for my entire time here at Seattle University. The first year, I was thrown into the role really unsure of what to expect. But as I was deciding to run last spring, I wanted to choose the community that supported me. That is my why—to give my time back to the people who have supported me.

What are your priorities as president?
My three main priorities as SGSU President are transparency, autonomy and compassion. I want students to know what administration is working on, how they are impacted and what SGSU is doing to support students.

What is your favorite part of being in SGSU?
My favorite part is being in community. I am surrounded by passionate, like-minded individuals who choose to uplift our peers every day. It sounds cliche but the people you surround yourself with really steer your experience.

What else are you involved with at SU?
Aside from SGSU, I am a co-founder of the SU Pre-Dental Club, do public relations for the SU Vietnamese Student Association, am a desk assistant with Housing and Residence Life and a Biology study group facilitator with the Learning Assistance Program. So, you can catch me around campus in all these spaces!

What are your post-graduation plans or career aspirations?
Post-graduation, I plan on attending dental school to become a general dentist.

What advice do you have for students interested in SGSU?
For students interested in SGSU or want to get involved, get out there and be present. Attend that general meeting, attend our senate assemblies and ask all your questions. In doing so, you will find your space and everything will flow after.

Visit Nguyen during her fall office hours, 12:15–2 p.m., Mondays and Wednesdays, and 9:15–10:45 a.m., Fridays in STCN 360 or email sgsupresident@seattleu.edu to set up a time to chat.