PLACIDO RAMALLO ’21

What prompted you to run for president?

My love of service leadership is what pushed me to run for president. Being told by others that the things I’m doing on campus now are making a real difference is not only heartwarming but it serves as evidence that I can create positive change for an entire community. If serving as Thelmo president can expand the scope and depth of that change, then I believe I have an obligation to serve.

What academic and social issues and groups are you involved in on campus – ie. clubs, majors, sports teams, other interests?

I am a philosophy and international economics double major, and I plan on going to law school once I graduate to become a practicing trial attorney. I am a co-president of SLU Republicans and the Thelmo Canton Community Outreach committee chair. Through the latter position, I have started a program that serves free breakfast to students at a local school and hope to revive the legendary SLU Bar Tour.

In my free time you’re most likely to find me enjoying the outdoors with the OC or OP, or playing guitar for one of many wonderful singers here at SLU, whether it be open mic at Java or just a random event that needs entertainment.

What would you describe as the platform you are running on?

My full platform is available on SLU Wire, but here’s the lowdown: I plan to make campus work better for students, minimize the impact of the budget deficit and increase intersectional dialogue. The first point is an umbrella goal that includes everything from infrastructure improvements – like improving handicapped accessibility – to environmental goals, like getting plastic out of the Pub.

Second is an acknowledgement that, due to the budget deficit, cuts are going to have to be made.  But I hope to restructure the cuts so they don’t massacre key programs such as study abroad. Lastly, I believe that from dialogue comes the humanization of others which is key if we as an institution are to cohesively address problems from sexual violence to political discrimination and everything in between.

Is there anything else SLU students should know about you?

If there’s one thing SLU students should know about me, it’s that they should feel like they can come talk to me at any time. No matter what the topic, no matter how busy I am, I implore every student to come voice their concerns, propose solutions or simply have a conversation.