The highest levels of responsibility, professionalism, and trustworthiness are demanded from any student that wishes to hold the office of ASWNMU Treasurer. Handling the funds of student government is not a job that should be taken lightly. One of the candidates running for the position is Tim Stillman. Tim is originally from Palm Springs, California and is currently majoring in Business Management with a minor in Entrepreneurship. Recently, we sat down with Tim and asked him a few questions in order to get to know the candidate a bit better.
When asked about any plans or goals he had for the position, Tim stated, “My main goal, if elected, is to create a more effective system of handling and tracking ASWNMU funds. I would accomplish this by looking for weaknesses in the current policies and restructure those policies if necessary. I want to be sure that ASWNMU funds are handled responsibly and professionally not just while I would be in office but in the years to follow as well. After that, I would then concentrate on addressing the complaints raised by the various clubs and organizations around campus and resolving any problems that may arise. Really, I want to create a better system that will work with both ASWNMU and the student body.”
Tim mentioned that aside from his schoolwork, he has real world experience in restructuring, facilitating, maintaining, and projecting business finances. “Currently, I am working with a local non-profit organization to completely restructure and organize their finances. In this case, I am helping the organization answer the question of whether or not they should still be in business.” Tim said. He went on to talk about his experience in creating business reports for two restaurants in Las Vegas, NV as well as a current project with an independent restaurant chain in California that hopes to expand into a franchise. “My past experiences and my school work are what make me qualified for the office of Treasurer.” For confidentiality reasons, Tim did not mention any company names.
Tim also stated that with his schedule, he would have the time available to put 110% of his attention into his duties as treasurer. “If sudden problems appear, I am in a position to immediately handle that problem.” He went on to say that the time and effort that he can put into being treasure, in addition to his previous experience is a very strong combination of factors that would make him well suited to being treasurer.
Tim is also an active attendee at several sports events, including volleyball, basketball and football, stating that he likes to support the athletes. However, Tim also makes time to attend many of the guest lectures. “I look forward to hearing about their experiences and the struggles [the speakers] have had to overcome to get to the point they reached.”
Tim also brought up some goals that he has for the University’s many clubs. “Every club presents an opportunity for any student to become more engaged with college life and build relationships that will last a lifetime,” Tim said. “That said I feel that a great many of these clubs are neglected or forgotten about. I feel that even the Art and Music programs don’t get the attention they deserve but the list of programs, clubs, and organizations just goes on and on. I don’t appreciate the fact that various clubs on campus are underappreciated or even neglected by the WNMU community. I would definitely like to help as many of the clubs and organizations as I could if I were treasurer.” Tim hopes to see several clubs and organizations receive more attention as opposed to seeing a single club rise to prominence, stating that It is the underappreciated and neglected clubs and organizations that make up the university’s unique culture, and that is something that students need to remember.
When asked what he hopes to gain from an experience as ASWNMU treasurer, Tim said: “I expect to add to my experience in handling finances, but at the end of the day it’s not about having power or getting a paycheck. In fact, it’s not even about me. This experience is about serving and helping the entire WNMU community. This is a way to return and spread out the time and commitment that the WNMU community has given to me. The student body and WNMU community in general has helped get me where I am today and being elected Treasurer would give me the rare and privileged opportunity to give back to the entire community of Western New Mexico University.”
A reminder for everyone; you can cast your vote starting Wednesday, April 13th on Mustang Express and lasting through Friday the 15th.
