New student executive elected at Heriot-Watt

Ruth Bush to be President

Print article

Post to Facebook

Sarah Clark

26 February 2008

The Heriot-Watt University Students Association (HWUSA) executive for the coming academic year was announced last week.

On Friday February 22, Ruth Bush was elected as President. Stephen Batchen and Steven Connel (Scottish Borders Campus) will become the Vice Presidents; Ewan Wood will take up the post of Secretary, and Colin Farquar will take on the position of Treasurer.

Ruth Bush, elated by the results spoke of her intentions to keep HWUSA as a strong and active union.

Ms Bush told The Journal: "I'm really pleased to have been elected as HWUSA President and not only looking forward to working with our own Executive, but also continuing to build strong links with all Edinburgh students associations.

“I come in with a clear agenda of improving sustainability in both the university and our own Students Association, raising awareness and embedding environmental issues as part of student life.

“We've never been closer to free education for Scottish students but the priority now has to be leveling the playing field so that students from any and all backgrounds have the opportunity to access higher education.

“I will continue to empower students at the grass roots by supporting societies, sports and student activity. Communication is key to students taking ownership of their Association.

“Campaigning is our bread and butter - so as well as working on enhancing the student experience, we must remain political and promote the student voice at every opportunity.”

There were three other prospective candidates for president: David Odie, Lexy Marston and Louise Moncrief.

Liam Burns, current president of HWUSA, said that it was a close contest between the women, but Ms Bush had an especially focused campaign and was very confident at the Edinburgh hustings.

Mr Burns said: “I'm over the moon for Ruth and the new exec. They will do a fantastic job next year and no doubt continue to go from strength to strength.

“All that's left is for this has-been to wish them luck and thank all the Heriot-Watt students who voted in the elections.”