Who They AreBraun, student body vice president, is a junior in Breen-Phillips Hall majoring in finance and history. Chamberlain, Sorin senator, is a junior majoring in political science and psychology
In Their Wordsu Top Priority: Student-life issues. "The biggest things are those that affect students every day." u First Priority: Implementing book delivery from the Bookstore to dorms.
In Our Wordsu Best Idea: Easier access to caffeine in the library.u Worst Idea: Incorporating environmentalism into Freshman Orientationu Most Feasible Idea: Sustainability issues: reusable bags at Grab-n-Go and more game day recycling.u Least Feasible Idea: Student-initiated classes.u Fun Fact: Braun is a "diehard" Bengals fan. "This is going to lose me votes, but I hate the Pittsburgh Steelers." Chamberlain "really, really" likes Notre Dame monogram waffles from the dining hall. "I think the monogram makes it taste better."u Notable Quote: "Experience taught me that things being feasible ultimately comes down to funding, and support of the administration" (Maris Braun)
Bottom LineVeterans of the system, they throw around the student government catchphrases - pursuing the presidency as "a way to give back" and vowing to "make a tangible difference" - better than anyone. They know what goals are practical and what students respond to most strongly. But for Braun to claim "nothing about this is about resumes" only sounds hollow. The pair does have extensive experience, and it shows; when asked about a shuttle bus, Braun quickly recognized the University's hesitation and suggested a bus that just covered the bars, implying that students using the shuttle would be of age. And the relationship Braun established this year with members of the South Bend Common Council would likely be valuable next fall, when the issue of student partying could once again rankle the sensibilities of neighborhood residents. But it's unclear what they bring that Reish and Schmidt don't - except, maybe, excessive confidence.
