Introducing ASMHCC Candidates

WINNERS TO BE ANNOUNCED APRIL 24

I have high hopes for the 2025-26 student body leadership, as there are two candidates running for both president and vice president of the Associated Students of Mt. Hood Community College (ASMHCC):
· Jeffery Erickson and Heart Pham as student body president
· Rhuan Carneiro and Elaria Salibas as student body vice president

Erickson said he is running because he’s passionate about making a real difference on campus. One of his top priorities is improving communication about the resources available to students. He believes that many students aren’t aware of the full range of resources and opportunities that can support them throughout their college experience, he said. He only discovered some of these resources after digging deeper, and he wants to make sure every student knows what’s out there and how to access it.

Another important focus for Erickson is improving the look and feel of the campus. He’s noticed areas like the tree beds and parking lots that could use some TLC. These spaces can feel run-down, and he said a cleaner, more aesthetically pleasing campus can make students feel more proud of their school and more motivated to be here.

He has already started planning projects to help beautify the campus, including working to restore the water fountain near the planetarium, to improve the overall environment and give students a more welcoming space to hang out or relax.

Affordable housing is another big issue Erickson would like to tackle. He said he’s taken student feedback seriously and recently met with developers who are in the process of converting a nearby hotel into apartments. This could provide more affordable living options for students in collaboration with the college.

Running against Erickson is Heart Pham, currently pursuing nursing prerequisites at MHCC, who said he is deeply committed to improving student engagement and well-being. Like Erickson, he said a top priority is making sure students are fully aware of the resources available to them on campus. He said he’s focused on increasing awareness and making these resources more accessible through better communication and outreach.

To help build a sense of community, Pham plans to host resource fairs twice a year – in the spring and summer – bringing together local nonprofits and county services to connect directly with Mt. Hood students and faculty. These events would be designed to not only raise awareness but to create a welcoming space where students can engage with resources in a personal, meaningful way.

Pham also said he wants to make campus life more fun and inclusive. He envisions activities or events such as pool, ping pong, or Super Smash Bros. tournaments that give students a chance to socialize, de-stress, and form friendships outside the classroom. He said that fostering a sense of belonging is essential to student success, and he’s committed to building that culture at MHCC.

He also supports campus safety improvements, like key card access to buildings and other enhanced measures so students can feel safe and supported at all times.

Rhuan Carneiro is running for Student Body Vice President. He shares Erickson’s vision to help improve the student experience. As an international student, he would bring a fresh perspective to the table. He said he is passionate about making the campus feel more inclusive for everyone, and shares Erickson’s desire to improve campus infrastructure, including the school grounds and parking lots.

Also up for the vice president position is Elaria Salib. A senior in high school with aspirations to enter the medical field, she currently serves as the Student Activities Coordinator with ASMHCC.

She said she wants to make meaningful changes at MHCC by creating a safer, more inclusive environment, strengthening student connections with campus leadership, and ensuring that all voices are heard. She said she and Pham believe that at a diverse school such as MHCC, every student should feel seen, valued, and supported – not just in the classroom, but everywhere on campus.

Mary Nashed