Sitting comfortably in their new office in Maucker Union, Kevin Gartman and Paul Andersen spoke candidly with the Northern Iowan about their new positions, what they’re looking forward to and how their journey to becoming Northern Iowan Student Government president and vice president has impacted their lives.

Gartman and Andersen, who were elected in March for the 2014-15 school year, have begun to settle into their new positions as student government leaders. The two created a strong friendship after meeting each other in their fraternity, Sigma Phi Epsilon. They made the decision to run after finishing up a Student Ambassador Association meeting, a group the pair joined together that hosts prospective students and other campus visitors.

“It was pretty surreal,” Gartman said. “I mean, we were both pretty confident about what we were going to be doing; we both knew we both really wanted to win, but at the same time, deciding to go through with the decision was exciting.”

The rest of that night was spent planning out their campaign, which lasted until around 5 a.m.

When they began their campaign, support came pouring in from their fraternity, SAA and family and friends. Gartman described the support as something “fantastic.” For Andersen, the support was something that helped push the two out the door.

“They’ve been pushing us and saying, you know, you guys do have the qualities and abilities to do this. Here’s why we think you’d be great for this,” Andersen said.

Deciding who was to run for each position came easily to the pair. Gartman and Andersen discussed what each of their talents were and which position best suited the other.

Because Gartman enjoys serving as a voice for students in a large setting, he fit the mold for presidency well. Andersen, who is comfortable in smaller group settings and serving on university committees, seemed the right choice for vice president.

Coming to UNI was an easy choice for Gartman, as he felt UNI was the school for him when he took his first tour.

“I could envision myself here living the everyday life of a student here. You know your professors, you know the people walking around campus,” Gartman said.

Andersen, however, originally chose to attend the University of Iowa. What changed his mind was touring UNI’s campus, his tour guide and the atmosphere.

“I felt at home right away. What really got me to come here was the business program; UNI has exceeded my expectations,” Andersen said.

While in office, Gartman and Andersen hope to share what they have found at UNI: an enriching campus. Also on the agenda is boosting enrollment and incorporating international students into student-friendly activities.

“I want more students to come to UNI and understand what they can gain from coming to UNI,” Andersen said.

Since enrolling, the two said they have created a positive and memorable college experience by engaging in various student activities that have led them outside their comfort zone.

Gartman, who considers himself somewhat shy, isn’t one to dance and sing in front of a crowd, but enjoyed participating in Pride Cry 2013.

“I think the greatest experience at UNI would be those moments where I’m doing things I never thought I would do before,” Gartman said.

Gartman’s friends would describe him as motivated. Andersen’s friends would characterize him as dedicated.

“If I have a goal, I will do whatever it takes to get there,” Andersen said.

And though their friends may already know, Gartman and Andersen were willing to share some little-known facts about themselves with the rest of the UNI community.

“I have never eaten ketchup, mayonnaise or mustard,” Gartman said.

Andersen’s fun-fact, which is a bit less shocking, involves a popular winter sport: He enjoys skiing.

When the two find themselves overwhelmed with responsibilities or stress, they each have their own outlets at UNI.

For Gartman, grabbing a smoothie from Chats and heading to the Tree Room in Rod Library provides some much-needed alone time. If that doesn’t help, Gartman finds turning to his friends, family and fraternity brothers works every time.

“I’m really blessed to have a lot of people fall into that category,” Gartman said. “They’re such a caring and passionate group of people who just care so much about others.”

Andersen goes to Hershey’s Cookies and Cream chocolate bars and the Hall of Flags in the Curris Business Building. He finds it provides a quiet space for him to study. Other times, he knows he can always call his mom, talk to his fraternity brothers or even his boss.

Through it all, Gartman and Andersen attribute their hard work and dedication to their parents.

“I owe a lot to my parents,” Andersen said. “I think that growing up as an only child, my parents put in a lot of time and sacrifice into allowing me to grow and watching me do it.”

“It’s all about the little things,” Gartman said. “By accomplishing those little things in life, you can make big changes.”