By Jimmy Wells
As many of you know, The Chronicle wrote a story about a flyer depicting my running mate, Luke Miedreich. The flyer was absolutely defamatory towards Miedreich and not a true representation of his character. He is a well-known and respected figure on campus. In my two years as Miedreich’s friend and colleague, I am privileged to know his true nature. This flyer is not a true representation.
Miedreich is extremely involved and outgoing. He is fearless and accomplishes any task that he undertakes. Nothing is too much for him. Though the Halloween costume he wore to the Halloween Senate meeting was in poor taste and offensive, there is absolutely no reason why this mistake justified a widespread attack against his character.
Miedreich is considered by many to be the most accomplished member of Student Government Association. He has organized numerous events and has acquired an extensive knowledge of the University. Miedreich is extremely genuine, charitable, and has an amazing sense of social responsibility. He is one of the leading fundraisers for Relay for Life, which is just one of his many notable contributions to Hofstra. He coordinates a fashion show called “Destination Runway”, which raised over $3,000 for charity this year alone. When Brian Marquis, a fellow member of SGA, traveled to Ghana, Miedreich organized a toy drive for the school that Marquis visited. It disheartens and angers me that someone can be so malicious towards a community and service oriented person.
Miedreich is also well versed in the cultural clubs on campus. He is an extremely avid fan of the IMANI Dance Ensemble and he attends many of their shows. He was present at the fundraising dinner for Haiti organized by the African Caribbean Society. As a fellow Founding Father of Phi Delta Theta, he is very excited to work with the fraternities and sororities of the African Latino Fraternal Sororal Alliance. How can one even ask if “we really want that representing the student body?”
Everyone has made a mistake, however Miedreich has to address this again seven months later. Why? Someone is jealous of what he has achieved and his ambitions. This is an issue of the past. It should have been completely addressed in the past. Instead it has caused public embarrassment months later.
I have seen Miedreich grow into a very respectable and admirable leader. He was my first choice for a running mate and this is a decision I do not regret. He is not the disrespectful and racist person this flyer depicts. College is a time for growth and maturity, and I have seen this in my running mate, my friend and my brother.