Ashleigh Pichon, vice presidential candidate for Experience LSU has had passion for student government since the fifth grade, when she ran for class representative.
“I told everyone to ‘vote for me. Ashleigh P.,’” said Pichon, a human resource junior from New Orleans. “I liked how student council was a good way to impact everyone at the same time.”
Pichon currently serves on the Greek Leadership Institute. She said she enjoys working with organizations that affect the community. Presidential candidate Christian Coleman said he has also been involved in several positions in student councils over the years. Coleman currently serves as Student Government’s director of Student Services and Diversity, a member of the programming, support and initiatives funds committee and a campus tour guide.

“I love being involved in general and being able to reach out to people and represent something bigger than my own self,” said Coleman, a marketing junior.
Coleman said one of his favorite experiences at the University was being a S.T.R.I.P.E.S. leader.
“It refueled my passion for LSU and I learned a lot about traditions,” Coleman said.
The duo said they were inspired to run after they participated in the Your LSU campaign in 2012.
That experience made them realize their passion for talking to students, Pichon said.
The two said their most important initiative is creating a 24-hour study space on campus, preferably in Middleton Library or Patrick F. Taylor.
Pichon said the most surprising thing about campaigning is when students come up to her and Coleman to talk about initiatives.
“Sometimes you feel like only your friends care, but it’s a small win when people ask you about [the campaign],” Pichon said.
The candidates have already met with several faculty members and are working on their initiatives. They met with Director of University Recreation Laurie Braden about having UREC equipment on the Parade Ground.
The candidates said they are passionate about student representation and want to have a director of diversity, which would reach out to students and administrators on campus.
“There are so many international students, but they aren’t being seen,” Pichon said, adding that she wants to bring pride to everyone and show that everyone is equal.
Win or lose, Experience LSU wants to continue the campaign.
“It goes further than this week. Student Government should still be in Free Speech Alley telling students about what is going on,” Pichon said.
This is the second in a two-part series featuring the Student Government presidential and vice presidential candidates.

Gallery • 1 Photos

Taylor Balkom

Ashleigh Pichon (left) and Christian Coleman (right) are running for student government under the Experience LSU ticket.