This past week, our university underwent the first round of student elections for the upcoming school year. With honor and integrity at the core of our campus, Washington and Lee students have the unique opportunity to elect different student governments to maintain the characteristics and traditions that make this place so special. The Washington and Lee Honor System has been the backbone of this university for over two centuries, creating an unparalleled community of trust. In the coming week, we will have the chance to vote for more Executive Committee and Student Judicial Council officials. As students, we have the responsibility to be educated voters and to make informed decisions about the candidates that have the potential to lead our campus in the coming year.

Catherine Latour – someone I have personally admired, much from a distance, since this fall. While Catherine’s warm smile and friendly hellos left an early impression on me, I have recently had the pleasure of getting to know this SJC 2020 representative candidate. To no surprise, Latour has based her campaign on a platform of passion for serving our school. Her bubbling personality greatly combines with a genuine desire to have a positive impact on our community.

Hailing from Lubbock, Texas, Latour decided to come to Washington and Lee University "because of the clear, and inspiring community that exists on this campus." Since enrolling at W&L, her love for this school has only grown. Latour quickly jumped into the W&L life, getting involved in a variety of campus activities, such as Ring-tum Phi, Campus Kitchen, and Greek life. She also holds different leadership positions among these organizations. More recently, the Residential Life staff chose Latour among many applicants to serve as a Peer Counselor in the fall. This highly esteemed position further speaks to her strong character and eagerness to help others. Latour notes that through her time spent involved in various aspects of W&L, she has “recognized what exactly unites this community and allows it to prosper." Her goal on the SJC is to continue to foster the high university standard that is upheld here everyday.

As said, Latour seeks election based on passion for this school and an obvious commitment to the honor system. As a sophomore justice, Latour aims to bring a level head, open mind, and reasoned voice to the SJC. Her innate characteristics will allow her to make some of the best decisions for this community. In reference to violations, Latour believes that students should feel aware and educated about the University Community Standard that the Student Judicial Council upholds. Latour considers herself tuned into many aspects of W&L, allowing her to connect, reach, and understand different audiences of this campus. She plans to be easily visible and accessible, as she works to inform the student body of what our university standard is, and what is expected of us all.

Robert E. Lee created one overarching rule for this school – that every student must be a gentleman. This ideal generated the foundation of the W&L Honor System and helps to maintain the current form of our system today. While much has evolved since, every student here still holds a piece of that history. When the polls open on Sakai this Tuesday, March 28^th, be cognizant of that. There are many fine, young gentle(wo)men for the job, but Latour brings exceptional experience and character to the stage, greatly in accord with the morals of the system itself.