On April 2, the results came in, electing the Hogan-Lopez ticket to lead the University Park Undergraduate Association (UPUA). The two women plan to bring a platform centered on student advocacy, accessibility, and connection across campus into action in the 21st Assembly.

Led by president-elect Kat Hogan and vice president-elect Maria Lopez, the ticket campaigned on five core pillars — working for you, empowering the community, accessibility and affordability, responsibility and transparency, and elevating sustainability efforts. Their pillars were collectively branded as “WE ARE.”

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Now, with the titles of president and vice president, their ideas are moving on from promises to tangible goals.

Hogan and Lopez bring three years of experience within UPUA, alongside extensive involvement across campus.

Hogan, a third-year energy engineering major with minors in sustainability leadership and environmental engineering, served as Speaker of the Assembly in the 20th Assembly and held roles including Justice and Equity Committee chair, EMS representative, and faculty senator. She balanced all of these positions while also working as a resident assistant in Pollock dorms.

Lopez, a political science major with minors in economics and public policy, serves as Latino Caucus vice president and has been active in Lion Caucus and UPUA’s Justice and Equity efforts. She focuses her advocacy on affordability, financial literacy, and support for the underrepresented communities on campus.

Their campaign focused heavily on student-first leadership, which is something Hogan brought up throughout the election process, emphasizing it as more than just a slogan.

“Everything I’m doing as a leader is for my peers, the university, and for the betterment of advocacy,” Hogan said. “Making sure student voices are in the rooms where decisions are being made is critical.”

That includes conversations with university leadership on emerging issues like AI literacy, as well as sustainability concerns revolving around the increased use of AI as a university.

Engagement between UPUA and the broader student body also remains a central focus. Through town halls, expanded office hours, and increased outreach to student organizations, Hogan and Lopez aim to make student government more accessible and visible.

“UPUA doesn’t do a good enough job of reaching out,” Hogan said. “It’s important that we meet students where they are and create spaces where they feel comfortable sharing feedback.”

On top of that, affordability continues to be another key issue. The ticket has mentioned collaboration with local and university leaders to address rising housing costs, while also advocating for a centralized database of scholarships and grants to overall simplify the process for students.

Transparency within UPUA operations is also expected to be an early priority. Hogan has previously emphasized the need for a full website revamp to make information — from representatives to voting records — more accessible to students.

“The website needs a full revamp,” Hogan said. “Students should be able to see who their representatives are, how they’re voting, and what’s actually happening within UPUA.”

Now elected, the ticket is expected to begin work on these initiatives early in their term, with transparency efforts and student engagement among their first areas of focus.

For Lopez, the campaign was about more than just winning; it was about reconnecting with the purpose behind student leadership.

“Running this election has been a true honor and a wonderful experience,” Lopez said. “From picking our amazing team to being announced at the results, every step of this journey has taught us something.

“The journey has also reminded me of why I joined UPUA in the first place: to serve the student body at Penn State. Throughout this month, I have been able to meet so many wonderful student leaders and listen to perspectives all around campus.”

She added that she is looking ahead to what comes next.

“I am thrilled to get sworn in this Wednesday and start working alongside Kat Hogan and the rest of the organization to build a better Penn State and leave a long-lasting legacy on campus,” Lopez said.

The ticket also aims to expand engagement with students who may not already be involved in student government. With historically low voter turnout in the election, Hogan emphasized the importance of reaching the “average Penn Stater.”

“Everyone has something they want to improve about campus,” she said. “UPUA should be a space where those ideas can be heard.”

Amplifying underrepresented voices, such as freshmen and international students, will also remain a focus as the administration begins its term.

“Community is crucial,” Hogan said. “You can’t succeed here alone — it’s about feeling supported, safe, and empowered to take action.”

With the election decided and inauguration underway, the Hogan-Lopez administration now faces the task of turning connection, communication, and community into action, all while delivering on the platform that resonated with voters.