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Loyola Threauxs Down Each year, students at Loyola University New Orleans get the opportunity to bring their talents beyond the classroom and into one of the most iconic stages in the city, Tipitina’s. The Uptown Threauxdown is a relatively new tradition beginning in 2021, and has quickly become one of the most anticipated showcases of student talent at Loyola. The showcase blends education, performance, and New Orleans music culture and history into one sold out show.

see THREAUXDOWN page 8

Brandon Grier (Azure Skyz) performs at the Uptown Threauxdown event at Tipitina’s on April 8, 2026. Uptown Threauxdown is an annual event for Loyola music students to showcase their work. Sophia Renzi/ The Maroon.

Campaigning begins for Student Government Association By Cae Nguyen ctnguye3@my.loyno.edu

Two campaigns are currently running for Loyola’s Student Government Association president and vice president positions: the Merritt-Jones S.T.R.O.N.G.E.R. campaign and the CARE campaign. The S.T.R.O.N.G.E.R. campaign stands for Safety, Transparency, Resources, Optimized, Nutrition, Growth, Engagement, and Relationships. The CARE campaign stands for Community, Access, Results, and Empowerment. Juniors Kiyah Merritt, a political science major and business administration minor, and Kamrin Jones, an economics and finance major, are the voices behind the Merritt-Jones STRONGER campaign. Merritt, who is running for SGA president, is pushing for a more efficient SGA and striving to leave Loyola in a better place than before. “It is the best way for me to build Student Government and Loyola as a whole,” Merritt said. “I have dedicated my entire Loyola career to SGA and plan to continue doing so. I also recognize there are areas where SGA can improve, and I believe those changes need to come from leadership.” Alongside Merritt, Jones is running for SGA vice president. His vision aims for a more responsive, streamlined SGA that creates tangible results for students. “I’ve worked within SGA and closely with student organizations, so I understand how it operates and where things can be improved,” Jones said. “I also think my strengths in organization, communication, and execution balance well with Kiyah’s leadership and vision. Together, we want to build an SGA that’s more transparent, accessible, and actually works for students.”

Merritt and Jones relayed how they have been facilitating their campaign so far. “Our campaign has been very student-centered so far. We’ve been tabling, hosting events, and, most importantly, just having real conversations with students across campus. A big part of our approach has been meeting people where they are and actually listening to what they want to see improved,” Merritt and Jones said. Merritt and Jones have been intentional in their communication process for their campaign. Through endorsements and their social media platform, they have been uplifting student organizations and shedding light to the work they do. “That’s something we really value and want to keep doing. If elected, our focus will stay the same. We want to keep building those relationships and make sure SGA feels present and accessible in students’ everyday lives,” said Merritt and Jones. In expressing their hopes for their campaign, Merritt and Jones also reflected on what their biggest challenges will be if elected. “One of the biggest challenges will be balancing the different needs of a very diverse student body while making sure no group feels overlooked. Loyola has students with a wide range of priorities, and it’s important that everyone feels represented,” they said. Another challenge concerns student engagement with SGA, and making sure “students continue to feel connected to SGA and aware of what it’s doing.” The pair plan to be consistent and intentional about ensuring the established system. They said, “Another challenge will be

Student Government Association presidential debate took place on April 8, 2026. (Left to right) Kamrin Jones and Kiyah Merritt are on one ticket, and Makayla Horton and Violette Worley are on the either. Heidi Herrera/The Maroon

maintaining strong engagement and making sure students continue to feel connected to SGA and aware of what it’s doing. We also understand that making changes within an established system takes time, so being consistent and intentional about following through will be important.” Outside of SGA, Merritt serves as Treasurer of Mock Trial, Secretary of the Pre-Law Association, and Secretary of the Finance and Investments Association. Additionally, she is a member of

Omicron Delta Kappa, the Disabled Student Association, and Pi Sigma Alpha, while also being an Admissions Ambassador, a former Krewe Leader, current Krewe Involvement Mentor, and future Krewe Leader Director. Jones is the Founder and President of the Finance and Investments Association, Marketing Director of the Economics Club, and an Office Assistant for the Women’s Leadership Academy. He serves as a Krewe Leader and future Krewe Leader Director. Additionally, he

has engaged in finance internships, an M&A project, and is currently serving as a Senator for the College of Business. Merritt and Jones shared their goals for the next school year. Merritt hopes to improve efficiency within SGA, specifically in regard to allocations and internal and also wants to strengthen communication between SGA and students.

See ELECTION, page 5