Clatsop Community College students Sophie Alsbury and Ezekiel Duchene will lead the Associated Student Government during the upcoming academic year, with Alsbury serving as president and Duchene as vice president.
Both leaders bring previous ASG experience to their new roles and share a commitment to strengthening student connections, representing student concerns and creating an engaging campus experience.
Alsbury, a 2024 graduate of Warrenton High School, is an art major from Warrenton. She chose CCC because it allowed her to remain close to her family while exploring her academic interests in an affordable and supportive setting.
“Deciding to start out at CCC felt like the obvious choice,” Alsbury said. “I was able to continue living at home with my family, and it’s much cheaper compared to a four-year school. Those two things created a low-stakes environment where I could explore what I wanted to do.”
Alsbury joined ASG last year after finding it difficult to balance classes and work during her first year of college. Looking for greater direction and connection, she decided to become involved and served as ASG secretary.
“ASG gave me a sense of belonging and made me feel like I had an impact on the student body,” Alsbury said. “I remember the countless hours of effort and planning it took to make events happen. All that effort was very rewarding.”
Her experience inspired her to seek the presidency and continue building the sense of community that helped her find her place at CCC. “My motivation for running for ASG president was to continue making an impact on the student body and create a sense of belonging for students,” Alsbury said. “I remember how much I needed that during my first year here.”
Duchene, an Astoria High School graduate, is nearing completion of his Associate of Arts Oregon Transfer degree. He chose CCC as a bridge between high school and a four-year university, allowing him to build on the college credits he had already earned while learning how to navigate higher education with a learning disability.
“I really enjoy the flexibility and community here,” Duchene said. “The smaller class sizes allow for easier communication with instructors, and the campus has lots of beautiful views.”
Duchene joined ASG last year after former ASG President Fiona Hackett encouraged him to get involved. He served as public relations coordinator, designing posters and digital slides to promote student activities.
“It was fun to hear what people thought of my designs around campus,” Duchene said. “Fiona convinced me I could be a good part of a team, and it ended up being truer than I thought.”
As vice president, Duchene hopes to help organize events students are excited to attend while ensuring their experiences and concerns are heard.
“ASG is important for supporting students and voicing student issues, so I decided to step up,” Duchene said. “I’m hoping we can have some fun events and make our voices heard as much as possible.”
Together, Alsbury and Duchene want students to recognize that becoming involved, asking for help and taking advantage of campus opportunities can make a meaningful difference in their college experience.
“CCC is a wonderful opportunity, and it is up to you to make it what you want it to be,” Alsbury said. “Join or create a club, do a work-study job, volunteer your time and go to events. Everything you do here has an impact.”
Duchene also encourages students to seek support when the term becomes challenging. “When things start to feel difficult, don’t forget to reach out to our wonderful counselor or the tutoring center in the library,” he said. “There are some wonderful people on campus who are ready and eager to help.”
The remaining student government positions will be filled early this fall term through an application process. Degree-seeking students who are in good academic standing are welcome to fill out an interest form and connect with ASG regarding the application process.
Through their leadership, Alsbury and Duchene hope to help more students find community, participate in campus life and have a voice in shaping their experience at Clatsop Community College.
