Tony Hu, Meds ’26, has been appointed as Graduate Trustee as of 9 a.m. on Sept. 22. He ran for the position uncontested.
The Graduate Trustee is elected by SGPS students and serves a two-year term. Hu will represent graduate and professional students to the Queen’s Board of Trustees, attending their meetings. As one of only three students on the Board, Hu represents the interests and voices of students.
He won the election with 93 per cent affirmation from the 987 electors who voted.
“You get to engage with decision makers at the university to push forward some changes that would benefit students in the short and long term,” Hu said in an interview with The Journal. “I think the real tangible effects of the role will be felt maybe many years down the line.”
Originally from Scarborough, Hu studied chemistry at U of T before coming to Queen’s. Hu’s experience in governance comes from his time on the Arts and Science Council, Innis College Council, and U of T Library Student Advisory Committee.
Hu said he’s passionate about governance, adding it’s a chance to have dialogue with decisions makers and an effective outlet for creating change.
“[You are] directly expressing what you think and how you feel to people who are in positions where they’re able to enact changes.”
As the Graduate Student Trustee, one of Hu’s main focuses will be listening to the student community. Coming from U of T, Hu said he isn’t familiar with the environment at Queen’s.
He’s looking to students to share their thoughts on issues at hand. Climate action is very near and dear to Hu’s heart. He wants to propel the university to net zero goals to avoid a potential “climate catastrophe.”
Equity, diversity, inclusion, Indigeneity, and accessibility (EDIIA) were at the forefront of Hu’s campaign, as was student success.
He wants to understand university data and student outcomes after graduation to understand how students can be better supported during their time at university—through mental health supports, career advising, or other non-academic supports.
Hu encouraged students to reach out to him via email with any communications they wish to bring to the Board, so he can fully represent the graduate student body.
“Not only am I expected to advocate for students, but I think the other members of the Board are looking to me to provide that student experience.”
Over the next two years, Hu wants to represent the experiences and concerns of students.
“I really hope that I can get a lot of feedback from students that I can bring to the Board and its meaning, so I’m able to affect some really positive change here[at] Queen’s.”
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