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“The whole Executive Board was really in limbo because they didn’t have any idea what was going on. I had no idea what was going on. Kelly [Krebs]had no idea what was going on,” Falde said.

Neither Falde nor any of the Executive Board’s members could reach Erickson to find out what action they should be taking on or what they would be doing in the coming year.

“We hadn’t been doing anything, and [Executive] Board needs to be working all summer to make the year a success,” stated Addie Maxfield, Erickson’s appointed Political Affairs Committee chair.

HUSC adviser Kelly Krebs also fell out of contact with Erickson as the summer went on.

“There was a period of time where I wasn’t able to get a hold of him either by e-mail or phone,” said Krebs.

Eventually, citing professional differences with Erickson, Falde turned in her resignation as HUSC vice president. Those professional differences, Falde said, were related to her inability to get in contact with Erickson or to work with him on a regular basis.

All Executive Board resignations must be turned in to the acting president and approved, but because no one could get in contact with Erickson, the resignation never became official.

Soon after, Krebs was able to contact Erickson, and asked that the two meet with Falde. It was at this meeting that Erickson first expressed that he would not be able to continue as HUSC president, and would resign. The decision was not forced, Krebs said, but was instead worked out through discussion with Erickson.

“I haven’t seen that in my time here, losing someone, either the president or the vice president over the summer,” Krebs said. “I think [our problem contacting Erickson] was related to the reasons why he wasn’t able to fulfill his positions and continue on.”

Neither Krebs nor Falde would comment on Erickson’s specific reason for stepping down, but both did say that he cited “personal reasons.” Erickson later confirmed this in a letter of resignation to the HUSC Executive Board. Usually the president would have to approve any resignation, but HUSC’s bylaws say little about the proper recourse for a presidential resignation. The Board accepted the resignation, and Krebs asked Falde if she would take over as persident. Since her own resignation was never officially accepted, she was still technically next in line for the office.

“Kristen thought about it, whether or not she actually wanted to move into the position. Luckily she did, because I’m not quite sure what would have happened at that point,” said Krebs.

Falde took close to a week to make her official decision, but in the end took the position because she had “committed to the leadership of HUSC,” and wanted to see it through.

“I think that Kristen Falde is a very qualified leader. She’ll make great contributions to campus. I leave behind a very talented and dedicated Executive Board,” Alex Erickson said.
Falde took over responsibilities right away. First, she asked Maxfield, the then PAC Committee Chair, to serve as her Vice President. Maxfield also took some time to think about the decision, but eventually accepted. Her appointment is pending approval of two-thirds of HUSC’s council, as per the congress’ constitution.

Within a week of accepting their new positions, Falde and Maxfield began working out their primary initiatives for the year and planning events for the months of September and August. They have already set out plans for a major event called Hamline’s 100 Who Influence, in celebration of student leaders in a variety of different arenas around campus. The celebration will be pointed by a speech from university President Hanson and an address from a key member of the trustees committee.

Though the two came to office in a somewhat unorthodox fashion, both express enthusiasm about their upcoming events and their ability to lead HUSC.

“It’s unfortunate [that Alex had to step down], because that’s who the people elected. But at the same time, Kristen was on that ballet too, and she has a lot of support,” said Maxfield. “I don’t think the change in leadership will be a problem.”

Krebs also expressed his support for the two and their executive board, but also made clear that they by no means had their work cut out for them. He was clear on the importance of a quick and efficient start to the year.

“In reality, they have basically a little more than one semester to get their work done and then elections start again almost as soon as spring semester is here. So, I think they really have to be ready to hit the ground running in the fall,” said Krebs.