For the first time in 14 years, Wofford’s newest Campus Union President is a woman. But, that is not all that Marga Van Der Linde ‘25 wants to be known for. She is proud to be able to represent many different spaces on campus and bring a new perspective to the position.

Before the elections, Van Der Linde spoke to Claudia Ruffin ‘11 and Martha Moore ‘08, who were previous student body presidents. Ruffin was the last female student body president that Wofford elected before Van Der Linde. Moore and Ruffin were able to give Van Der Linde some advice before elections.

“Ruffin was the last female president 14 years ago. That was also one of the reasons I wanted to run, seeing that we have not had a female president in such a long time, let alone an international female leader,” Van Der Linde said. “Speaking to her made me realize her passion and love for Wofford was one of the main driving forces behind her presidency.” 

“I also realized that the office of presidency embodies a strong personal and emotional commitment to serving. The fact that I could speak to them calmed my nerves and made me realize that to believe in other people, and your fellow Terriers, is equally important as for them to believe in you.” 

Though Van Der Linde is taking on this journey during her senior year, she does not plan to slow down. She has been involved with Campus Union throughout her college career and has served in numerous other capacities. Despite this, she claims she is just getting started.

“I believe the best leaders are born out of a place of service, seeing that they know
the needs of their people,” Van Der Linde said. “The past 3 years I have had the absolute privilege of serving my community in various capacities, stretching from residence life to being chair of Wofford Athletics and Recreation.”

“Serving has been the biggest drive behind why I wanted to run, and I want to continue with this at Wofford, but now from a bigger platform to make a bigger impact.” 

For the 2024-2025 academic year, all of Campus Union’s executive positions will be filled by women with Van Der Linde as president, Simrin Channa ‘25 as vice president, Julia Brooks ‘25 as treasurer and Geneva Kowbeidu ‘26 serving as secretary. 

“I think (having all female executive members),  we will be able to capitalize on a great foundation and take it further with new perspectives,” Van Der Linde said. “I believe that the strength of my fellow officers does not lie in their gender, but in the fact that they bring a diverse set of skills to the table. They are absolutely committed to the success of the assembly, and I am honored to work alongside them over the next year.”

When the election results came out, Van Der Linde did not find out until much later, and from her family. She had left for spring break early, beginning the trek back to her home in South Africa when the results were in. As she emerged from the airport, she was greeted with congratulations. 

“I was still on the airplane when Wofford announced the results, so my entire family and friends knew the results before me… they followed the results via the Campus Union Instagram live… I was congratulated by my family with smiles of joy and gratitude when I landed– and then it dawned upon me,” Van Der Linde said. “I just want to give (Dalton Perry ‘25) credit for an amazing campaign and the ideas that he brings to the table. Wofford would have been in good hands regardless of the outcome.”

Van Der Linde has big plans for her term as president. She has already been influential in the writing and passing of numerous bills and, as president, she plans to see things get done. 

“Over the last 3 years as a delegate on Campus Union, I have focused on practical
solutions and implementations to uplift the student experience, and I plan to continue
building on that,” Van Der Linde said. “During my term I want to focus on facilitating new resources for the student gym, improving the distribution of IT support and to further my conversation regarding the restructuring of the general education fitness credit to benefit all students.”

“I am also looking forward to working with the assembly to implement proposals and resolutions that will improve the overall student experience.”