5 questions with the president of Earlham Student Government

Ever wonder who helps turn student ideas into action? Behind the scenes, the student government president guides the conversations, decisions, and community-building efforts that shape the campus experience. In this Q&A, Earlham Student Government President Rayyan Afzal ‘27, a double major in business and economics, discusses what drives him, the goals and inspirations fueling his work, and the hopes he carries for strengthening the community in the year ahead.

Q: What inspired you to run for Student Government President?

“Earlham has been a transformative experience for me. The support, care, and encouragement I’ve received from this community have helped me grow in ways I never could have at a larger college. The sense of uncertainty I felt when my family dropped me off from Bangladesh was quickly replaced by the warmth of the people here, and my time here has shown me the kind of inclusive, supportive environment I hope to help foster for others. It made me realize that this is a place I want to bring my family back to someday — a place that has been truly instrumental in my life. This experience inspired me to run so I could give back and help ensure that other students feel seen, supported, and empowered during their time at Earlham.”

Q: What are the top priorities you plan to focus on this year, and why are they important to the student body?

“During my term, I have three main priorities:

Advocate for student voices. I want to make sure students feel heard and that their input influences decisions affecting campus life. Advocacy is central to Earlham. Earlham has always been a place where people advocate for what is right, and at the center of that has been students. Our principles and practices align with how we should treat others and engage nonviolently with the world. With the current state of the world, it’s especially important to strengthen student voices — both to shape Earlham’s direction now and to carry that influence into the wider world later. Here, you’re not just a number at a large university. You’re your own person, doing meaningful work, and your voice is heard, amplified, and prepared for future impact.

Support student initiatives and clubs. Beyond advocacy, I want to help students pursue their ideas. For example, I helped start the Model United Nations club, which received funding and support to grow, and we even took a team to Chicago for a conference. Supporting clubs and student projects like this will continue to be a focal point. It can be really daunting for clubs to navigate Student Engagement processes like budget requests, and it often feels like a lot to manage. Working with groups like Model UN and the South Asian Student Association has shown how much these clubs take on, and how every bit of support makes a real difference. The more we’re able to provide, the more our students will benefit.

Strengthen community connections. Earlham is incredibly diverse, but people often stick to their own circles. I want to encourage more interaction across cultural, athletic, and social groups, helping everyone feel included and part of a community that learns from and celebrates each other. We have so many amazing people here who share the same core values but have different interests, passions, and daily routines. I’d love for us to highlight those differences more so we can connect through what excites us, discover shared interests, and build stronger relationships. Our community already does a phenomenal job supporting one another — better than many other places — and deepening these connections would only strengthen that support and create the best possible experience for everyone.”

“I want to encourage more interaction across cultural, athletic, and social groups, helping everyone feel included and part of a community that learns from and celebrates each other.”

— Rayann Afzal, president, Earlham Student Government

Q: How do you plan to engage students in ESG and ensure that a diverse range of student voices are represented in your decision-making?

“We’re committed to offering as many outlets for student engagement as possible, including open forums with administrators, “Dine with the Dean” conversations, and fully open student government meetings each fall where anyone can attend, listen, and share their comments. We also stay connected through ongoing collaboration with student clubs and cultural organizations, which helps us understand the diverse needs and perspectives across campus. Above all, we want students to know we’re always extending a hand to listen, support, and advocate — so if there’s something you want us to work on, just reach out.”

Q: What has been your favorite part of being on ESG?

“The most impactful part of ESG for me has been the opportunity to interact with people across the Earlham community. We have some of the best people on the planet — individuals guided by strong principles, genuine care, and a willingness to support others. Meeting students from all over the world, each unique and incredibly thoughtful, has been a true privilege. Seeing how Earlham’s shared values shape such good, grounded people has been deeply meaningful, and the relationships I’ve built here are something I will always take pride in. I’ve learned more from this community than I could have anywhere else, and that experience has left a lasting impression.”

Q: When you look back at the end of your term, what will success look like to you?

“I want every committee filled with students who are passionate about the issues and able to bring forward the voices of their peers. Ideally, we would hold monthly open forums and host “Dine with the Dean” every other week to create as many opportunities for engagement as possible. I also hope to build strong relationships with all campus clubs so we can support them — whether that’s funding, marketing, or offering help in any way we can. That, to me, is what success looks like. My goal is to have a fully staffed student government with senators and executive members so we can represent the student body as effectively as possible.”

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About Earlham College 

Earlham College and Earlham School of Religion foster a collaborative learning community that inspires and motivates students with transformative opportunities and experiences so they can become catalysts for good in a changing world. Located in Richmond, Indiana, Earlham is one of U.S. News & World Report’s Top 100 national liberal arts colleges and offers one of the top 20 classroom experiences in the nation, according to the Princeton Review.