RISE for K-State: Christian Peña and Caden Bastion Share Vision for Student Government
- Cadence Brier
- 2 hours ago
- 3 min read
Wildcat 91.9 welcomed student body presidential candidates Christian Peña and Caden Bastion to the studio for an exclusive interview centered on leadership, service, and the future of Kansas State University.
Peña, an agricultural education major from Sublette, Kansas, is running for student body president, while Bastion, a political science and history double major from Valley Center, is running for student body vice president. Together, the pair is campaigning on their platform RISE — Represent Students, Improve Campus, Serve Needs, and Empower Voices.
Backgrounds Rooted in Leadership and Service
Peña’s journey into student leadership began early, with involvement in student council during high school and later serving as a senator and caucus leader within K-State’s College of Agriculture. He shared that his motivation to run comes from a desire to give back to the university that provided him with meaningful connections and opportunities.
Bastion brings a different but complementary perspective. While not previously involved in K-State’s Student Government Association, he served as president of his fraternity, Delta Sigma Phi, overseeing more than 120 members. He emphasized that his “outside perspective” allows him to identify gaps in representation and advocate for students who may feel unheard.
“I want to represent students who don’t think their voice is being heard,” Bastion said. “That’s what servant leadership is all about.”
A Student-Centered Campaign
Both candidates stressed that RISE is more than a slogan — it’s a mindset. Their campaign has grown to include more than 100 students working across internal and external teams, covering everything from social media and finance to student outreach and compliance.
“Our campaign is built by students, for students,” Peña said. “Every conversation we’ve had has shaped what we stand for.”
Transparency and collaboration were recurring themes throughout the interview, with Bastion highlighting the importance of open communication — both within their team and with the broader student body.
Listening, Access, and Representation
One initiative discussed was the possibility of implementing student town halls to improve access between students and their representatives. Drawing from Bastion’s experience interning in congressional offices, the duo hopes to create clearer pathways for students to voice concerns and ideas.
“We want to be approachable,” Peña added. “There should always be a pipeline from point A to point B when it comes to student concerns.”
When asked how they would handle conflict within student government, both candidates emphasized respect, openness to criticism, and a willingness to grow.
“We don’t learn from our successes — we learn from our failures,” Bastion said. “If something isn’t working, we want to know so we can make it better.”
What Makes K-State Home
The interview closed on a lighter note, with both candidates reflecting on their favorite parts of K-State. Peña pointed to the unmatched atmosphere at Bill Snyder Family Stadium and the sense of loyalty among Wildcat fans, while Bastion highlighted Homecoming and the way the entire Manhattan community rallies together.
“Family sounds cliché,” Bastion said, “but here, it’s real.”
As for their dynamic, the pair jokingly compared themselves to Maverick and Goose from Top Gun — focused when it’s time to work, but never forgetting to have fun along the way.
How to Get Involved
Students can vote in the SGA election on February 24 and 25. Peña and Bastion encourage all Wildcats to participate and stay engaged.
To learn more about their campaign, initiatives, and upcoming events, follow them on Instagram at @pena.bastion.2026, where students can also find links to get involved.
As Peña put it: “K-State is on the rise — and the best days are still ahead.”
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