Carlos Artiles-Fortun is Salt Lake Community College’s Student Association executive vice president-elect. As executive vice president, Artiles-Fortun wants to make sure that students know about the opportunities to participate in student government, that events are geared more toward the average student and that the events get advertised better.
“There are so many positions that are open,” said Artiles-Fortun about the student senate, “but I don’t think students know.”
Artiles-Fortun grew up in the Canary Islands. His family moved to Utah eight years ago so that he and his sister could get a better higher education when his mother got accepted in a program for teachers that exists between Spain and the United States. He graduated from Northridge High School.
“As an international student, you have to pay a lot,” said Artiles-Fortun. He started at SLCC “because it was very cheap.”
Student participation at SLCC is important to Artiles-Fortun. He believes that part of getting students involved is holding activities that will attract the average student.
“I’m a different type of student and I can really understand the average student here,” he said.
In addition to having activities that will attract the average student, Artiles-Fortun said that Student Life and Leadership needs to be out talking to people about the activities.
“Posters and fliers are not enough,” he said.
He acknowledges that SLCC is the most diverse college in Utah, and says that he “will try to represent that diversity.”
Artiles-Fortun has been involved with International Diplomacy Program, joined the student senate and was treasurer for the Hispanic-Latino Club.
“I love getting involved,” he said.
Artiles-Fortun ran on a ticket with Inacio Lopez. Even though Lopez didn’t win, Artiles-Fortun is looking forward to working with President-elect Aaron Starks.
Artiles-Fortun is working on an associate of science in Mechanical Engineering. He plans on going to the University of Texas to get his bachelor’s degree and then get a master’s degree in aerodynamics.
He is a Formula 1 racing fan and holds the track record at Speed Street, where he used to work. His dream is to design a race car.
