The Veishea celebration was the main focus of the first of two scheduled Government of the Student Body debates.

Fewer than 50 people turned out to listen to three GSB executive campaigns discuss the future of Veishea, in addition to other campus issues, during a public debate held Monday in the Memorial Union.

All candidates agreed on the need for a spring celebration to return in some capacity in the future. Henry Alliger, GSB speaker of the senate and presidential candidate, said student ownership and the Veishea name are key to the spring festival’s success, but urged caution with regards to making it alcohol-free.

“You can make Veishea as dry as you want,” Alliger said. “There are still ways [for students] to get around those regulations.”

GSB presidential candidate Mitchell Hayek said Veishea should take a greater academic focus to highlight the progress of each college’s recent achievements, rather than an emphasis on skipping class and partying. Hayek, junior in agricultural biology, added that more events should be moved to Central Campus and the festival should be more controlled.

“The Veishea decision will be tough and the road will be rough,” Hayek said.

“We will work as one Iowa State to solve this problem.”

Angela Groh, GSB director of government relations and presidential candidate, said she “firmly supports Veishea” and will make sure the celebration continues in the future. Groh said she has drafted an “off-campus party guide” to help students year-round, and said she will work with the police and community to ensure safe celebrations in the future.

When asked about the current state of the student body, the candidates shared optimism, but focused on different areas for improvement.

Alliger said he is excited for opportunities to make future tuition predictable and wants increased student activism.

“Students want to be more involved in issues that face them,” Alliger said.

Groh said she is proud of academics at Iowa State and student involvement in activities, but is concerned about the nearly 60 percent increase in tuition during the past five years.

Hayek said he was optimistic about communication opportunities between students and state government.

He also said he wants the GSB president to increase communication with the GSB cabinet.