Name: Carly Aller

Major: Statistics

Year: Junior

Hometown: Walled Lake, MI

Involvement: Student Senate, GVSU Book Club

Platform:

Change the way students feel about the appropriations funding board, we are here to help!

Improve our event programming on campus.

Transparency to student organizations about our funding rules.

Name: Ian Arnold

Major: Public and Nonprofit Administration, English

Year: Sophomore

Hometown: Clarkston, MI

Involvement: Students Leaving a Mark

Platform:

Sanctuary campus for refugees and immigrants

Increase to campus safety

Equal funding for student organizations

Provide equal opportunity for education for all, make equal what is not

Name: Mel Balkema

Major: Legal Studies

Year: Sophomore

Hometown: Climax, MI

Involvement: Alpha Sigma Alpha, Panhellenic Association, I Am That Girl

Platform:

I believe that I would be a good senator because I would strive to make all Lakers feel included

The main point I would focus on is making sure that students are aware of resources on campus

Name: Paige Baustert

Major: Allied Health Sciences

Year: Sophomore

Hometown: Muskegon, MI

Involvement: GVSU Pre-Physician Assistant Club, GVSU Alternative Breaks, GVSU Rotaract

Platform:

● Student Council throughout high school

● Student Government secretary at Muskegon Community College

● Involved in diverse organizations and volunteer activities

● Goal to make GVSU tobacco free

Name: Jakob Bigard

Major: Political Science

Year: Junior

Hometown: Mount Pleasant, MI

Involvement: Student Senate, Champions of Change

Platform:

● Foster growth between GVSU and the Allendale/Grand Rapids community

● Highlight, recognize, and promote civic engagement by students and staff

● Reflect and represent students from all backgrounds

Name: Adam Blugerman

Major: International Relations

Year: Freshman

Hometown: Farmington Hills, MI

Involvement: German Club, Diversity Club

Platform:

● International relations major

● Experience in student government

● No rise in tuition/parking fees

● More flexible meal plans

● Used to working with diversity

● Team player, charismatic, open minded

Name: Patrick Borum

Major: Finance and Business Management

Year: Junior

Hometown: Holland, MI

Involvement: Kappa Sigma Fraternity

Platform:

How would I describe myself? Three words: Hard-working, alpha male, jackhammer, merciless, insatiable

Also, level-headed

Name: Jonathan Bowman

Major: Political Science

Year: Senior

Hometown: Brighton, MI

Involvement: Residence Housing Association, Student Senate, Laker Traditions Team

Platform:

Better represent all students on and off campus

Two years of Student Senate experience

Reach out to more student organizations

Express student concern to administration

Name: Brian Branham

Major: Political Science

Year: Sophomore

Hometown: Gibraltar, MI

Involvement: Fiji, Student Senate

Platform:

I would like to expand counseling services to students

Work better with administration to ensure the student voices are heard

Work to keep library open 24 hours

Name: Leah Bristol

Major: Public and Nonprofit Administration and Social Work

Year: Freshman

Hometown: Grand Rapids, MI

Involvement: Campus Ministry @ GV, Pine Rest Christian Mental Health Services

Platform:

● I hope to be elected to Student Senate to help foster greater civic engagement and awareness of local, national, and world issues at every level among my fellow Lakers on GVSU campuses

Name: My’Kel Brown-Thomas

Major: Public and Nonprofit Administration

Year: Junior

Hometown: Detroit, MI

Involvement: YBBW (You Beautiful Black Women) Beta Chapter

Platform:

Being in You Beautiful Black Woman helped me to develop socially and determine what it means to be a leader

As a student senator I would take responsibility for the student body and lead by example

Name: Joe Cadreau

Major: Public and Nonprofit Administration

Year: Junior

Hometown: Sault Ste Marie, MI

Involvement: Native American Student Association, NAACP-GVSU, Students Against Sweatshops, SLAM (Students Leaving a Mark)

Platform:

● Diversity on Senate body

● Call Boxes

● Mental Health Awareness

● Community Engagement

● Volunteerism

● Equality

● Safety

● Sanctuary campus

Name: Teodoro Chelotti

Major: Accounting

Year: Graduate Student

Hometown: Sao Paulo, Brazil

Involvement: N/A

Platform:

I would bring a lot of valuable experience to student senate, as I have been a student at GVSU for four years

If elected, I will work to ensure that there is fairness and equity in all of GVSU’s dealings

Name: Kevin Chui

Major: Biomedical Science

Year: Junior

Hometown: Otsego, MI

Involvement: Student Senate, Microbiology Club, Pre-Med Club, Kids in Motion, Laker Traditions Team, Pre Professional Council

Platform:

More accommodations for movement science

Tax filing classes/resources for students

Expand outreach to students

Improve quality of wireless internet on campus

Name: Cariese Cooks

Major: Biomedical/Pre-Med

Year: Junior

Hometown: Detroit, MI

Involvement: P.O.W.E.R., Pre-Med Club, R.I.B.S. Dance Team

Platform:

I wish to join the student senate to attribute a voice for the people in my community, regarding similar interest, race, culture, and academic background for GVSU students

Name: Patrick Cox

Major: Economics

Year: Freshman

Hometown: Canton, MI

Involvement: GVSU College Republicans, Sigma Phi Epsilon

Platform:

Represent and pursue the interests of my peers.

Detract from any current or potential divisiveness in order to achieve multilateral goals for the betterment of the student body.

Name: Parmida Davarmanesh

Major: Mathematics and Physics

Year: Sophomore (First-Year Student)

Hometown: Jenison, MI

Involvement: Math Club, MSA

Platform:

● International Background

● Member of the Honors College, Phi Kappa Phi honoree

● Seek to promote diversity and diversity-related events on campus

● Strong advocator and promoter of women in STEM

Name: Thomas DeLano

Major: Political Science Major

Year: Junior

Hometown: Grand Rapids, MI

Involvement: N/A

Platform:

It has been my goal at Grand Valley State University to equip myself with the tools necessary to make a positive impact on the communities that I am a part of.

I wish to begin to take action in the most immediate community of which I am a part, Grand Valley State University.

Bring people together to solve problems and overcome the challenges we all face.

Name: Carter Engler

Major: Management Information Systems

Year: Freshman

Hometown: Chelsea, MI

Involvement: Student Senate, Holton Hooker Community Council, Enterprise Systems Student Union

Platform:

I’ve already had a year of experience as a Freshman on Student Senate and all through high school on student government

I’m closely connected to those with authority to make changes on Grand Valley’s campus actually happen

Name: Amber Gerrits

Major: Group Social Studies and Education

Year: Junior

Hometown: St.Clair, MI

Involvement: Alternative Breaks (site leader), Council for Exceptional Children (secretary), PALs Student Mentors, Aspiring Student Affairs Professionals (financial officer), Omicron Delta Kappa, Student Organization Review Board, Belly Dance Club

Platform:

I would like to sit on the Educational Affairs Committee in order to work towards completing projects concerning accessibility, sign-language, and increased student-faculty communication

Name: River Gibbs

Major: Statistics

Year: Junior

Hometown: Jenison, MI

Involvement: Student Senate, Phi Kappa Phi

Platform:

Active voice for transfer students

Ally for LGBTQ community and diversity

Advocate for community involvement

Maintain transparency and student involvement

Name: Stacey Gross

Major: Allied Health Sciences and Speech-Language Pathology

Year: Sophomore

Hometown: Troy, MI

Involvement: Campus Ministry, Laker Traditions Team, Student Senate, Leadership Intern in the Office of Student Life, Leadership Summit

Platform:

● Extremely passionate about the well-being of GV students

● Value equality, compassion, & making change happen

● Possess great communication, dedication, & loyalty

● Believe in the great potential of GVSU

Name: Kelly Hancox

Major: Psychology

Year: Sophomore

Hometown: Mattawan, MI

Involvement: Grand Valley Alternative Breaks, Grand Valley Resident Assistant, Student Senate

Platform:

Bring a TESL/TEFL certification to Grand Valley State University

Connect GVSU students to the Allendale community on the Educational Affairs Committee.

Work on other projects brought up by students!

Name: Darwin Harris

Major: History

Year: Sophomore

Hometown: East Saint Louis, IL

Involvement: TRiO, First Generation Scholars, Theater (Twilight: Los Angeles, 1992), Student Senate

Platform:

Voice/Advocate for ALL students

Honest

More diversity on Senate

I AM A LAKER & love to have fun!

More food options!!

Plan to host a campus-wide social gathering, specifically a laser tag night

Name: Matthew Higgins

Major: General Business

Year: Freshman

Hometown: Novi, MI

Involvement: Campus Ministry, Catholic Student Ministries, Student Senate

Platform:

Create a mentorship program to help undecided students

Improve the transition of transfer students at GVSU

Keep GVSU improving year after year by listening to the opinions of all students

Name: Alexander Houseman

Major: Political Science

Year: Junior

Hometown: Muskegon, MI

Involvement: College Republicans

Platform:

I will make it my mission to ensure that student rights are protected from the powers of the university government

I will back legislation that advocates for campus security

Name: Rachel Ibarra

Major: Social Work

Year: Sophomore

Hometown: Constantine, MI

Involvement: Tri Sigma Sorority, TRIO Student Services, Transitions Leader

Platform:

●I want to unify the GV community more through inclusive events.

●I have a passion for event planning and helping others.

●I love GV and want to help others feel the same way by being their voice.

Name: David Isbell

Major: Political Science

Year: Freshman

Hometown: Warren, MI

Involvement: GVSU College Republicans, Young Americans for Freedom

Platform:

● Increase the number of American flags around campus

● Lowering the cost of parking passes

● Increase student engagement in civic life

● More frequent busing on weekends

Name: Rachel Jenkin

Major: Psychology

Year: Sophomore

Hometown: Brownstown, MI

Involvement: Student Senate, Criminal Justice Student Association, Psi Chi, Laker Traditions Team

Platform:

I am ambitious, eager, creative, & currently on Student Senate

I will continue working on our prayer & meditation space, creating wellness stations, & concentrating on the needs of the GVSU community

Name: Noemi Jimenez

Major: International Relations

Year: Junior

Hometown: Muskegon, MI

Involvement: Latino Student Union, Advocates for Immigration Reform, Laker Familia

Platform:

I want to be on Student Senate to bring a diverse viewpoint, and to bridge the gap between Student Senate and students so that we can further promote their interest

Name: Alia Johnson

Major: Public and Nonprofit Administration

Year: Junior

Hometown: Chicago, IL

Involvement: Righteous Ministry, Modern Study, Rubies

Platform:

I will be able to reach the marginalized audience by bringing diversity, innovative ideas, and tenacity

I want to continue to be a catalyst of change on campus

Name: Cameron Jones

Major: Political Science and International Relations

Year: Freshman

Hometown: Trenton, MI

Involvement: Issues Forum, Model United Nations

Platform:

I will inspire pride in our university within every student and throughout the Michigan community

I will amplify our university to ensure that the leaders of tomorrow get their start as Lakers today

Name: Angela Kaczynski

Major: Political Science and International Relations

Year: Sophomore

Hometown: Saginaw, MI

Involvement: Young Americans for Freedom, Campus Ministry, Law Society, College Republicans

Platform:

As an experienced member of many activist organizations, I will continue to fight for individual liberties to make students’ voices on campus my top priority

Name: Olivia Kolc

Major: Accounting and Finance

Year: Sophomore

Hometown: Farmington HIlls, MI

Involvement: Student Senate, Alpha Sigma Alpha, Phi Chi Theta

Platform:

I have been on the Finance Committee for 2 years now

I plan on running for VP of Finance

I want to have more communication and transparency with organizations on how to distribute funds

Name: Eleanore Larson

Major: Geology

Year: Freshman

Hometown: Stevensville, MI

Involvement: Student Environmental Coalition, Frederick Meijer Honors College, IM Volleyball

Platform:

●Experience as a student council secretary

●Organized & dedicated to improving student life

●Will listen to any issue from any student

●Will work for more recycling bins & improved parking

Name: Amela Mandzukic

Major: Comprehensive Science and Arts for Teaching

Year: Senior

Hometown: Sterling Heights, MI

Involvement: Housing & Residence Life, Student Senate

Platform:

I aim to have a distinguishable and well-defined cabinet/body, in order to represent the various issues and needs of the students

Name: Kyle Martin

Major: Finance

Year: Sophomore

Hometown: Rockford, MI

Involvement: College Republicans

Platform:

Help students voices be heard by the administration

Promote activities that encourage equality and diversity

Allow free speech all over campus

Name: Morgan Mattler

Major: Political Science

Year: Freshman

Hometown: Bloomfield Hills, MI

Involvement: Student Senate, Alpha Epsilon Pi Fraternity, Hillel Club

Platform:

Extremely passionate about Senate’s ability to reach out to the student body and make valuable, positive change

Dedicated to improving outreach and communications between Senate & the student body

Name: GeriLynn Merriam

Major: Political Science

Year: Sophomore

Hometown: Sebewaing, MI

Involvement: Young Americans for Freedom, College Republicans, Campus Ministry

Platform:

● I want to make students’ issues a central priority. This includes free speech and total inclusion of all in every classroom and organization on campus

Name: Kyle Nelson

Major: Film & Video

Year: Sophomore

Hometown: Zeeland, MI

Involvement: College Republicans, The Whale

Platform:

I have the desire to be involved and learn

I believe Free speech is critically important

I want equal representation in the senate

I will promote civil, intellectual discussion

Name: Holly Neva

Major: Political Science and International Relations

Year: Sophomore

Hometown: Flushing, MI

Involvement: Gamma Phi Beta, Student Senate, Student Ambassador

Platform:

Hardworking, outgoing, dedicated

Open a service that allows students to text an emergency service if needed

Want to open a tax filing service for students to learn how to file taxes

Name: Rachel Reynolds

Major: Human Resource Management

Year: Freshman

Hometown: Northville, MI

Involvement: Cage Free, Campus Ministry, Community Council, Resident Housing Association

Platform:

● Friendly and enthusiastic

● Hardworking and committed

● I want to help be a part of the change on campus through my peers and find ways to promote these methods!

Name: Maddie Rhoades

Major: Public Administration and Nonprofit

Year: Sophomore

Hometown: Howell, MI

Involvement: Eyes Wide Open, Better Together Interfaith Club, Hillel, Student Senate

Platform:

Wish to continue work on diversity and inclusive on campus

Want to better the representation of GVSU to better reflect the community

Advocate for unheard or ignored students

Name: Benjamin Rifkin

Major: Management Information Systems

Year: Junior

Hometown: East Lansing, MI

Involvement: Seidman TRACKS Program, Enterprise Systems Union,

Platform:

Voices are important and sometimes ignored; will work towards equal hearing of all student concerns

Pew and Allendale, both integral to our community should be equally important

Work towards integrated campus feel, we are “One GVSU”

Name: Becca Rogers

Major: Political Science, Women and Gender Studies

Year: Junior

Hometown: Grand Rapids, MI

Involvement: PEP Sexual Assault Active Bystander, Student Senate, Activate Volunteer, Cultural Funding Board

Platform:

I am passionate with my work and I strive towards making GVSU a more inclusive place

I plan on achieving this by working to focus on the needs of women, single parents, and the LGBTQ community

Name: Ethan Schafer

Major: Political Science

Year: Freshman

Hometown: Beal City, MI

Involvement: Issues Forum, Student Senate, Alternative Breaks, Whale Radio, ANCHOR Community Council

Platform:

To make our home for these 4 years better for all of us.

To make sure nobody is discriminated against because of their beliefs.

Get an InsomniaCookie on campus (or at least close to campus if possible).

Name: Christian Schroeder

Major: Marketing and Management

Year: Sophomore

Hometown: Troy, MI

Involvement: Delta Sigma Pi, Red Cross, American Marketing Association, Rowing Club, Swimming Club

Platform:

I am committed, driven, reliable, and involved in my community

I want to be a good representative of our student body, and of GVSU to the best of my ability

Name: Hannah Scott

Major: International Relations and Political Science

Year: Junior

Hometown: Freeland, MI

Involvement: Campus Ministry, Young Americans for Freedom, College Republicans

Platform:

● I am dedicated to helping GVSU promote inclusion & diversity of thought

● I think free speech & dialogue are important on campus

● I believe making campus safe & inviting for everyone is a priority

Name: Nyia Slade

Major: Multimedia Journalism

Year: Junior

Hometown: Detroit, MI

Involvement: Flawless Faces U.N.I.T.E, Y.B.B.W, Detroit Does Well

Platform:

Being a senator would be an honor

I believe being apart of Student Senate will fulfill my goal of advocating for my peers, and placing action behind the concerns of students on GVSU campus

Name: Emma Sluiter

Major: Health Communications

Year: Junior

Hometown: Holt, MI

Involvement: Transitions, Whale Radio, First Year Leadership Experience, Leadership Summit, Student Senate, Health Coalition Club

Platform:

I want to continue to help with internal relations on the body, making sure everyone is doing work to benefit all of Grand Valley State University

I want to make sure all senate related events are successful

Name: Rielly Smith

Major: Business Management

Year: Freshman

Hometown: Milford, MI

Involvement: BRCAn’t Stop me

Platform:

I want to give the students of GVSU a voice and the ability to make GVSU a welcoming place for everyone

I believe If we can put our minds together we’ll be able to accomplish anything

Name: Riley Stheiner

Major: Business Economics

Year: Freshman

Hometown: Pinckney, MI

Involvement: Sigma Sigma Sigma, Law Society

Platform:

● New experiences

● Better connection to the school

● Increase the connection between students and senate

● Ensure maximum productivity

Name: Eric-John Szczepaniak

Major: Political Science & Legal Studies

Year: Freshman

Hometown: Grand Rapids, MI

Involvement: GVSU College Democrats, Office of Multicultural Affairs Ambassador, Student Senate, Law Society, First-Year Queer Alliance, Kenowa Hills Public Schools Board of Education

Platform:

● I want to continue to show GVSU in a positive light!

● I am an openly gay senator concerned with the well-being of every student

● As a GR native, I want to connect GVSU more to our surrounding communities

Name: Phillip Todd

Major: Public and Nonprofit Administration

Year: Junior

Hometown: Kalamazoo, MI

Involvement: Black Male Scholars Initiative, Office of Multicultural Affairs Ambassador, Cultural Funding Board, iSalute

Platform:

● I want to promote social justice and cultural awareness on campus

● I want to help incoming students become acclimated to GVSU easier

● I’m going to be an advocate for minorities on campus

Name: Nicholas Toth

Major: Finance and Accounting

Year: Freshman

Hometown: Howell, MI

Involvement: College Republicans, Delta Upsilon, Seidman IPO, Italian Club, Professional Sales Organization, Future Alumni Association

Platform:

Energetic, goal oriented, and passionate individual aspiring to make a change for the better on the GVSU campus

Name: Joseph Tucker

Major: Undecided

Year: Freshman

Hometown: Ludington, MI

Involvement: College Republicans, Turning Point USA

Platform:

Eagle Scout with strong scouting values

Strong conservative values

I am hoping to bring a more conservative voice to our campus

Name: Faith Ureel

Major: Biology

Year: Junior

Hometown: Livonia, MI

Involvement: GVSU Microbiology Club, GVSU Beekeepers, Honors College Mentor, Alternative Breaks

Platform:

● I demonstrate leadership as an officer for several clubs (PR for Microbiology Club, Secretary for Beekeepers)

● I champion engagement in the democratic process

● I will continue momentum Grand Valley State University has gained toward being a sustainable campus

Name: John VanDaele

Major: Political Science and International Relations

Year: Sophomore

Hometown: Freeland, MI

Involvement: Young Americans for Freedom, College Republicans, Students for Life, NRA at GVSU, Turning at GVSU

Platform:

● I believe Student Senate gives me the opportunity to make a positive difference in the lives of students at GVSU

● Accomplish more state funding

● Accomplish connecting opportunities outside campus to students

Name: Monica Van Til

Major: Behavioral Neuroscience and Allied Health Science

Year: Freshman

Hometown: Grand Rapids, MI

Involvement: Spotlight Productions, Alternative Breaks

Platform:

● Keep myself and others informed on issues concerning the campus and surrounding communities

● Represent GVSU students to the best of my abilities

● Do whatever I can to improve the parking situation!

Name: Sarah Walters

Major: Economics

Year: Freshman

Hometown: Macomb, MI

Involvement: Community Council, Residence Housing Association, First Year Leadership Experience, Colleges Against Cancer, College Diabetes Network, Cage Free

Platform:

Committed to improving student life on campus and ensuring all voices are heard

Connections to numerous student organizations

Experience in leadership

Eager to take on responsibility

Name: Cor’Sean Woodard

Major: Supply Chain Management

Year: Sophomore

Hometown: Pontiac, MI

Involvement: iSalute, Alpha Phi Alpha

Platform:

I believe I belong on student senate because I am a great advocate for student leadership and would be an outstanding member for senate

Name: Carly Wormmeester

Major: Social Work

Year: Junior

Hometown: Grand Rapids, MI

Involvement: Sigma Alpha Lambda, Bachelors of Social Work Student Org., International Justice Mission, Voices Gospel Choir

Platform:

● Incredibly proud to be a Laker

● Dedicated to advocating for minority populations

● Feminist

● Interested in sustainability efforts and reducing waste on campus

Name: Dan Ziegenfelder

Major: Advertising and Public Relations

Year: Junior

Hometown: Troy, MI

Involvement: Student Senate, Laker Traditions Team (President), Go Team Leader Transitions New Student Orientation Program, Alternative Breaks, Advertising Club

Platform:

Create a campus community welcoming to all students

Advocate students wants and needs to faculty, staff, and administrators

Increase awareness to student organizations to resources offered by senate.

Name: Greg Ziegenfelder

Major: Communication Studies

Year: Junior

Hometown: Troy, MI

Involvement: Laker Traditions Team, Spotlight Productions

Platform:

I would like to be on senate to make sure that students voices are heard by the body

Making sure that senators are working hard on making GVSU the best it can be!

Name: Katarina Zomer

Major: International Business

Year: Sophomore

Hometown: Holland, MI

Involvement: Frederik Meijer Honors College, Intramural Sports, “Il Geranio” Italian Club, “Les Francophiles” French Club, Laker Traditions, GVSU Book Club

Platform:

Support and represent all Lakers

Create and implement programs to benefit GVSU and the student body

Hone communication between students and administration

Let’s make it rain with Laker Effect!