President
Justin Raymundo
Junior
International Human Rights and Speech Communication Studies
Intent to Run:
I do not believe in limits. Thanks to the my time at Webster, I have taken advantage of educational, professional, and personal opportunities that provided me with the competence and confidence to break through barriers and move beyond expectations.
This University has taught me to never view my age, ethnicity, or sexuality as limiting factors. Instead, Webster University accepted me as its Student Government Association President after my freshman year. Webster’s human rights and speech communication programs provided me outlets to grow both locally and internationally as a steward of global citizenship. Finally, the students, faculty, and staff are making groundbreaking steps in equality in our current process to amend our Nondiscrimination Policy.
Now, as I come to my final year of college, I enter my candidacy for my third term as the Student Government Association President and look forward to another moment for Webster University to teach me, quite literally, about the limitless nature of leadership.
My time at Webster has been fruitful, however it is not done yet. Therefore I want to continue to be a president that is as an individual of strong character, an honest and open advocate for my peers, and a leader without limits.
Statement of Goals:
As I have learned, one hundred words to state my goals for my third term is not enough. So, I will highlight primary goals with the understanding that I will strive to achieve many more.
My goal is to provide resources for the actualization of student-centered initiatives, through the continued success of the Delegates Agenda and through the establishment of additional platforms for student advocacy. I see a need for student-led partnerships throughout the Webster network and within our larger communities. In collaboration with all student leaders, I want to coordinate fruitful experiences for all members of the Webster family.
Vice President
Courtney Turner
Freshman
Advertising and Marketing
Intent to Run:
Hello everyone! My name is Courtney Turner and I am running for Vice President of SGA. I have enjoyed my time on SGA this year as Senator of the Communications school, but I now believe that I am ready to take on the role as Vice President.
I feel I am qualified for this position because I now know the way SGA functions and its purpose. I have also served on the Student Grant Fund, the committee ran by the Vice President, and I know the way to approach every request and how to be fair while doing it.
Student Government is something I have been interested in since my sophomore year of high school. While in high school, I served as the historian and President of my schools Student Council and loved every second of it. Being able to help improve the school in any way possible is something I have always had a passion for. I believe if you are going to attend an amazing school you should do all you can to be involved and provide assistance when needed.
I love SGA and I feel I could continue the path of great Vice Presidents.
Statement of Goals:
My main goal as Vice President is to help students get the most from the Student Grant Fund.
Many questions were raised this year about if the Student Grant Fund was serving the right purpose and if not how should it be fixed. Through the course of this spring semester we, the Student Grant Fund representatives, have been passing around ideas and thoughts about what the guidelines should be, but we have yet to come to a complete decision. My main goal as Vice President is to sort out these issues with the committee over the summer so that we are completely prepared for the next academic year. This planning could open new doors for Webster organizations!
I plan to represent Webster to the best of my abilities and be open to all suggestions. I want to be able to put the student’s opinions and ideas into action whenever possible and have fun while doing it!
Sergeant-at-Arms
Erin King
Senior
Double Major in Studio Art and Advertising
Intent to Run:
I am running for Sergeant-at-Arms. I have been an active senator for the Leigh Gerdine College of Fine Arts for the last 2 years, and have held position of Vice President of Membership and Recognition on National Resident Hall Honorary, but also was secretary my sophomore year in the Residential Housing Association. I think I’m pretty familiar with Parliamentary Procedure at this point, and am not quite ready to cut the cord with SGA.
Statement of Goals:
I really don’t have ideas on how to improve student life, but more about how to improve on the efficiency of our meetings. I have seen how many groups of students have come to us for funding every meeting, and so I believe that utilizing Parli Pro more effectively and efficiently can only mean less wait through the meetings for the gallery.
Sara Sabaa
Junior
Math
I am running for the “Sergeant-at-Arms” position. As I am approaching my senior year at Webster, I have experienced being involved in many leadership positions. However, Student Government Association has been the most inspiring involvement I have ever experienced
I have experienced being a senator for the School of Business and Technology and recently I had the experience of being the Comptroller for SGA. Therefore, I am now well aware of the students’ needs, in addition to the roles and regulations of Webster University, Student Government Association and the student body as a whole Throughout my experience at Webster, I have witnessed the growth of our campus academically, socially, and politically. Therefore, I intend on being part of the process that develops our campus rules to meet these important changes for Webster University. Webster has been my home for three years now, and I would very much like to help continue to make it your home, too. I cannot do it without your help, so please consider me for your vote.
My Goals
1. Advocate for greater sustainability on campus through partnership with Webster Students for Environmental Sustainability as well as staff and faculty.
2. Motivate students to be involved on campus through individual meeting and through Freshman Council.
Devin Vogel Woodall
Junior
English; Creative Writing
Intent to Run:
I am running for Sergeant at Arms. I believe that I am qualified for this position for many reasons. I was raised by two lawyers and thus have a finite way of watching the rules and regulations to make sure things run smoothly, however as I am a creative soul I also find different ways of looking at problems to come up with helpful solutions. I am a people pleaser and I try my best to get everyone what they want. Even though I am currently an English Major I enjoy taking classes throughout the different departments of the University. I am well rounded in math, literature, sciences, music, theatre and movies, human rights, art and many other forms of education. I try my best to make friends everywhere I can because I enjoy surrounding myself with the brilliance of this University.
Statement of Goals:
While Webster is a fantastic place to learn and discover who we are, not everyone shares the same experience. One of my main goals is to try to get everyone’s voice heard. While this is ambitious and improbable I would like to help make it easier to accomplish in the future. Another of my goals is to find ways to increase communication between the Webster community and Webster University through collaboration with the local businesses. With your permission I would love to help you get the most out of your experience at Webster.
Secretary
Nicole King
Sophomore
Elementary Education
Intent to Run:
I am running for the secretary position within Student Government. I believe that I am qualified to uphold this important duty within SGA. I have been secretary for a full year and know that I have the knowledge and experiences to improve the position. I am very organized, positive, and reliable, following through with tasks and attending meetings. Last year, I took this job seriously. If I am elected once more, I will continue my positive outlook and work.
Statement of Goals:
As secretary of Student Government Association, I surely intend to represent the student body as a whole and improve our campus life. More specifically, I will strive to be the voice of commuter students. I have always been an advocate for commuters and want to continue to help through SGA. Furthermore, I intend to listen to my education classmates and bring their thoughts and opinions to meetings. I have plans for organizing the office and ordering new materials for the space, too.
Director of Information Technology
Samuel Jones
Sophomore
Secondary Ed: Social Studies
Intent to Run:
I’m running for Director of Information technology, and I’d be a good choice for this because I’m dedicated and responsible. In addition, I currently have two radio shows on The Galaxy and I keep web pages updated with information about each show weekly. I’ve had a few technology classes, as well.
Statement of Goals:
I like to be privy to the changes at Webster to ensure that the school is going in a direction I like. Everyone here decided to come to Webster for a reason and I think it’s important that the things we love about this place never change, and being part of SGA is a good way to make sure nothing too radical is going on.
Brian Noss
Junior
English
Intent to Run:
I am running for the position of Director of Information Technology for the Student Government Association of Webster University.
Steve Jobs may have the iPad and Mark Zuckerberg may have 500 million Facebook friends, but neither of them has the power (or good looks) of the Webster University student body, and in my position, I will carry that power to the cutting edge of the 21st century. I’ve Googled until my fingers bleed, I’ve YouTubed until my eyes fall out of their sockets, and I’ve made the mere 140 characters of a Tweet sound like Shakespeare.
Throughout my time at Webster, I’ve worked as a Program Manager for Campus Activities, I’ve participated in the WebsterLEADS program, I’ve presented at the Delegates Agenda, and I’ve served on SGA as a Senator for the College of Arts & Sciences. I have the leadership experience, the technical mastery, and the unrivaled gusto to make me the best choice for SGA’s Director of Information Technology.
Statement of Goals:
In the current day and age, you can update your status while parachuting out of a plane, hear about a friend’s engagement before the question has even been popped, and post a video of the game-winning home run before it even leaves the ballpark, so why do so few Webster students know what their Student Government Association is doing for them? My goal as Director of Information Technology is simple: improve communication. I will utilize the outlets of Facebook, Twitter, e-mail and more to make sure the student body is always the first to know.
Director of Public Relations
Abby Bandelow
Junior
Public Relations
Intent to Run:
I am running for the position of Director of Public Relations. In the fall of 2010, I held this position and loved every minute of it. I am extremely creative, organized, and passionate about this University. Through my job in Campus Activities, I have learned the best and most effective ways to reach students and will be able to use this knowledge to help promote SGA on our campus.
Statement of Goals:
My main goal is to create an overall positive image of SGA and to show the students that we are working to make the changes that they think are important.
College of Arts and Sciences Senator
Kevin Chau
Sophomore
Biology
Intent to Run:
I am running for the School of Arts and Science Senator. My qualifications for this position include being a Biology Major, having a semester of experience on SGA as an At-Large Senator and in high school I was the President of the Thespian Society, and Vice-President of the National Honors Society.
Statement of Goals:
I have noticed, since being in SGA, that the Biological Science Majors do not seem to be well represented in this University, and I would like to better represent them. I would also like to see more events/speakers/conventions that bring other school to us. Thank You!
Dana Gruber
Senior
Psychology
Intent to Run:
I am running for a senator position for the College of Arts and Sciences. I have previously held this position and would love to do it again. Currently I am the Director of Public Relations on SGA, giving me experience in two different positions and a good idea of how SGA works. I am also a tour guide on campus, a peer mentor, and treasurer of Webster Students for Environmental Sustainability.
Statement of Goals:
I would love to see SGA being more visible to the general body of students at Webster. I believe that my year of experience has allowed me to get a feel for how things are done and what some specific problems are. Next year, I’d like to more accurately address those problems and make sure that every student at Webster is aware of how SGA can serve them, and how they can help out in return. I also have always been a big advocate of sustainability, and would like to see a continuation of SGA’s support.
Michelle Overington
Junior
International Relations
Intent to Run:
I couldn’t be more grateful for the year that you have allowed me to represent you in student government. In the last year, when issues from Webster’s gender neutrality policy to students’ experiences and access to study abroad have been discussed, I’ve done my best to act in students’ interests. I’d like to keep being your voice in those discussions and to keep working for you in the changes that Webster makes to make our experiences here better.
Statement of Goals:
I love Webster. I love it enough to do anything and everything I can to make it better. I want more voices at the table. I want more students to know about and utilize the resources available to them. Above all else, I want to help Webster provide students with more opportunities outside of our campus to engage in the world and prepare ourselves to be global citizens. I want Webster University, always growing and changing, to reflect our values and priorities as it changes– and to reflect us, the reasons that it’s worth working for.
Kris Parsons
Junior
International Human Rights
Intent to Run:
I am running for Senator of the School of Arts and Sciences for the 2011-12 academic year.
Through my experience in student government and student group leadership, I have facilitated partnership, team building and strategizing for the future. I am a forward-looking, solutions oriented individual seeking to foster leadership in others and to accurately represent short and long term student interests. I seek visible results while still understanding the step-by-step process required to get them.
Previously, I was a Senator At-Large and worked on projects such as administrative relations with the Webster Thailand issues and funding and recruitment for a Webster delegation to the national conference Power Shift 2011. I also presented on the issue of hiring a Sustainability Coordinator at the Spring 2011 Delegate’s Agenda.
As a Senator, I have aggressively promoted the interests of the student body in administrative committees and stressed the active role students must play in university decision-making.
I am an active member of both Webster Students for Environmental Sustainability (WSES) and the LGBTQ Alliance. I have been elected as the Vice-President of WSES for the upcoming year. I also serve the community by working as a tutor at the St. Louis Public Library.
Statement of Goals:
As an advocate for sustainability, I would push for a more active coalition with an adequate and functional website and the eventual hiring of a sustainability coordinator. I would also facilitate a local food task force comprised of students and faculty to approach the administration.
As a global citizen, I would continue consistent communication with administrators on the structural adjustment at Webster Thailand, work with the Study Abroad Office to promote meaningful study abroad experiences, and communicate with student governments at our international campuses.
I would also work with other senators to better continuous communication with constituents.
Christopher Whitmore
Freshman
Political Science
Intent to Run:
I am running for the College of Arts and Sciences Senator. I am a prolific worker, and with my past leadership experience a leadership position here at Webster will be a great chance to convey my current abilities and develop new skills. In high school I served as a member of student government, held the position of student government Secretary as well as student government President. I am the creator of my high school’s Student Congress branch of student government; I was a Student Ambassador, chair of the prom committee, co-chair of the Senior Committee, captain of the basketball team and more. I know what it takes to lead an organization and by being the senator of my college I can continue to learn about Webster, and contribute to my peers’ college experiences as well as my own. I am a calm worker; one positive attribute about my leadership is that I’m patient, yet I know how to get the wheels turning for my organization when I need to. I can take certain initiatives and I am willing to step out of my shell and position for the betterment of the people I serve.
Statement of Goals:
As a Senator, I intend to work for my peers and not for myself. I am the voice of all the people I represent and I will honor the ideas, concerns, and questions of students I serve. I would like to focus on making the transition for out-of-state students smoother. Being from California I know how much of a culture shock it is to move to St. Louis; it’s a lonely as well as overwhelming experience at times. Hosting events where students can mingle with others of the same college and major would be beneficial for making friends and finding people to study with.
School of Communications Senator
Jorge El-Azar
Freshman
Advertising and Marketing
Intent to Run:
The position I am running for is the Senator for the School of Communications. As a member of this school, I believe I know the needs and wants of the communications branch at Webster University, and that I would be highly capable to represent it. As I work to fulfill my major, I spend most of my week taking classes, using the facilities, and walking around the halls of Sverdrup. This, and the opinion that I hear from other students, teachers and my fellow classmates, is what helps me become acquainted and familiar with the school. As the current Social Coordinator of Webster’s LGBTQ Alliance, I have been able to learn my way around the university and most importantly, practice the role of a leader and representative. Also, being a part of clubs such as the LGBTQ Alliance and Surfacing shows my interest and enthusiasm to get involved on-campus and be a part of Webster University.
Statement of Goals:
Webster University has a strong sense of community, but I know that most likely only students who live on-campus get to experience this. Strengthening the relation between all students, commuters and residents, would be helpful for student life. Simple arrangements like adding a pool table, and/or a dart board to the commuter lounge or the UC would help create much needed interaction between students. I believe getting involved at Webster is a simple way to meet students and figure out their needs, comments, and concerns about the school. This is how I would be able to represent Webster’s students.
Victoria Gilbert
Senior
Video Production
Intent to Run:
My name is Victoria (Tori) Gilbert and I am running for School of Communications Senator. I have been active in the school of communications for four years as a video production student. I am a creative and enthusiastic student, especially when it comes to developing new ideas to benefit our university.
By working in a position at Webster that allows me to interact with students from every concentration in the School of Communications, I am able to hear the complaints and requests students have within the department. As a tour guide for the SOC, I am always promoting Wester to prospective communication students and only want to see Webster thrive and improve. I know that by joining Student Government Association I will be directly involved in achieving my goals to better Webster.
Statement of Goals:
As a student with experience as a resident as well as a commuter I am sympathetic to the needs of both. I understand that a diverse university has a multitude of problems and I am hoping to identify those concerns and open communications between Student Government Association and the student body. In addition to promoting SGA relationships, I also have a desire to increase Webster University’s sustainability and continue technological improvements.
Erin Hindalong
Sophomore
Media Communications, Environmental Studies minor
Intent to Run:
I am running for the School of Communications Senator position. My passion is in environmental studies and creating awareness through education and the media.
I am highly involved in the organization “Webster Students for Environmental Sustainability”, for which I will serve as Secretary starting next fall, and participate in public relations efforts.
I have also gained leadership experience by coordinating Webster students to attend Power Shift, an environmental, political, and human rights conference in Washington, D.C. this spring. I am also involved in ONE.
I studied abroad last semester, Fall 2010, in London at Regents College.
I work on campus as desk attendant, which has helped me become connected to the residents that live on Webster university campus.
I am well connected to the students on campus through my work, organizations, and studies in different departments.
I believe one must have integrity and understanding of gained responsibility to oneself and others. Above all, one must always remember that they are in a position to serve others and the larger community. These are all traits which I believe I embody along with a true sense of purpose and organization that would help me fulfill this role.
Statement of Goals:
My goals include sustainability, campus renovations, connection of students and improving the bond between campus and the community. With the new additions in the School of Communications and other areas on campus I want to bring awareness of the need for sustainable green buildings. To implement sustainable goals the campus should be connected to the Webster Groves community. My goals are to use the communications department to create awareness throughout campus of these issues, especially sustainability .I intend to get as main people involved on campus and create a better sense of connection.
School of Education Senator
Leigha Brede
Senior
Special Education
Intent to Run:
I am running for School of Education Senator. I am a very hardworking and responsible person who doesn’t quit until the job is complete; I’m a full time student with two jobs. Sometimes that can be stressful, but I’m always committed to accomplishing the goals at hand. I’m also a very approachable and open-minded person who is willing to listen to all of the ideas that are presented to me, evaluate them fairly, and make the best decision possible. If I am able to represent the School of Education, I will uphold my duties to the best of my ability.
Statement of Goals:
My foremost goal is to address any concerns. I recognize that these are diverse and evolving issues.
One issue is the discrepancy between the students and the administration concerning commencement arrangements. The controversy about the selection of commencement speakers highlights this problem. I will be a senior next year and will be highly committed to changing this.
Secondly, I’d like to change the brand of Webster University’s clothing apparel to a more ethical alternative like Alta Gracia, which is a clothing company that is dedicated to fixing these problems, and whose values are concurrent with Webster’s.
Jenni Taylor
Junior
Spanish Education
Intent to Run:
My name is Jenni Taylor and I am a junior Spanish Education major running for School of Education Senator. I am extremely passionate about teaching, and believe it is one of the most vital roles in the world today. I am also passionate about Webster, and pride myself on being part of a university that values global citizenship.
I have extensive leadership experience on campus. I have recently been hired for my third year as a Resident Assistant, have acted as President for Students for Gender Equality for one year and as Vice-President of the same organization for another year. I have been actively involved in Surfacing both as an actor and a director, and will be on the executive board next year. I have aided in Admitted Students’ Day, and have supported numerous clubs and organizations on campus. I absolutely love Webster, and believe my extra-curricular experiences here have developed my leadership skills and have challenged me in many ways.
I believe I am ideal for this position because I am passionate, involved, and do not take no for an answer. I know the campus and its’ students well, and it would be an honor to represent them as an SGA senator.
Statement of Goals:
Webster prides itself on excellence and global citizenship, but we see very little of either of these qualities in the School of Education. Education students have no opportunity in their plan of study to study abroad, and no Education classes are offered at any of the international Webster campuses. If this were to be changed, we may be able to put Webster on the map with a School of Education that goes above and beyond teaching Missouri standards by teaching a global perspective unavailable anywhere else. All students at Webster should have opportunities to learn and uphold the tenets of what makes Webster unique, no matter what field of study we may be in.
Leigh Gerdine College of Fine Arts Senator
Katie Maxwell
Freshman
Music Education
Intent to Run:
I’m running for the Senator for the School of Fine Arts. I’m a music education major with a 3.85 GPA who is also pursuing three certificates (Webster Leads, Ethics, and Diversity and Identity in the U.S.). I have a very broad prescence on Webster’s campus which isn’t typical for a usual fine arts student. I’m a member of Music Educators National Conference,RHA, Delta Phi Epsilon, Dining Advisory Board,Freshman Council, I Heart Makeup, Student Education Association, and soon hopefully Student Ambassadors and SGA. I also work in the Academic Resource Center and in Alumni Development.
Statement of Goals:
I want to be part of SGA not only to give the Fine Arts a voice, but to connect the department to the rest of the University. There’s only one SGA funded organization in the Music Department (MENC). I want to encourage the Fine Arts to integrate more into the rest of the University and it would be easier to do that if I was in SGA. I would represent students by being an active member of SGA and being involved in more areas than just Music at Webster. I’m not looking to infiltrate SGA, I just want to balance things out.
Yvonne Osei
Sophomore
Graphic Design and International Studies
Intent to Run:
I am running for the Fall 2011 Senate of Fine Arts. I am running because I am interested in serving the students of Webster University and yearn to make learning experiences complete, delightful, and fulfilling. My involvement in campus activities and interest in the university qualifies me for this position.
After spending two years in the United States and at Webster University, I have acquired several admirable qualities such as effective communication, public speaking, and most significantly, teamwork ethics, which are needed for effective leadership and academic development. I have held positions such as Advertising and Marketing Officer for the African Students Association, Advertising and Marketing Executive for International Student Association, and currently, Vice President for the International Student Association. I am also affiliated with Webster Leads and have been actively involved in the Fine Arts Living and Learning Community
2009/2010. I continue to be a dedicated member of Amnesty International Club, African Students Association, among others, which unceasingly equip me with information on issues in and out of Webster University. I take pleasure in offering my services as a graphic design tutor in the Academic Resource Center at the university as well as an adult tutor in creative writing and
mathematics in several schools in St. Louis. It will be my utmost privilege to be given the opportunity to serve the university, especially the School of Fine Arts which I am honored to be a part of.
Statement of Goals:
When I am elected as the Senator for Fine Arts, I will continue to solidify interactions between SGA and students, especially the Fine Arts student body. I believe in order to know and solve issues that exist or arise, it is necessary to establish constant and effective communication as well as mutual understanding between SGA and the student body. I plan to bridge the gap between the School of Fine Arts and SGA by creating a platform where students concerns will be addressed. With help from SGA, as a Senator of Fine Arts I believe I can make a significant contribution to the growth and development of Webster.
Graduate Senator
Lauren Meyer
Graduate
HR Management
Intent to Run:
I have been one of two Graduate Senators for SGA during the 2010-2011 academic year. I have found my role on SGA well suited for staying in touch with undergraduate student needs and concerns while also brining graduate student concerns to the table as well. I believe my role as a Graduate Senator helps me keep graduate students in my classes aware of announcements, events, and issues pertaining to their interests. Also, being in touch with undergraduate and graduate students has helped me broaden my awareness and understanding of the entire Webster University student population. I believe I have a strong graduate student voice and could continue to serve graduate students well in this role.
Statement of Goals:
SGA took several new measures this year on asking for graduate student responses regarding issues for the Delegates Agenda. I believe I can continue those efforts in a more sophisticated way next year. I went to my classes this year and asked for written concerns from my fellow students but since I take most of my classes at either the Downtown or Westport campus I believe I have the opportunity to reach even more graduate students outside of my own classroom. Next year, I’d like to gather e-mail addresses from students at those campuses and send personal messages to those students seeking their input. I’d also like to set up a station (similar to the one created for the Sverdrup night classes this past year) at the Westport and Downtown campuses in order to solicit more feedback. Parking is not a problem at those campuses; therefore, I’d like to know more about what concerns they have at those campuses.
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