Meet the Candidates

Academic Representatives

Business Representative

McKenna Andrews

McKenna Andrews

Why are you running for SGA?
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Platform

WE ARE THE GREENCAPS. OUR FOCUS IS SUSTAINABILITY, FISCAL RESPONSIBILITY, AND ELEVATION THE STUDENT EXPERIENCE. FOR MORE INFORMATION, CHECK OUT OUR INSTAGRAM @greencaps.udayton

What experiences do you have that will help you be successful in this role?

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Academics

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Involvement

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Education and Health Sciences Representative

Grace Van Kerkhove
Grace Miller

Grace Van Kerkhove

Why are you running for SGA?
I am running for SGA to advocate for the Education and Health Sciences student body. I want to ensure that all students needs are heard and represented. I approach different situations with critical-thinking skills and a creative mindset. I am confident that I can make a positive change in the School of Education and Health Sciences, efficiently and successfully.
Platform

I am a third year pre-med student and I am passionate about science, education, diversity, and protecting students’ mental health. I would like to run for the position of Education and Health Sciences Representative. I am running for this position because I understand the desire and needs of students on campus. A couple things I would like to accomplish in this role is to continue to collaborate with CSI for more student involvement on campus, allot more money for student organizations, and begin plans to implement more spaces around campus similar to the Zen Den. As an adopted Asian-American, I have learned to be resilient and a strong representative for those who are unable to represent themselves. I want to be a leader for a diverse student body and I am confident that I can make a positive change on campus.

What experiences do you have that will help you be successful in this role?

I was my high school graduating class representative and served as a student council member for all four years of high school. I was also an office representative and was able to voice students’ wants, needs, and concerns, to school faculty and administrators, resulting in changes that better supported the student body.

Academics

Pre-Medicine

Involvement

Research on campus (Microbiology) W.I.S.E Integrated Living-Learning Community

Grace Miller

Why are you running for SGA?
x
Platform

We are the GREENCAPS. Our focus is sustainability, fiscal responsibility, and elevation of the student experience. For more information, check out our Instagram page @greencaps.udayton

What experiences do you have that will help you be successful in this role?

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Academics

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Involvement

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Engineering Representative

Kevin Johnston
Ross Centlivre
Charlotte Williams

Kevin Johnston

Why are you running for SGA?

As a junior engineering student involved with many on-campus jobs and being part of summer research programs, I want to encourage more undergrads to get experience working campus jobs. I want to get students involved with experiences like a research assistant, TA, or just getting some certifications like I did with Intel’s OASIS program in semiconductors. I have always been involved with a lot on campus, but now want to officially be part of Student Government.

Platform

My platform is primarily focused on trying to connect more undergrad engineering students secure more jobs while studying at UD. I have had lots of campus jobs in addition to my crazy busy 19+ hour semesters, but despite how much work Engineering classes can be, I want to see the Engineering Department get even higher-paying jobs and getting more involved with jobs offered on campus to stand out even more. I want to get high-achieving students to learn about the opportunities offered on campus in the realm of Academia/research; and teach them about opportunities to make them more likely to get those high-paying internships or into grad school. I want the college experience to consist of more than the classes you take and going out on the weekend, and I want to see more Engineering students involved with resources already offered on campus.

What experiences do you have that will help you be successful in this role?

I have gained experience working as a TA, Research Assistant, Fitness Attendant, and former RA; and since I personally know what these experiences are like, I can inform students about the reality of all these positions and will find new ways of promoting them to students. By completing certifications like Intel’s OASIS certificate in semiconductors, I know about opportunities to get students to stand out after graduating. By writing research grants and working on my Honors Thesis I know a side of Academia that most students don’t. By being a member of member of Pi Tau Sigma I know all about Greek Life and can represent those students as well! And lastly, as a Certified Personal Trainer, I know how important the gym is to a healthy and balanced life is!

Academics

Mechanical Engineering

Involvement

Research on campus (Quadcopter research with the Robotics and Control Lab), TA for Calc 3, MHC Tutor, Honors, Personal Trainer, Research Assistant, former RA, Personal Tutor, SSE and Data Analytics Club Member, Pi Tau Sigma, Intramurals

Ross Centlivre

Why are you running for SGA?
I wanted to get involved with my student government and help make the engineering school better in any way that I could.
Platform

To continue the work done by the current engineering representative Siobhan Huner and work together with the student body and the faculty of the school of engineering to make a welcoming and thriving environment for all engineers.

What experiences do you have that will help you be successful in this role?

I spent four years in my high schools student government as a representative and was able to be a bridge between the higher faculty of the school and the students to ensure the needs and wants of the student body were heard.

Academics

Major in Mechanical Engineering

Charlotte Williams

Why are you running for SGA?
x
Platform

WE ARE THE GREENCAPS. OUR FOCUS IS SUSTAINABILITY, FISCAL RESPONSIBILITY, AND ELEVATION THE STUDENT EXPERIENCE. FOR MORE INFORMATION, CHECK OUT OUR INSTAGRAM @greencaps.udayton

What experiences do you have that will help you be successful in this role?

x

Academics

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Involvement

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Natural Sciences Representative

Raneen Bayyoud
Addison Masek (Incumbent)

Raneen Bayyoud

Why are you running for SGA?

I'm running for SGA because I'm passionate about advocating for our student body. I aim to bridge the gap between student needs and department resources, creating a more responsive, inclusive, and empowering environment for all of us in the natural sciences.

Platform

Being a natural science major, I understand many of the challenges and frustrations we face; from coursework to searching for research opportunities. My platform is built on addressing these issues focusing on improving academic support, expanding access to different opportunities.

Academics

Pre-Medicine
Disability studies

What experiences do you have that will help you be successful in this role?

My volunteer work, leadership roles, and commitment to community service have equipped me with a deep understanding of collaboration, empathy, and advocacy. Leading many initiatives, from a charity club to coaching basketball, has enhanced my ability to listen, lead, and engage effectively with diverse groups. My extensive clinical and research experience, particularly in the natural sciences, not only deepened my understanding of our field's challenges but also fueled my passion for representing and addressing the needs of our student body. These experiences have prepared me to be effective, compassionate, and dedicated .

Involvement

Biochemistry Research Muslim student association Breast cancer patient advocate Alpha Epsilon Delta Youth Basketball Coach Elementary school tutor Chemistry SI

Addison Masek (Incumbent)

Why are you running for SGA?

I am running for SGA to be the student voice and opinion for those in natural science majors. Along with talking with and listening to peers, I hope to continue growing my connections and professionalism. This past year I have been a member of the Student Academic Policies Committee through SGA where I have been able to work with faculty to revise outdated policies, and I want to continue this work. I would also like to continue promoting positive change and make meaningful contributions to UD.

Platform

As a natural science major, I strive for academic excellence and success. I am currently talking to both the provost and assistant provost to better understand why BIO majors are unable to take many of the HSS classes and vice-versa. I intend to continue working on this as it would allow for more opportunities for all majors involved. Along with this, I want to be able to continue listening to other concerns natural science majors have raised and be able to come up with an answer for them.

What experiences do you have that will help you be successful in this role?

I am running for re-election as the natural science representative. I have gained much experience during my term this past year and am looking to continue doing so. Being involved in multiple organizations on campus, including SGA, has allowed me to build my connections and be able to hear what the student body needs. As an executive member of two different campus organizations, I have gained many leadership, communication, and teamwork skills. These skills all contribute to being successful in the role of natural science representative. I can use these skills to listen to what the students need and communicate that to the faculty members whom I work side by side with and continue to be the student voice and opinion during academic senate. This role also requires much commitment and initiative when attending meetings, senate, and talking with students and faculty members. I want to stay committed and see my current work through to the end of the following academic year.

Academics

Premedicine
Business Administration and Medicine & Society

Involvement

TriBeta, Alpha Epsilon Delta, Phi Chi Theta, Alpha Phi Omega

Social Sciences Representative

Gabriella Grant
Ximena Silva-Aguirre
Bryson Malone
Evie McCombs

Gabriella Grant

Why are you running for SGA?
I am running for SGA to contribute my skills to the University of Dayton's academic community. Additionally, a university cannot thrive until the voices of its students are heard and I want to be someone who builds the bridge between students and faculty. I would be thrilled to work alongside intelligent, passionate, and motivated students who share the goal of making UD the best it can be.
Platform

As the University of Dayton's social sciences representative, I want to connect students with professors, career services, and each other. I would hold events with career services or speakers for social science students to learn about various careers available to them. I would also like to hold events for social science students can get to know and learn from one another. I would also like to build stronger professor-student relationships so that students feel comfortable communicating with them or secure a TA or research position. I would also like to connect myself to students by creating an anonymous open forum for students to express their concerns about their department.

What experiences do you have that will help you be successful in this role?

As a sophomore honors political science major and communications minor I have developed strong connections with professors in the social science departments. I have strengthened these relationships through my participation in the DC Flyers 2024 Cohort and UD Mock Trial Team. Additionally, I have many connections with students in the social sciences through Phi Alpha Delta, DC Flyers, and Mock Trial. Off-campus, I have worked in customer service for four years and interned on a Senate campaign where I developed strong problem-solving and communications skills. Additionally, as an honors and Core program student I have developed strong research and writing skills.

Academics

Political Science
Communications

Involvement

On campus, I am involved in Phi Alpha Delta International Pre-Law Fraternity, Mock Trial A Team, DC Flyers 2024 Cohort, Sigma Kappa Sorority, Core Program, Honors Program, Pi Sigma Alpha Honors Political Science Fraternity, UD Irish Dance Team.

Ximena Silva-Aguirre

Why are you running for SGA?
I am running for SGA because I want a platform to raise awareness about social issues, promote diversity and inclusion, and advocate for policies that foster social justice and equality on campus.
Platform

As a human rights major, it is essential to me that students from all backgrounds feel accepted on our campus and represented in decisions that impact them. Most importantly, as a first-generation Latina, I believe people in my community, and other minority communities, should have equal access to educational opportunities. I want to ensure students of color have their questions answered and their concerns heard so they can take advantage of the opportunities offered at UD and flourish in their life post-undergrad. As the Representative of Social Sciences, I will provide an open line of communication with the School of Social Sciences to assist in any way possible.

What experiences do you have that will help you be successful in this role?

Being a human rights major has taught me to have a global perspective. Meaning that I acknowledge that people have different perspectives and experiences shaped by their cultural background. This has given me the passion to remain active in not only my involvement on campus but as well as my presence in my community back home. Fostering connections between communities is something I constantly strive for in my academic and personal life. I think this mindset is essential to being a successful representative of the Social Sciences.

Academics

Human Rights
LatinX/Latin American Studies and Spanish

Involvement

I am part Alpha Psi Lambda Coed Fraternity and am a Hangar Associate.

Bryson Malone

Why are you running for SGA?
I am running for SGA to see change within my campus community. As a student, I have an extreme passion for being involved on campus in any way that can be positive and help me succeed and others around me. In addition, I am familiar with SGA, as I was part of the Campus Unity Committee my first year and partaking in town hall meetings with other organizations promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion on campus. Lastly, being a part of SGA will allow me to form endless connections with like-minded individuals who have the common goal of working hard, remaining positive, and being willing to grow through change and experiences.
What experiences do you have that will help you be successful in this role?

My experiences that will help me be successful in this role involve my on/off campus involvement. Regarding on-campus involvement, I have successfully found ways to lead, facilitate, and collaborate with others to promote unity and community at UD. For example, during the spring 2023 semester, I worked with Students for University Advancement during "OneDayOneDayton," which is a day of promoting and advising students, alumni, and more to donate to various causes such as academic buildings, athletic departments, and more. As a result, we raised 3.6 million dollars, which exceeded our goal. In addition, regarding off-campus involvement, being involved with co-op programs in Chicago allowed me to obtain an internship with LinkedIn, in which, throughout the internship, I had opportunities to work with individuals with more experience and learn through a time how to be a leader within projects, as well as through different spaces.

Academics

Sociology
Management

Involvement

Multicultural Programming Council, Campus Activities Board, Residential Housing Association, Students for University Advancement.

Evie McCombs

Why are you running for SGA?
x
Platform

My candidacy platform is a focus on sustainability, fiscal responsibility, and the elevation of the student experience.

What experiences do you have that will help you be successful in this role?

x

Academics

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Involvement

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