Student Assembly Candidate Profiles - Fall 2018 Election
Candidates for the 4 Freshman Representative seats
Major: Economics
College/School: College of Arts and Sciences
Net ID: kab389
Candidate for the position of: Freshman Representative
Candidate Statement:
You Got The Right One
I wish I had the honor of meeting you all; this campus is so big that I could only talk to a small portion of our class. My name is Kwasi. I'm from Gettysburg, PA. This small town’s history has made me politically conscious, drawing me to public service.
You may want to see my qualifications and abilities before considering me. I come to you with an experienced and a humbled background.
I have a prior history of service. I have served as the Treasurer in my high school government and I worked with other students to create change. I volunteered for my local hospital, church, and more. I have also worked in a local election.
Please consider what I wish to advocate for the student body:
Increase and guarantee affordable housing to all undergraduate students.
Improve the quality of housing: (heating/cooling systems in dorms, better pest control).
Reduce the alienating effect of living in a large university by increasing awareness about campus events and community building activities.
Expand the gains made in mental health by the University.
Whether you know me well or not, I would like to be your voice. I want to work with you to improve the experience that we share at Cornell.
With regards,
Kwasi A-B Baryeh
Major: Industrial and Labor Relations
College/School: School of Industrial and Labor Relations
Net ID: jac646
Candidate for the position of: Freshman Representative
Candidate Statement:
Hi, I’m John Clancy and I am running for Student Assembly with three main goals: accessibility, efficiency, and inclusiveness. In terms of accessibility, I have seen how elected bodies can lose touch with the people they serve. I want to prevent this by having a Group-Me and/or having a spot on my door to put suggestions so freshmen can have their input heard. Additionally, I want to help Student Assembly become more efficient by getting rid of initiatives that are unnecessary while at the same time enhancing those that are helpful to the student body. In terms of inclusiveness, I want to make sure that every student can feel accepted and feel that they belong in the Cornell family. Some more tangible projects that I would like to undertake are getting meal swipes at Trillium, working on establishing more study space in Collegetown, and voicing any student concerns over the North Campus construction starting this spring. Finally, I have extensive leadership experience from being both an Eagle Scout and the Student Council President at my high school. I hope I can utilize this experience through helping you have the best Cornell experience possible!
Major: Government
College/School: College of Arts and Sciences
Net ID: gad83
Candidate for the position of: Freshman Representative
Candidate Statement:
My name is George DeFendini, and I am a freshman of the class of 2022. I believe that for Cornell to truly be a place that proclaims “Any Person, Any Study,” every person must be represented and heard on this campus. As a first-generation, Puerto Rican/Dominican student, I deeply understand the struggles people of color endure nationwide. My plan is not to lead from the front or from the behind, but to stand in unison with my brothers and sisters of Cornell as an equal. My platform is three-fold: A Transparent Cornell, An Inclusive Cornell, and A Safe & Healthy Cornell. It’s time to work together and make a Cornell for Cornellians!
Major: Industrial and Labor Relations
College/School: School of Industrial and Labor Relations
Net ID: awf47
Candidate for the position of: Freshman Representative
Candidate Statement:
Hello fellow classmates of the Cornell Class of 2022! I am delighted to be running to represent our class in the Undergraduate Student Assembly. I am a student in the ILR School and an active Fellow of the Cornell Tradition. As a member of Student Council for three years at my high school in California, I gained valuable experience and insight on the communication and teamwork needed to represent a class. If you elect me as one of your four representatives, you can rely on me to represent your interests and the interests of our class within the Student Assembly. Serving others has become one of my passions and I am up for the challenge of working with all of you to achieve a common goal of health & happiness, safety, inclusion, and diversity. Since arriving on campus, I have already been able to become an active member of the Cornell and Ithaca community by participating in the Collegetown Bear Walk and joining various clubs and service organizations. Like many of our fellow classmates, I have traveled from across the country to be here and am excited to call Cornell my home. My goal is to be part of the team that continues to make Cornell a fun and exciting place for all of us to call home.
Major: Industrial and Labor Relations
College/School: School of Industrial and Labor Relations
Net ID: lmh276
Candidate for the position of: Freshman Representative
Candidate Statement:
As a third generation Cornellion, Big Red runs in my blood. And as your freshman representative, I will do everything in my power to help our campus reach its full potential by unifying across schools. I am on a pre-Law track in the ILR school and will use my leadership skills to be a voice for the most selective and diverse class in Cornell’s history. I am proud to live, learn, and grow beside each and every one of you. Further, I should be your representative because I am like fried chicken. Let me elaborate. In my common app essay, I compared myself to this classic dish because I am personable, versatile, and find a connection with every person I meet (even vegans & fried seitan!). I like making people happy, smile, and laugh even in the Ithaca weather. One way to do this is to play music in the North campus dining halls. I always jam out in Okenshields, why not in Appel or RPCC? Coming from a private Catholic school, at times I felt like an outsider; still, I found lifelong friends and led my school as Student Body President. Unlike my high school, Cornell boasts an abundance of diversity; therefore, I strive to promote collaboration and inclusion on campus, connecting with all kinds of minds, souls, and hearts within our class
Major: Computer Science
College/School: College of Engineering
Net ID: cch227
Candidate for the position of: Freshman Representative
Candidate Statement:
As an extroverted Pisces, I’ve learned that everyone having their own voice is powerful. I want to openly take these inputs and bring about change while representing all voices. Over the years as Cornell becomes as familiar to us as the back of our proverbial hands, we, as a student body, deserve to have a say in the way and manner in which we live. As a part of the Student Assembly, I would accept all opinions and consider them thoroughly and with passion.
I intend to put my best effort into making change because actions speak louder than words. More often than not, our campus quips and qualms are heard and forgotten. This should not be the case. I plan to turn ideas into realities as we take on issues that matter to us. From something as small as trash bin locations to something as large as financial aid, all campus issues are valid. Missing tissues in classrooms? Waiting too long for your mental health? Dying from 90 degree weather? Do something about it.
It would be nothing short of an honor to represent the student body in addressing any and all issues on campus. If elected, there will be no empty promises or weak attempts - only my best effort to make positive change to the place we learn to call home.
Major: Biomedical Engineering
College/School: College of Engineering
Net ID: aei23
Candidate for the position of: Freshman Representative
Candidate Statement:
Hello Everybody, my name is Akugbe Imudia, and I am a kind, charismatic, servant leader running for a spot in this year's Student Assembly. As you know, the Student Assembly is responsible for passing legislation that can impact and improve the lives of Cornell students, faculty, and staff. From small projects like providing an ironing board for every hall to major objectives like building dormitories for incoming students, the Student Assembly has definitely made a difference in the lives of many Cornellians. My intention is to join the Student Assembly's Financial Aid Review Committee to make the budget more accessible and transparent. We are all brilliant students who have the privilege of attending such a prestigious university, but that privilege also comes with a massive tuition fee. While expenses such as housing, dining, and SHP are specified, students often do not know how the massive chunk labeled "Tuition" on Bursar is used by the school. During my time on the Financial Aid Review Committee, I not only hope to assist with established programming and functions, but I would like to start an initiative that reveals to students where exactly their tuition goes while attending Cornell University.
Major: Government
College/School: College of Arts and Sciences
Net ID: ni68
Candidate for the position of: Freshman Representative
Candidate Statement:
Hello everyone! My name is Nicole Iori, and I am running for New Student Representative. I am a freshman in the College of Arts and Sciences majoring in Government. In high school, I held multiple leadership positions such as founder and president of a Red Cross Club, captain of the varsity volleyball team, ambassador to Campus Ministry, and creating an environmentally friendly uniform initiative. As your New Student Representative, I will be really approachable, friendly, and actively ready to support your voice on SA. Having only been on campus a short time, I have already noticed some changes that I would like to advocate for on behalf of all freshman:
1. Free laundry services
2. Making the campus safer at night by increasing lighting as well as improving the blue light system
3. Improving student mental health by making known resources available on campus and working towards their effectivity, especially those aiding students with transitioning into Cornell
I promise to dedicatedly work towards addressing your ideas and concerns. If you have any questions, feel free to contact me (ni68@cornell.edu)! I know that as your New Student Representative, I would help bring real change to the Cornell community. Thank you.
Major: Applied Economics and Management
College/School: College of Agriculture and Life Sciences
Net ID: um46
Candidate for the position of: Freshman Representative
Candidate Statement:
Freshmen,
I come from a very politically unstable country; Bangladesh. A country where no kids grow up wanting to do anything with politics. I was different. Ever since birth, I wanted to be president of my country, and that's maybe why I'm here. I always feel an innate sense of responsibility towards the people of any community that I'm part of, and there's no better place to work on this than the Student Assembly.
After flying across the globe, and speaking to so many of you, I realized that we all are facing several problems which hinder our transition from being smooth. There's the expensive laundry, lack of printing facilities, transportation issues and the fact that most of us coming here were not as prepared for college as we thought we were.
As your voice, I will make sure your adjustment to college becomes smoother. I will advocate for cheaper laundry, be it through subsidizing load costs, providing free detergent or allowing a monthly free load. I will campaign to to ensure the free TCAT service continues to Sophomore year. I will arrange more relaxed, but focused, coffee chats with older students with expertise where freshmen can interact and take advice about any concern.
I'm running for U. Run with Umran.
Major: Industrial and Labor Relations
College/School: School of Industrial and Labor Relations
Net ID: iap29
Candidate for the position of: Freshman Representative
Candidate Statement:
Hi! I’m Indigo Pavlov and I’m running for Freshman Representative!
Above all, I’m running because I want to ensure that every freshman has the best first-year experience they possibly can. As your representative, I will work to:
1. Optimize the Student-Campus Experience - I will encourage the allocation of more funding to fun events such as Slope Day, as well as freshman specific activities like CU Downtown. I will work with faculty and staff to expand access to research opportunities and leadership roles for first-year students.
2. Increase Transparency & Accountability - I will support comprehensive publishing of the Student Assembly's decisions and responsibilities. I'll also focus on holding Cornell responsible for its social and environmental impact by urging the university to divest in fossil fuels and promoting mental health initiatives.
3. Be Accessible - I will hold weekly office hours for students to meet with me to voice their concerns and recommendations pertaining to all things Cornell.
Vote for me if you want the class of 2022 to Indi-GO somewhere!
Major: Agricultural Sciences
College/School: College of Agriculture and Life Sciences
Net ID: ls678
Candidate for the position of: Freshman Representative
Candidate Statement:
I am a proud dairy farmer dedicated to ensuring the prosperity of our land, country, and university. As your representative in the student assembly I would look to instill an overwhelming respect for the Class of 2022. Building upon my experience as an Eagle Scout I promise to bring levels of friendliness, loyalty, and leadership that exceed expectations. As we look toward our future it is important that we consider how our class will forever leave a mark on the history Cornell. I firmly believe that by harnessing the sense of community at Cornell and being bold, we can stand together as one of the most successful classes to pass through these halls.
Major: Industrial and Labor Relations
College/School: School of Industrial and Labor Relations
Net ID: mjs626
Candidate for the position of: Freshman Representative
Candidate Statement:
My name is Mike Stefanko and I’m running for Freshman Representative! My platform is threefold:
My number one priority is to address mental health issues on campus. 21% of students receive mental health help from Cornell, but Freshman face wait times of over one month to receive long term, scheduled care on campus. I will work closely with the administration to ensure they meet Cornell’s mental health needs as more students seek the help they deserve.
Secondly, I will advance voices of every race, ethnicity, religion, political background, sexuality, gender, and socioeconomic status. If elected, I will work to create student-led diversity panels to promote a more diverse faculty and administration.
Finally, I will work to reduce the financial burden put on students. Staying warm during Ithaca winters can be expensive for low and middle-income families. I will utilize subsidies, a buying in bulk model, and existing Student Assembly infrastructure to offer highly discounted winter coats to all students in need. No student should have to take out more loans to stay warm in the winter.
It would be absolute honor to be elected as your Freshman Representative!
Instagram: MichaelStefanko
Major: Policy Analysis and Management
College/School: College of Human Ecology
Net ID: jw2493
Candidate for the position of: Freshman Representative
Candidate Statement:
Hello Cornell! My name is Jolie Wei, and I'm a freshman from sunny Palo Alto, California. Over these past couple weeks at Cornell, I've noticed some areas of improvement: from the lack of lights when we're hiking up the slope late at night to the inconvenience of having to use BRBs every time we find ourselves hungry on Central Campus. We are the new voices of this student body, and we have the power to change a lot of the campus culture. As a Freshman Representative, I will work hard to represent this class and ensure a smooth transition into college life. I will work on improvements such as making more BRB-only cafes accept swipes, minimizing dining hall food waste, and making the campus feel safer at night. As a prospective Policy Analysis and Management major, I hope to take the skills I learn in the classroom and apply it to the Student Assembly. I'm always open to new ideas and opinions, and I hope to meet all of you these next four years. Thank you, class of 2022, and feel free to say hi anytime! Join me in making our class a memorable one. Vote for Jo, it's the Wei to go!
Major: Industrial and Labor Relations
College/School: School of Industrial and Labor Relations
Net ID: ktw36
Candidate for the position of: Freshman Representative
Candidate Statement:
Hello, Class of 2022! My name is Kirubeal Wondimu and I am running to serve as your Freshman Representative. As freshmen, we have essentially just arrived here at Cornell. Although it may already seem overwhelming, there are still many things left for us to explore. We are all feeling different emotions as we try to settle into this new environment. Some of us may be feeling nervous, homesick, excited, or maybe even all three. Nevertheless, I am here to stand with you all. Two issues I'd like to focus on so far are:
1.) An additional and more convenient location for Cornell Health on North Campus. The well-being of our students should be a top priority for Cornell and given that North Campus is isolated from the rest of Central, it can be difficult to receive immediate medical care.
2.) Air conditioning for all residential buildings on North Campus. I have already heard too many of my peers complain about Ithaca's sweltering heat and Cornell's lack of an air cooling system within certain buildings.
I want to hear your interests and concerns as well so that your first year here at Cornell is as enriched as possible. So, please consider voting for me and I promise to work diligently to serve YOUR interests! #Kirubeal4Cornell
Major: Hotel Administration
College/School: School of Hotel Administration
Net ID: jx63
Candidate for the position of: Freshman Representative
Candidate Statement:
Hello! My name is Valentina Xu and I am running for Freshman Student Representative! I was an active member in Student government in high school and I hope to bring my passion of improving student service to Cornell.
More specifically, my primary goals in student assembly are:
1) Stand with Minorities - I love to meet and learn from people with diverse backgrounds. I want to build a friendly and supportive campus climate for all races. I want to make Ithaca feel “warm” even in winter!
2) Transparency and Minimal Procedures - I will tell the truth of all submitted requests to Student Assembly and I want to help you to make your idea happen. I also will help students to follow their true passions and start initiatives as easily as possible.
3) More Accessible Dining Options - Food is important! One of my ideas include bringing food trucks close to libraries during Finals and Prelim season so that students can get real food but do not have to go all the way to dining halls.
Candidates for the Transfer Representative seat
Major: Environmental and Sustainability Sciences
College/School: College of Agriculture and Life Sciences
Net ID: db824
Candidate for the position of: Transfer Representative
Candidate Statement:
Hello! My name is Dawna Badie and I am a new sophomore transfer student here at Cornell coming from the University of Massachusetts at Amherst. I am majoring in Environmental and Sustainability Sciences in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences and I am super excited to be running to be your transfer representative on student assembly! Should I be elected, I hope to use the positive experiences that all of us, as transfer students, have taken and learned from our other institutions and apply them here at Cornell. We all have been to other schools and, as such, have seen what things work and don’t work in terms of infrastructure, sustainability, dining, resident life, and more. So, as your representative, I would work to take all the best from our old schools while leaving behind all the worst. Additionally, as a fellow transfer student, I know that for many of us the transition to a new school has been harder than expected. So, I would work to create more social spaces and opportunities for networking to immerse all students, including us, into the campus more comfortably. Vote for real, responsive change and a fun filled year. Vote for Dawna.
Major: Hotel Administration
College/School: School of Hotel Administration
Net ID: mbg239
Candidate for the position of: Transfer Representative
Candidate Statement:
Hey everyone! My name is Michelle Glauberzon, and I'm a recent transfer from Rutgers University to the Hotel School. I'm running for Transfer Representative for 2018-2019. Adjusting to college twice is not easy, and I want to make sure that the transfer experience is not only easy but enjoyable for all. I want to create outlets where transfers can connect with other transfers and have spaces to share their experiences. I want to improve orientation and make sure transfer events are geared towards transfers. Overall, I'm super excited to represent the vast community of transfers at Cornell and make it more inclusive, practical and fun environment.
Major: ILR
College/School: School of Industrial and Labor Relations
Net ID: cgh66
Candidate for the position of: Transfer Representative
Candidate Statement:
Hello Cornell students! My name is Catherine Huang and I am a transfer student from the University of Virginia. I am running to be your transfer rep because I am passionate about creating a sense of community for transfer students both within and beyond the transfer community.
As your transfer rep, I will design specific programs to help students best acclimate to Cornell’s environment. I will coordinate school-wide peer-mentoring programs to connect newly arrived transfer students to returning students who went through the transfer process in past years. This will familiarize new transfer students with the Cornell community and ensure a seamless transition.
Moreover, I will focus on creating school wide career services that are uniquely equipped to help transfer students prepare for the swift approach of recruitment season. I will also concentrate on the issue of housing. I promise to reach out to those forced out into the periphery of Cornell’s housing scene and hear the needs of transfer students who are marginalized and separated from the larger transfer community by off-campus or decentralized housing. If elected, I will make these goals a reality, take care to hear all your voices, and ensure proper representation.
Major: Industrial and Labor Relations
College/School: School of Industrial and Labor Relations
Net ID: str54
Candidate for the position of: Transfer Representative
Candidate Statement:
I’m here because of you. While I would usually classify myself as introverted, I know we need more students to speak up about the issues we all face. The best part about being introverted is that you prioritize listening over talking, and when you talk, you yell. I am running now because my heart tells me that if there’s any reason why I am here today, it’s because I know I can be a high-impact activist. Far too often, we feel marginalized as students and disconnected from non-transfers. I understand; I will listen to you. So, what goals are we fighting for?
You should never have to:
- Wait for mental health services
- Pay for CU Insurance when you already have coverage
- Endure continuous and disruptive construction
You are entitled to:
- Clear policies regarding how transfer credits are approved
- Advisor assistance in making schedules before pre-enrollment
- Free printing
- Events that make you feel welcome and involved in the campus and community at large
I’ve held leadership positions, organized blood drives and fundraisers, and worked to get people to vote. I am even a member of a union. So I’m ready to talk about representation, and I’m ready to answer your questions. str54@cornell.edu. FB: Steve Rutkowski