Linda Warchal

The Northern Star compiled a brief profile of each SA senator candidate in an attempt to aid our readers with their senator voting. The candidates answered the following questions:

1. Why have you chosen to petition to become an SA senator?

2. In what areas do you feel you’ll be most effective as a senator?

DISTRICT 1

Adriana Valencia

Senior, 22

Political Science/Spanish Literature

. “My involvement with the SA is in the hopes that as a Latino and a woman, I can bring a new perspective on issues not only concerning my particular interests, but the campus environment as a whole.”

. “As a new member of the SA, I feel I can make a valuable contribution to minority relations and finance … as an observer of this institution for the past three years, I believe my input can be valuable.”

DISTRICT 2

Michelle Brayer

Sophomore, 21

French Business Translation/Russian

1. “I have a genuine interest in seeing that the student voice be heard. I want to be in a position to encourage NIU students to let the SA know what they want.”

2. “I think I’ve got a lot of great ideas on how I could gather information from my constituency … and contact more students within my district as efficiently as possible.”

aheel Irfan

Junior, 20

Electrical Engineering

1. “In a multi-cultured society, it is important to represent and mediate between many people with many ideas and needs. I feel that I am in a good position and in a proper perspective to facilitate this growth.”

1.”The SA has only begun to recognize the wide diversity that exists on this campus. We need to transcend the idea of difference not only as a matter of nationality, skin color or religion, but as cultural and customs as well.”

Julie Lardino

Junior, 20

Political Science/Public Law

1. “I have chosen to petition for the SA because I believe it is important that students have a voice in the discussing, implementing and maintaining of policies which effect the university and its students.”

2. “I understand the rules and regulations of the government and I feel I could implement them.”

Jennifer Lenart

Senior, 21

Marketing

1. “I feel that with my past leadership skills, I have the ability to represent the students that reside in my district. I also have strong listening skills and that is imperative to be an effective leader.”

2. “I know from my past experiences that I will express the students’ point of view on issues. In addition, I will see to it that all issues will be communicated back to the students.”

Kelly Meegan

Junior, 20

Finance

1. “I have an immense interest in the fairness of every student and the needs in which they possess. I feel I have the ability and reasoning to make decisions concerning NIU students.”

2. “As a finance major, I feel I will be the most effective in the areas involving budgets. I also have an open mind and I am not afraid to speak what I feel.”

Paul Middleton

Sophomore, 21

Computer Science

1. “I feel NIU is due for some changes. I believe we need some fresh ideas and some highly motivated people.”

2. “My effectiveness comes from being in touch with students from all walks of life. I would make a good contribution to the senate as the students’ choice.”

Eric Odeen

Junior, 21

History

1. “I feel that I have a lot to offer NIU in the position of senator and I think that this would be a good background for a career in government work.”

2. “I can do a lot for student organizations and I can help improve the image of the SA through my work as a senator.”

Richard Schulte

Senior, 22

Political Science

1. “Most students sit and do their own thing while campus decisions that effect us are made. It is my hope to become involved and make the campus aware of its choices and how they can direct student life.”

2. “I believe my experiences in campus life will make me a well-rounded senator in terms of views. As a transfer student last year, I had the opportunity to see the good aspects as well as those in need of change in comparison to other campuses.”

Shannon Wiggins

Senior, 22

Biology

1. “I want to integrate myself into the infrastructure of the university as well as just being part of the student body.”

2. “I feel I will be sensitive to the needs and wants of the students at NIU. I am not swayed by opinions and prejudices and I am willing to listen whenever someone wants to talk.”

DISTRICT 3

Samer Assaf

Junior

Biochemistry

1. “I will make sure all minorities and international students have an opportunity to voice their opinions and have a crucial impact when issues are discussed and decisions are made on the SA senate.”

2. “As a senator I will seek the prosperity of the various ethnic organizations and look out for their interests. If elected, I will fight for all students’ rights and make sure they are not violated under any circumstance.”

Trevell Eddins

Junior, 21

Criminology

1. “I want to help the students on this campus as much possible.”

2. “I will be most effective in assisting the minority population. I want to make sure people are comfortable with their budgets.”

Daniel Fuhrman

Freshman, 18

Political Science/Spanish

1. “I have chosen to petition for the senator position because I am confident that my previous experiences in student governing organizations will make me a valuable addition to this year’s SA.”

2. “I believe I will be most effective in the area of communicating with students and faculty. Through my experience in the foreign language residence program, I have learned to communicate with people from many diverse backgrounds.”

Thomas Losiniecki

Senior, 23

Math/Education

1. “I have been a passive part of student government at the other two colleges I attended, but I want to take a more active roll at Northern.”

2. “I will not be a ‘once in while’ senator. I believe my mathematic background will be helpful with normal senate business.”

Michael Starzec

Senior, 22

Political Science/History

1. “In my time as a senator, I have come to realize the administration wants nothing but a bunch of couch-potato pulses who want to improve their graduate school resumes and rubber-stamp decisions. I would like to be re-elected to continue to be a cantankerous objector to the moves of the administration.”

2. “I feel I will be best as a watchdog on the administration and in protecting the rights of students.”

DISTRICT 4

Jean Aurel Jr.

Freshman, 18

Pre-Medicine

1. “I think I have the ability to be a great influence to the organization. Also, I hope I can convince minorities to come out and get involved with the things that happen on this campus.”

2. “Hopefully I will help the minority students get some of the resources that they need to survive on this campus.”

Sylvia Cerrato

Freshman, 19

Pre-business

1. “Being involved on the campus is important to me. I feel that minority students should become more involved in campus activities if they wish to be heard.”

2. “I feel I would be most effective as a voice for organizations that come to me for help. I am willing to help all who need me to the best of my abilities and in accordance with any regulations placed on the office of senator.”

Donielle Gary

Senior, 21

English

1. “I have chosen to petition to become a senator because I believe that it’s important for students to be aware of the policies which are implemented by the administration.”

2. “I feel I will be most effective as a senator in my ability to inform the students about what’s going on. I am also willing to voice their concerns because I am determined to make a difference.”

Setthea Kong

Freshman, 18

Marketing

1. “I feel that everyone should be involved in the decision- making process and have a say in what goes on in our university.”

2. “I want to get the minority students involved in the university and listen to what they have to say.”

Christi Kret

Sophomore, 18

Political Science/History Education

1. “Last year I noticed the apathy many students and even some senators displayed concerning vital issues.”

2. “I’m concerned with the environment and would like to work for campus-wide recycling and what students can do.”

Amy Kurman

Freshman, 18

Theater

1. “I have had previous leadership experience and I feel I have the capacity to make a difference.”

2. “I want to fight against tuition increases and also fight to keep student fees down. I would like to promote student involvement on campus.”

Eric Nelson

Freshman, 17

Communications

1. “I feel I can give a voice to people who might not be represented.”

2. “I have vast experience dealing with different people and I have a strong concept on the value of a team and people working together.”

Nelson Perez

Junior, 20

Political Science

1. “Although I am new to NIU, I feel I can make a great contribution to the SA with background experience in student government. I have a strong desire to learn more about the university.”

2. “I feel I will be most effective as a senator when it comes to sincere dedication. I will truly care what others feel and say.”

Steve Pryor

Freshman

Pre-business

1. “I choose to petition for a senator’s position because I want to get more involved in current issues raised by the student body.”

2. “Decision making experience and budgeting experience will enable me to contribute positively to the SA senate.”

anjeet Rai

Senior, 21

Political Science

1. “I was an SA senator last year and I feel that with some experience under my belt I can effectively voice the concerns of my constituents and other NIU students.”

2. “I am a senior and I do know many students. I can reach out to them and find out what they think about school, the issues and the value of their education dollar.”

Jennifer Sarro

Junior, 20

Finance

1. “I feel I can use my experience from the junior college level senate to help accomplish things for the students and better the university.”

2. “I will be most effective as a senator listening to students opinions and helping get their concerns heard and acted on.”

Trindal Stanke

Freshman, 18

Engineering

1. “I have always believed in fighting for my beliefs and rights.

2. “I feel I have good leadership qualities because I have worked as a camp counselor, taught art classes to children and have helped organize community events.”

District 5

Latice Coleman

Junior, 20

Political Science/Public Law

1. “I have chosen to petition because it will give me the opportunity to become more of an active and involved person among my colleagues as well as an advocate to pass or make laws concerning the student interest.”

2. “I would be most effective in the following areas: student activities, university policy and property and the student government.”

Sulma Garcia

Junior, 20

Political Science

1. “I feel there is a lack of women minority senators.”

2. “I believe as a student that it is our responsibility to get involved as much as possible in our university.”

Rachel Zilka

Junior, 19

Elementary Education/History

1. “I support the general welfare of the students at NIU. I would like to ensure they are treated honestly and fairly.”

2. “I believe I can facilitate the needs of the students, making their views heard, upholding their rights and educating their minds to the concerns of the student senate and NIU.”