By Regis Highlander Staff
Regis University’s Student Senate is the legislative branch of the Regis University Student Government Association. During senate sessions, elected senators pass bills, approve budgets and collectively join to hear the concerns of students. Senators work to put on programming in their respective positions and work on projects to support the students of Regis, and to create a community that puts students first.
Campaigning Begins - April 10th, 2023
Active Campaigning Concludes - April 14th, 2023
Voting Begins - April 17th, 2023 at 9am
Voting Concludes - April 18th, 2023 at 5pm
Election Certified, Candidates Notified Election Results Posted - April 18th, 2023
Name: Genavieve Szumski
Academic Program/Degree: Nursing, Minor in Psychology
I am running for RUSGA Senator to represent: Rueckert-Hartman College for Health Professions.
1. Why are you interested in becoming a RUSGA Senator?
I would like to continue my work in student government to improve accessibility to women's health products and increase better communication between students, faculty and staff. I want to use my voice to represent the common good, to increase interaction and activity on campus!
2. If elected, what would be your top two priorities to improve the student experience at Regis?
For student experience I would focus on communication lines between all levels at the university and I would like to focus on curating an interactive and lively campus for our students.
3. In your opinion, how best can RUSGA serve the students of Regis University through Student Senate?
Through student senate, it is important to give student concerns an avenue to their various resources, as well as the opportunity to become involved and have a voice in their community.
4. What skills and strengths do you possess that will help you to be successful in your position, if elected?
I have strong communication and presentation skills, I work well with others in collaborative settings, and I also find ways to fit any passions into my time each day.
5. What job related, volunteer, or lived experience do you have that you think has prepared you for, or would transfer well, to this position?
I was a part of Student Government senate in the 22-23 academic year, and have worked closely with the cabinet and other school organizations, I want to stay involved on campus!
Name: Madeleine Swietlik
Academic Program/Degree: Criminal Justice
I am running for RUSGA Senator to represent: Transfer Student.
1. Why are you interested in becoming a RUSGA Senator?
I want to continue working towards improving the Regis community
2. If elected, what would be your top two priorities to improve the student experience at Regis?
I want to increase transparency between administration and students, and help get students move involved in campus
3. In your opinion, how best can RUSGA serve the students of Regis University through Student Senate?
RUSGA can best serve the student body through senate by asking the administration questions students do not feel comfortable asking.
4. What skills and strengths do you possess that will help you to be successful in your position, if elected?
I’m an excellent communicator, and a very straightforward negotiator. I’m very direct and polite when I need to get something done.
5. What job related, volunteer, or lived experience do you have that you think has prepared you for, or would transfer well, to this position?
I used to be a summer camp counselor, where I constantly had to manage different personalities and a tight budget to get things done. That taught me a lot about priorities and how to manage expectations.
Name: Eden Almgren
Academic Program/Degree: Neuroscience
I am running for RUSGA Senator to represent: Interfaith.
1. Why are you interested in becoming a RUSGA Senator?
I’ve been in senate this year (2022-2023) and have loved being a part of RUSGA. I have loved getting more involved in the Regis community and events, and I enjoy being in a position to be a part of making Regis a better place for students.
2. If elected, what would be your top two priorities to improve the student experience at Regis?
I would love to see more student involvement in on-campus events, so one of my top priorities would be to work with other senators to create a better community-feel on campus. Another priority I have would be to continue working to make sure RUSGA is a trusted resource for students to feel they can bring their concerns.
3. In your opinion, how best can RUSGA serve the students of Regis University through Student Senate?
I believe that as senators representing larger groups of constituents, the RUSGA Senate can have a greater understanding of student needs, and be a constructive space for the intersection of different identities on campus to unify values and make change.
4. What skills and strengths do you possess that will help you to be successful in your position, if elected?
I am a very organized person, and I relate well to others. I enjoy making connections with people, and I care deeply about others, which leads me to want to serve my peers to the best of my ability in any leadership position.
5. What job related, volunteer, or lived experience do you have that you think has prepared you for, or would transfer well, to this position?
I have been in senate for a year now, and have learned a lot about how it works and how I can best fulfill my role as Interfaith Senator. If I were elected to the same position for another year, I could build on the work I have put in this year to become a more effective representative.
Name: Cassie Heyman
Academic Program/Degree: Psychology/Biochemistry
I am running for RUSGA Senator to represent: Military/Veterans.
1. Why are you interested in becoming a RUSGA Senator?
As a military veteran and military dependent, I want to make sure that our community has a voice on campus and get the help that they need.
2. If elected, what would be your top two priorities to improve the student experience at Regis?
I would like to have more events that are run by Milvets and RSVA to get military-affiliated students involved. I also want to work on making more awareness about student veterans and dependents on campus and provide them any aid that they need.
3. In your opinion, how best can RUSGA serve the students of Regis University through Student Senate?
I think that ensuring that students have a voice on campus and making sure that Regis is a safe and welcoming environment for them is the best thing RUSGA can do for students.
4. What skills and strengths do you possess that will help you to be successful in your position, if elected?
I'm a good public speaker which allows me to speak for students that don't have a voice or can't speak up for themselves. My experience in the military also allows me to be calm during stressful situations and to help mediate when problems arise.
5. What job related, volunteer, or lived experience do you have that you think has prepared you for, or would transfer well, to this position?
I'm work with military and veteran office, and I'm the Regis Student Veteran Association. As stated about I'm also a Navy veteran, that grew up as a military child which allows me to better understand what military-affiliated students may need on campus to ensure their success in their college careers.
Name: Min Fei Ginther
Academic Program/Degree: Nursing Program
I am running for RUSGA Senator to represent: Asian.
1. Why are you interested in becoming a RUSGA Senator?
I am interested in becoming a RUSGA Senator because I want to help make differences on campus, specifically within the Asian community. I have been wanting to be more involved on campus and I think this is a great way to get involved and be a part of making it an even better campus.
2. If elected, what would be your top two priorities to improve the student experience at Regis?
If elected, one priority would to create more Asian-related events because we have such an amazing representation on campus. I think it would be a good asset to Regis to have more representation and events to involve people of multiple cultures. Another priority would focus on more concrete events and ideas to promote more campus life. I know COVID took it away and it has been a difficult road to reinstate it how it was; and everyone have done an amazing job thus far. I would love to be involved in promoting more events and ideas to spark campus life to be even bigger.
3. In your opinion, how best can RUSGA serve the students of Regis University through Student Senate?
I think RUSGA could best serve the students of RU by practicing listening skills. I have heard a lot of comments that my peers want to see changes or instated; which I know can be difficult at times. I think gaining feedback from the student body and trying to compromise will help everyone here.
4. What skills and strengths do you possess that will help you to be successful in your position, if elected?
I think I have leadership skills given my past experiences with student leadership and jobs. I work well with others and have been taught how to listen but also communicate my opinions. I have great people skills and enjoy talking to many different people; whether it’s to catch up or to learn something new. I am adaptable in situations that call for quick thinking and flexibility.
5. What job related, volunteer, or lived experience do you have that you think has prepared you for, or would transfer well, to this position?
I have been a part of student leadership positions from elementary through high school. I was a part of student government and led a club throughout high school. I have experience with listening and respectfully being able to have conversations that best fit a situation or event. I also have worked in a restaurant for 4 years which has taught me to listen, communicate, lead, and handle anything under pressure. Both experiences has helped me with amicable and friendly with many people who have different life stories and backgrounds.
Name: Abigail Johnson
Academic Program/Degree: Nursing
I am running for RUSGA Senator to represent: Residential Village.
1. Why are you interested in becoming a RUSGA Senator?
I want to become a RUSGA senator because I want to see more student involvement on campus. I believe that student involvement is important to maintaining our school pride and helping students to feel as if they are a part of a community. I think that by joining senate I will have more of an impact on student involvement than I currently do. I think that there are many ways that RUSGA can increase student involvement, specifically through the planning of on campus events.
2. If elected, what would be your top two priorities to improve the student experience at Regis?
One of the main goals that I would have as a RUSGA senator would be to encourage more school pride. I know that this is easier said than done. I think that encouraging spirit weeks, as well as increasing the frequency of on campus events will help to encourage school pride. Another goal that I would have us to have increased advertisement for our current events. I think that as students it can be difficult to balance on campus events with studying. A way to help this balance would be to increase awareness of on campus events.
3. In your opinion, how best can RUSGA serve the students of Regis University through Student Senate?
I believe that RUSGA can serve the students of Regis University by listening to its peers. As a student government, RUSGA has the unique ability to make student voices heard and to advocate for those voices. I believe that student satisfaction surveys and student summits are some of the best ways to amplify student voices. I believe that there is a lot of power in the opinions of my peers, and the best way to improve Regis is through their voices.
4. What skills and strengths do you possess that will help you to be successful in your position, if elected?
I think that my strengths include communication skills and teamwork. I think communication will be a very important aspect of becoming a RUSGA senator because it is important to both communicate with others as well as to listen to them. I think that much as this strength will come from being able to listen to my peers and communicate with the rest of RUSGA. Another important skill that I believe I have is teamwork, which is important in student government in order to come to compromises.
5. What job related, volunteer, or lived experience do you have that you think has prepared you for, or would transfer well, to this position?
In high school I was involved in many student led organizations such as NHS, theater, and book club. I feel as though these experiences taught me how to work well with others and how to plan events. I’ve worked in guest service at target for the past two years as well. From this experience I’ve learned a lot about how to communicate with others as well as how to listen. Additionally, I was a SOAR leader for freshman orientation at the beginning of this year. From being a part of that leadership experience, I learned the value of an on campus community.
Name: Kaylee Stouder
Academic Program/Degree: Criminal Justice and Neuroscience
I am running for RUSGA Senator to represent: Third-Year Class.
1. Why are you interested in becoming a RUSGA Senator?
I want to be able to make sure everyone in the Regis community has a voice in what happens on campus. I also want to be involved in my university community as an active member.
2. If elected, what would be your top two priorities to improve the student experience at Regis?
I would play an active role in promoting spirit and unity within the junior class. I would work with other class senators in leading class events and bringing back class competitions
3. In your opinion, how best can RUSGA serve the students of Regis University through Student Senate?
The best way to serve the students of Regis is by listing to them and providing and open line of communication for their needs and wants. Along with this, RUSGA should consider these needs and wants in all RUSGA matters.
4. What skills and strengths do you possess that will help you to be successful in your position, if elected?
Excellent communication skills, event coordination experience, natural leader, well organized, and good problem solving.
5. What job related, volunteer, or lived experience do you have that you think has prepared you for, or would transfer well, to this position?
I have been the Member at large senator for two years. While doing so I have hosted events, like Women’s History Month Trivia Night, been on appropriations committee, helped plan class competitions on campus 2023, and attended bi-weekly meetings throughout. I have also been a part of the Pre-Law society, as a cabinet member, and aided in planning events to do with Pre-Law.
Name: Brianna Flores Chavez
Academic Program/Degree: Politics and Peace and Justice Studies
I am running for RUSGA Senator to represent: First Generation Students.
1. Why are you interested in becoming a RUSGA Senator?
I am interested in becoming a RUSGA senator because I am currently involved in other student organizations, and I want to be more involved and see how I can communicate the wants of the students that I work with every day. Not only that but I think this position will be a great learning experience for me to learn how to collaborate in a system higher than just the student body and how the process works.
2. If elected, what would be your top two priorities to improve the student experience at Regis?
My top priorities to improve the student experience at Regis would be to increase cross-unit communication between student organizations but also between students and faculty/staff for overall support and inclusivity because as a commuter student and first-generation student. it was difficult for me to navigate the resources and support groups here at Regis. But on the flip side, as I take on a leadership role for the Undocumented Student Resource Alliance, I would want to help student organizations make themselves available to the student body. This would also include student voices in determining incoming staff and faculty. My second priority would be funding accessibility (not necessarily from Regis but just in general), as an immigrant rights advocate, I have seen the struggle for students especially undocumented students to find financial aid and just funding in general for projects.
3. In your opinion, how best can RUSGA serve the students of Regis University through Student Senate?
During my short time here at Regis, I have seen how RUSGA has started to take initiative for opening communication between students and faculty/staff/administration but there is always room for improvement. I also think RUSGA can work on making resources to students available whether that be by advertising outside resources or by helping students to reinitiate groups/spaces that have been lost. By continuing to be that voice for students to admin.
4. What skills and strengths do you possess that will help you to be successful in your position, if elected?
My skills and strengths include efficient project management as in my fluidity to be able to either initiate a project or fit myself in where support is needed. This includes being able to work collaboratively, I believe I have a strong voice, but I am aware of when I need to step back and just learn. Along with fluidity, I am able to use this skill to explore alternatives to potential conflicts and problem-solve. Additionally, I believe I have a special talent for synthesizing, and while that may sound like just a literary skill, it is especially important in group settings when there is a lot to be said in a short amount of time.
5. What job related, volunteer, or lived experience do you have that you think has prepared you for, or would transfer well, to this position?
As stated previously, I am a first-generation student and understand some of the difficulties of some students which would help me be a representative of them. I also have work experience at the Center for Service Learning where apart of my everyday routine is talking with students constantly trying to provide them with some sort of help but also just expanding my knowledge by hearing a different perspective. A few projects at my wok study includes advocating so that is also an experience that has helped me.
Name: Olivia Clise
Academic Program/Degree: Biology, Honors College
I am running for RUSGA Senator to represent: Woman.
1. Why are you interested in becoming a RUSGA Senator?
Serving as a senator this past academic year has opened my eyes to the power of student advocacy. I have valued the opportunity to establish connections with my peers and constituents, working toward shared goals of betterment. This opportunity has allowed me to realize how much I wish to better the Regis community we all share. Serving on the RUSGA Student Senate would provide me with a space to work and engage with my dedicated peers. With the added experiences upon completing my first year, I've learned of many areas for improvement across campus. Additionally, I've made new connections with peers and faculty across campus; I hope to pull on and engage these connections to exalt change. And, of the utmost importance, serving as a Senator again would allow me to share the voices of my constituents. Every project I pursue, and committee I serve on, should, at the root of it all, align with the interests of those I represent.
2. If elected, what would be your top two priorities to improve the student experience at Regis?
I'm leaving this senate session with some pressing priorities for next year. My first goal would be to address the Lot 5 parking issue; many of my constituents and peers have expressed dissatisfaction with the allotment of Lot 5 parking spots to the Youth Rapids teams. Most feel parking in Lot 6 should be enforced, as students only have Lot 5 for overnight parking. I would hope to organize a group of fellow senators, working in tandem with a member of the Executive Cabinet, to meet with Regis administrators to discuss an equitable and fair solution to this issue. My second goal would be to connect with VAVP and incorporate more programming throughout the year. I hope this connection brings me closer to my constituents while enabling opportunities for consistent projects. My final goal would be to continue the hard work of the Period Bill committee. We progressed much with our venture, and I am glad to work on the committee. Furthermore, I am excited to see the Bill fulfilled and the dispensers implemented.
3. In your opinion, how best can RUSGA serve the students of Regis University through Student Senate?
The Regis University Student Government Association has a unique opportunity to connect with the student population. Most students on and off campus have been made aware of RUSGA's involvement and look forward to the events sponsored and hosted by the organization. Due to this, I think RUSGA should continue fostering this close relationship with its constituents. Student Senate should aim to be a strong voice for their constituents, one that the Regis administration and the Executive Cabinet hear clearly. Senators should maintain communication, providing updates and asking questions as necessary. Our student population should feel that their representatives voice their concerns while providing tangible, positive change. Most importantly, the Senate should be transparent with their actions and pursuits; students should be encouraged by Senators to attend Senate meetings and ask questions of their representatives. Additionally, more tabling and engagement opportunities with Senators would promote Senate visibility, encouraging more trust in students' representation.
4. What skills and strengths do you possess that will help you to be successful in your position, if elected?
I am a very driven and focused individual. I have had experience participating in student government throughout high school, helping coordinate, prepare, and enact various community- and school-based projects. Additionally, I served as the Women's Identities senator for this last school year, acting as a member of the Period Bill committee. My verbal and written communication skills are stately and first-rate; I enjoy communicating with my constituents and peers. I am able to collaborate well with others, engaging in conflict resolution when needed to work towards a shared goal. I am well able to organize my thoughts when faced with a tough decision, allowing for a sense of adaptability when needed. Furthermore, I am interested in working on my weaknesses and improving my ability to represent my peers.
5. What job related, volunteer, or lived experience do you have that you think has prepared you for, or would transfer well, to this position?
My experience this past year is one I am more than grateful for. The Student Senate here at Regis is more involved and robust than anything else I could compare it to. Serving in Senate has taught me how to push my boundaries, meeting with students and faculty to discern how best I can aid my community. Truthfully, my experience working with the Period Bill Committee has best prepared me for the potential continuation of my Senate tenure. As a member of this committee, I have committed to serving my constituents in one of the most direct ways possible: providing access to menstrual care. Doing so has taught me lessons in responsibility and consistency as committee activities became my senator duties. Additionally, my experiences have furthered my passion for serving the Regis community; the success of this project inspires me to pursue even more while witnessing the continuation of the Bill's legacy. My experience as a senator has taught me much this first year, and I hope to continue with my commitments to our shared community.
Name: Gabrielle Davis
Academic Program/Degree: Criminal Justice
I am running for RUSGA Senator to represent: Black/African Diaspora.
1. Why are you interested in becoming a RUSGA Senator?
I am interested in becoming a RUSGA senator because I want to help students by providing a source of connection to real change for individuals and club organizations, furthering the mission of RUSGA.
2. If elected, what would be your top two priorities to improve the student experience at Regis?
If elected, my top two priorities to improve the student experience at Regis would be non-performative diversity, equity, and inclusion connection among the student body and igniting social change in our school, prioritizing the voices that often go unheard.
3. In your opinion, how best can RUSGA serve the students of Regis University through Student Senate?
In my opinion, RUSGA can best serve the students of Regis University through the student through listening to student concerns, advocate and support the needs of those student concerns (ex: lack of accessibility on campus), increasing connectivity, celebrating diversity experiences without performance, and providing a path of connection to resources (ex: increasing admin direct involvement) and solutions.
4. What skills and strengths do you possess that will help you to be successful in your position, if elected?
If elected, skills and strengths I possess that will help to be successful in my position are leadership, creativity, initiative, responsibility, teamwork, diversity, connectivity and compassion. I would use these skills not just to write bills and listen to student concerns, but also to advocate on behalf of students to make change.
5. What job related, volunteer, or lived experience do you have that you think has prepared you for, or would transfer well, to this position?
As a biracial female, I have experienced the joys of diversity and fears of exclusion; the reality for many is that the beauties of our diverse experiences do not always make us feel included on campus. However, it is because of these experiences that I can relate and advocate for those voices to cultivate an inclusive environment for all. Outside of my personal experiences, I have been the President of the Student Voice Leadership Committee in the JeffCO district, the Location Management Intern for McKinsey and CO, and co-president of my high school’s diversity club and GSA. These roles have allowed me to connect with various people and lead the way for positive, effective paths of change. This passion for helping people started when I was younger and I began volunteering at the local library and hospital. I loved seeing the look on people’s faces when I was able to assist them and the passion only grew from there. Additionally, at Regis, I've gained project management skills via a food drive initiative I led with UMIN and being a leader for the FY Connections Retreat. My ambitions and compassion have given me the opportunity to become a leader and take initiative which I will do in my role as senator. Given the wide variety of experiences and knowledge of diversity/equity/inclusion that I have been fortunate enough to gain, I would be grateful to apply them to the senator position through helping students on campus, creating positive change, and uplifting voices.
Name: Antonia Andricopoulos
Academic Program/Degree: Biology
I am running for RUSGA Senator to represent: Unknown.
1. Why are you interested in becoming a RUSGA Senator?
I think Senate is a great opportunity to help make changes for the student body and be available to help my fellow students with things they want from the school. I also love to be able to help support clubs and orgs in their journeys to host events and attend conferences.
2. If elected, what would be your top two priorities to improve the student experience at Regis?
To regularly hold senate office hours or table for students to be able to access us in easier manners if they can. Also, to assist with changing the appropriations process and help clubs and orgs understand the best and easiest way to apply for money and to get it.
3. In your opinion, how best can RUSGA serve the students of Regis University through Student Senate?
I think RUSGA can best serve by becoming more visible. The cabinet is super visible and available to everyone but it is harder to know who your senators are and what they can do to help you so having us be presented to students more at beginning.
4. What skills and strengths do you possess that will help you to be successful in your position, if elected?
I am a very organized and passionate person so if someone comes to me with a problem, I WILL enact a plan to make change happen as quickly as I can as well as loop in others who I think can really help.
5. What job related, volunteer, or lived experience do you have that you think has prepared you for, or would transfer well, to this position?
I also have years of experience in event planning and would be more than happy to help with the phases or needs of anything in leadership roles for different clubs and organizations here at Regis and outside. I was a senator last year so I believe I will be a crucial member as a returning senator. Additionally, I am a student ambassador for admissions on campus which has opened my eyes to what incoming students want and need but also be able to help me communicate with other students.