Meet Your Candidates for the 2026–2027 RUSGA Executive Cabinet 

POLITICSHUMANS OF REGISCAMPUS LIFE
Written By Regis Highlander

Voting for the 2026–2027 RUSGA Executive Cabinet is now open. The Executive Cabinet plays a critical role in representing the undergraduate student body, advocating for student interests, and guiding campus initiatives throughout the academic year. The Highlander is proud to present the candidates running to represent and advocate for you. 

 

Candidates for Student Body President 

Evelyn Dang

  • I am interested in running for Student Body President because I want to continue and expand the work I have been doing as Vice President of Social Justice and Diversity. My current role has allowed me to engage with critical issues and advocate for meaningful change, but there is still more work to be done, more students to reach, and greater opportunities for impact. As President, I would have a platform that reaches the entire student body and more opportunities to engage in direct, impactful, and intentional conversations with the administration.

  • If elected, my top two priorities for improving the student experience at Regis would be enhancing transparency between RUSGA, the school’s administration, and students as well as increasing student engagement. I want to enhance transparency because I know students often feel frustrated when they do not know what is happening on campus or why certain issues are not addressed. In my current roles on campus, I collaborate closely with administrators and staff to implement initiatives and coordinate events, which has given me insight into how decisions are made and how student voices can be amplified. I want to make this process more accessible so that students feel informed, heard, and included in the conversation. My second priority is increasing student engagement. Over time, I have noticed that students often stick to familiar groups or routines, which can create divides within the community. I want to encourage students to step outside their comfort zones, because that’s where meaningful connections and opportunities often happen. As Co-Director of the Programming Board, I have seen how events can bring students together and foster school spirit. I aim to ensure that students know about these opportunities and have a chance to provide input, so that these events are both enjoyable and reflective of what students want.  

  • RUSGA can best serve the students of Regis by truly representing their voices and experiences. Our role is to act as a bridge between students and the school administration by listening to concerns, understanding their needs, and advocating solutions through meaningful action. Serving students means fostering a campus environment that is safe, inclusive, and engaging, where everyone feels supported and connected. In my current roles, I have seen how important it is for students to feel that their voices matter and that their ideas can become reality. By prioritizing transparency, collaboration, engagement, RUSGA can help students feel empowered, heard, and fully included in shaping the Regis community. Ultimately, serving students means making Regis a place to learn, thrive, and belong. 

  • The skills and strengths that I possess that will help me be successful in this role are that I am an intentional and empathetic listener which allows me to understand students’ needs and concerns and represent them thoughtfully. Alongside that, I am confident in speaking up for what is right, ensuring that student voices are heard and that their needs are addressed in a timely and effective manner. I am also skilled at team building, having helped grow and lead the Programming Board team, and I understand how to bring people together, foster collaboration, and develop others’ leadership potential which are skills that are needed when leading an executive cabinet. Additionally, I hold multiple positions on campus, making me have firsthand experience with event planning, procedural operations, and helping others develop their skills.

  • I believe my experience as Vice President of Social Justice and Diversity and as Co-Director of the Programming Board has prepared me well for the role of Student Body President. As Vice President of Social Justice and Diversity, I have been serving on the RUSGA Executive Cabinet, which has given me a strong understanding of the everyday operations of student government, including policy discussions, collaboration across positions, and working directly with the school’s administration. This role has allowed me to advocate for students, navigate conflict, and contribute to decision-making that impacts the whole campus. As Co-Director of the Programming Board, I have gained leadership and organizational experience while overseeing an organization. This position has strengthened my skills in team leadership, communication, and delegation, while also teaching me how to support others in developing their own leadership abilities. Together, these experiences have equipped me with the knowledge, leadership skills, and perspective necessary to successfully serve as Student Body President and advocate for the student body at Regis.

 

Madden Clark

  • I want to create a campus where students feel they are welcomed, appreciated, and heard. This will be accomplished by bridging a path between students and administration and building trust with RUSGA and its values. I want to become a safe space where students believe they have power and opportunity and feel confident in their decision to make Regis their home. I would give my full effort to be a leader within the school and represent the Regis students as a whole.

  • If elected, my top two priorities to improve the student experience at Regis would be fostering an inclusive space where students feel comfortable sharing their opinions and increasing student engagement across campus. I want to ensure that all students feel heard, valued, and confident speaking up about their needs and ideas. Whether through open forums, feedback initiatives, or one-on-one conversations. In addition, I aim to engage the student body by creating more opportunities for connection and collaboration through events, activities, and campus-wide initiatives that bring students together and strengthen our sense of community. This should also include activities that help build lifelong friendships and support students in finding a community where they can have fun and belong.

  • RUSGA can best serve the students by providing a space for students to be advocated for. As RUSGA, we serve as the bridge between students and the Regis administration; therefore, it is our responsibility to care about the needs and wants of the students and take action. We must represent the school in a positive light whilst following through on our commitments and holding ourselves accountable. Being in a place of leadership allows me to take action and help in every way I can. RUSGA has a responsibility within this school, and it is my priority to make sure we act appropriately as an organization and make sure that students feel they are supported here at Regis.

  • I bring strong organizational and leadership skills that will help me be successful in this position. I am responsible and reliable, and I know how to delegate tasks effectively while still ensuring everything runs smoothly. I am also able to balance my academic responsibilities with my personal well-being, which allows me to stay consistent and dependable. Additionally, I have strong public speaking and communication skills, enabling me to represent students confidently and clearly. I value respectful confrontation and constructive feedback and am comfortable both giving and receiving feedback to ensure collaboration, growth, and positive outcomes. My skills also include being a facilitator of others, and as President, I can create space for many other students to participate.

  • My experience as a second and third year representative has given me a good understanding of student leadership and advocacy. Through these roles, I have participated in committees and worked collaboratively to address student concerns and contribute to decision-making processes. I understand the RUSGA processes, budgets, and legislation. Additionally, my lived experiences, studying abroad and living in Chicago, have strengthened my independence, adaptability, and time management skills. These experiences have helped me learn how to navigate new environments, balance responsibilities, and communicate with people from diverse backgrounds, all of which would transfer well to this position.

 

Candidates for Vice President of Representation

Ella Weed

  • I am interested in the VPR position because I care deeply about making sure students feel heard, respected, and meaningfully represented within RUSGA. I have been involved in RUSGA through the Senate for two years, and I have seen how student government decisions directly impact campus life. My main goal is to help ensure that those decisions are made through collaboration, transparency, and fair process. To me, this means creating space for open dialogue where all senators feel heard and supported, a space for clear communication about how and why decisions are made. When students understand the process and trust that their voices matter, student government becomes more effective and inclusive. Something I believe deeply in is that Representation is not just about holding a title; it's about listening, advocating, and following through. When leaders listen and act with intention, trust is built, and student government becomes a force for real change rather than just a formality. I want RUSGA and the Senate, specifically, to be places that students trust will address the issues they face. Feedback and transparency are the foundation of meaningful representation. Open communication builds trust and ensures that the student government remains approachable and responsive to the community it serves. I have learned that effective leadership means being organized while still being approachable and open to students. I believe the student government should be a space where students feel comfortable bringing forward ideas, concerns, and new perspectives. In my role as VPR, I am especially motivated to help senators feel supported in their roles, whether that means assisting with legislation, facilitating productive discussions, or building connections across campus organizations. As VPR, I would work to strengthen collaboration within the Senate, uphold the RUSGA Constitution, and ensure that student voices remain central to our work.

  • If elected, I would focus on strengthening communication and student feedback while making the student government more accessible to the entire Regis community. Student governments were created to center student voices, and my goal is to ensure that RUSGA does just that. I want students to feel heard, included, and confident that their input actually matters. Many students want to be involved or share concerns, but are unsure how to do so. I want to create clearer, more accessible ways for students to give feedback and stay informed about what the student government is working on. In the past, there has been a noticeable disconnect between RUSGA and the student body. Both parties want to communicate, but have not yet found a consistent way to do so. This year in the Senate, I helped establish the Outreach Committee to bridge that disconnect and bring the voices of the entire student body into each Senate session. If I’m elected, I would ensure this work continues and that student feedback is consistently incorporated into Senate discussions. It is very important to me that students are heard and valued, not ignored. Another key priority would be making the student government feel more approachable and relevant to all students. RUSGA should not feel intimidating or disconnected from everyday student life. Too often, it can feel distant from the rest of the student body, which discourages students from engaging. I want to help create a culture where students feel comfortable interacting with their representatives and see the student government as a resource that supports them. An environment that is welcoming, visible, and open to students from all backgrounds, majors, and levels of involvement. We have an opportunity to make the student government feel more approachable. When students feel comfortable engaging with their representatives, the student government works better and reflects students' actual needs.

  • In my opinion, RUSGA best serves Regis students by being approachable, transparent, and genuinely student-focused. Student government exists to represent student voices. The only way this can happen is through actively listening to students and creating accessible ways for them to share their ideas, concerns, and feedback. When students understand how decisions are made and feel confident that their input matters, trust in student government grows. RUSGA can also better serve students by staying connected to everyday student life. This means being visible across campus and collaborating with student organizations. At times, RUSGA can feel overlooked by the student body, which shows the need for stronger connection and engagement. Being visible ensures that decisions reflect the diverse experiences of the Regis community. RUSGA includes many voices, and greater visibility helps ensure those voices are heard across campus. Student government should feel like a resource and a support system rather than something distant or intimidating. Lastly, RUSGA serves students best by following through. Listening is important, but action is what creates change. By clearly communicating decisions and advocating for student needs, RUSGA can help students feel heard, valued, and empowered. It is important that students not only see what decisions are made, but also understand why they are made and how their feedback plays a role in the process. When the student government is accessible and responsive, it becomes a meaningful space for collaboration and positive change at Regis, where students feel encouraged to speak up and confident that their voices can lead to real impact.

  • I bring strong communication, collaboration, and organizational skills that will help me succeed in this position. In my role as VPR, this would help students feel comfortable sharing their ideas, concerns, and feedback. I value open communication in my personal life, and this carries over into my professional and leadership roles. I feel it is important that the VPR works to ensure people feel informed and included throughout the decision-making process. Being able to communicate effectively with students, cabinet members, and senators is key to being effective in this position. Through my involvement in student leadership, I have gained experience working with diverse groups and perspectives. This has helped me feel comfortable leading conversations, improving ideas, and keeping discussions productive. Another strength of mine is being dependable and organized, which will be essential in fulfilling the role of VPR. This role requires balancing several responsibilities while staying on top of my own schoolwork. I have consistently demonstrated my ability to manage a heavy workload by staying organized, prioritizing my time, and following through on commitments. Being reliable and organized allows me to meet expectations without sacrificing my academic responsibilities or mental health. I take pride in following through on commitments, as integrity is important to me. I am also comfortable with public speaking and confident in presenting to large groups. This is important for the VPR because the role involves leading Senate meetings and guiding discussion. With these skills and values, I am confident I can contribute positively and effectively as VPR.

  • I have a wide range of leadership, volunteer, and lived experiences that have prepared me well for the VPR role. For the past two years, I have served as the Anderson College of Business and Computing representative. This experience has given me firsthand insight into advocating for student concerns, communicating with administrators, and representing a diverse group of students within RUSGA. This role has also given me insight into how RUSGA operates and has allowed me to build strong relationships with faculty, staff, and fellow student leaders. This role has sparked a genuine passion for advocating for students and inspired me to seek further leadership roles within RUGSA. This role showed me how important it is to listen, communicate clearly, and follow through on student needs. In addition, I currently serve as Vice President of the Regis Pre-Law Society, where I help coordinate meetings and collaborate with other student leaders. Through this role, I have gained experience organizing events, running discussions, and working with students. I am actively involved in multiple RUSGA committees, which has given me a strong understanding of how the Senate functions and how collaboration across committees leads to more effective outcomes. My leadership experience began earlier as a high school class president, where I learned the foundations of representation and serving others. Beyond formal leadership roles, I balance a busy schedule that includes work, academics, student organizations, and maintaining strong personal relationships. Managing these commitments has strengthened my organization, time management, and reliability. Being highly involved on campus has helped me connect with students from many different backgrounds and better understand the experiences that shape student life at Regis. These experiences have prepared me to represent students thoughtfully, lead with empathy, and contribute effectively as VPR.

 

Ryan Cao

  • Serving the community is a value I hold close to my heart, and I recognize that the Vice President of Representation is a perfect vessel to express that selflessness. Through this position, I aim to connect with the greater student body by connecting with and guiding their student leaders: the Senators. It is through the collaboration of the Senate that we can best serve our Regis community, and I believe love is at the forefront of that. With the Jesuit values in mind, I hope to guide the Senate in a direction that is respectful, hardworking, and ultimately serves the greater good.

  • During my time as a Senator the past two years, I've received nothing but unconditional love and support, allowing me to feel comfortable and confident in myself and my work. Creating an energetic and hardworking environment was what motivated me to move forward, thanks to previous VPRs. As the Vice President of Representation, I aim to continue establishing this environment to ensure the success of all Senators. It is through the Senate that real chance occurs, and I hope that creating a safe and welcoming environment will help ground and improve the work Senators accomplish. Additionally, I hope to further establish the Senate's presence on campus, helping spread awareness on what Senate (and RUSGA) actually do. With so much fear and falsehoods today, I hope making the Senate a trustworthy and transparent institution will serve as a pillar for students, like me, who may feel a sense of uncertainty.

  • RUSGA serves Regis students best through outreach and representation. The Senate allows each student to voice their opinions and concerns to reach greater audiences, allowing complete freedom to enact quality change. Oftentimes, governments can feel isolated from and even opposed to their constituents. However, RUSGA is at its best when grounded in the people we serve, building genuine connections and listening to worries. It is through integrity and unity that we can overcome social issues that we face daily, and fostering relationships throughout campus is how we as a school can achieve that.

  • I strive to be productive and hard-working, and I'm the type of person who always wants to see projects to the end. Though dedication and commitment are things that I want to have daily, I also understand the importance of small successes and taking this one at a time. The Senate's timeline isn't linear, but I hope to at least make it positive. Also, I'm always down for anything fun, especially if it's a sweet treat. I try to be as creative as possible, and I sometimes want to test what I'm capable of. I'm open to any ideas and I try to seek new adventures every day. I believe having an open mind is valuable to being the Vice President of Representation, as listening to the Senate and fully hearing them out is essential for building a trustworthy connection. I also try to engage with others that allows them to fully express themselves without hesitation.

  • I hold many positions both on- and off-campus, which has helped me hone my service-mindset, leadership and communication skills, and heart. Being a student leader and retreat organizer in my youth group has helped me lead with stewardship, and I've become better at having heavier, deeper conversations about difficult subjects. Being a CDA this past year has helped remind me the uniqueness and raw strength that lies in each individual, and I believe in every single one of my residents. Living with strangers can be hard, but I believe I've helped foster some sense of community here at Regis. As a lifelong tutor, I've also cherished being able to help others grow and visualize others' paths, oftentimes making them my own. Being in leadership positions in various clubs and organizations throughout my life has helped test my creativity in event planning and coordination. These various experiences have helped me see how I can best lead others: through empathy, intention, and a commitment to serve first.

 

Candidates for Vice President of Academic Life

Valerie Vo

  • I am interested in this position because my leadership is rooted in academic excellence and student advocacy. As a commuter and first-generation student who has navigated the challenges of balancing work and academics, I offer insight, understanding, and urgency that I hope to share with the student body. Additionally, through my leadership positions on campus and experiences within the broader campus community, I have developed the skills and perspective that would allow me to serve and support the student body with genuine and integral intent. My main priority is to care for and support students throughout their academic journey, and I am committed to empowering every student to thrive. 

  • One of my priorities to improve student experience is building support for careers post-grad and internships. A common sentiment among college students today is that entry-level jobs and internships often require experience levels that are unrealistic for emerging professionals. Simply identifying the issue and expanding access to opportunities is a start, but it can only go so far. I am compelled to take the next step by creating realistic pathways, programs, and partnerships by connecting with alumni and faculty with their personal experiences getting into the professional world. These connections will ideally prepare students for their journey through undergrad and succession after graduation. Another key priority is ensuring that all students have access to the basic academic supplies they need to succeed. Many students face the stress of purchasing everyday items like notebooks, paper, pencils, and notecards, which can create unnecessary mental load in addition to their academic responsibilities. In this role, I will create a campus space where these basic supplies are freely available to any student. By reducing the financial and logistical burden of these essential items, this initiative will help students focus more fully on their learning while reducing the stress of a financial burden.

  • RUSGA can better serve Regis students by strengthening personal connections across campus. By simply being a friendly face around campus, students who are hesitant to join in on campus events would be more inclined to join. RUSGA should lean into creating an environment focused on connections and building familiarity within the student body. In doing so, we can build a community that is strong and engaged together. Additionally, centering student voices and experiences ensures that conversations and decisions are empathetic and respectful to the needs of the student body. RUSGA’s mission is to empower and advocate for the needs of all RUSGA students by recognizing and honoring the intersectionality of student experiences. It is our duty to fulfill this mission by centering our attention on the concerns, experiences, and voices of all students. Staying committed to our mission creates a campus community where every student is validated and cherished. 

  • The skills and strengths that will help me succeed as VP of Academic Life include organization, strong communication, the ability to stay on top of multiple responsibilities, and, above all, compassion. Logistically, I am well-versed in communication and organization which allows priorities to be accomplished proficiently. Importantly, alongside these skills is my ability to manage tasks proactively and maintain punctuality in meeting deadlines.  Through my many disciplines on campus and balancing work and school life, I have primed these skills that ensure initiatives are executed thoughtfully and successfully. However, my approach to leadership could not be defined only through logistics. These skills are centered around compassion with the intent to understand and advocate for others. Compassion drives me to build connections with a wide range of students and make decisions empathetically that improve students’ academic life. I look forward to using my strengths centered on efficiency and humanity to create a larger impact on the student experience. 

  • At Regis, I serve as the Lead Commuter Assistant, Senator of Regis College for RUSGA, and a member of the Guatemala Interfaith Medical Program. Each position has challenged me to advocate for student needs, work closely with peers and faculty, and lead with empathy and purpose. One experience that reflects my leadership was organizing and fundraising for the Guatemala Interfaith Medical Service Program in collaboration with the Commuter Assistants program. Through this collaboration, I raised awareness of the medical program's mission to work alongside and expand medical access for underprivileged communities of Coban, Guatemala. Simultaneously, the fundraising efforts brought together students, staff, and faculty to enjoy treats together through shared connection and support. One of the responsibilities the VP of Academic Life upholds is supporting programming that strengthens academic engagement while promoting inclusive communities that enhance the overall student experience. I am committed to advancing these goals through collaboration, advocacy, and student-centered leadership. Outside of campus, I am a student research assistant at the CU Anschutz Medical Campus. In this role, I regularly collaborate with individuals from diverse academic backgrounds, career paths, and lived experiences, ranging from undergraduate students to medical professionals and researchers. Engaging with people pursuing different professional goals has strengthened my ability to communicate across disciplines, listen actively, and understand the varied academic pressures and aspirations students face. These conversations have given me a deeper appreciation for the diverse challenges and aspirations students carry, and they inform how I would support academic life at Regis by advocating for inclusive, accessible resources that meet students where they are and help them thrive.

 

Candidates for Vice President of Social Justice and Diversity

Benicio Vargas

  • I believe Regis University is one of the most inclusive and supportive Jesuit schools. In an effort to support undocumented, international, and Native American students, Regis has become a truly community-based institution. I want to encourage students to meet new people and pursue any interests they are passionate about on campus. By fostering this environment, we can help everyone find lasting fulfillment during their time at Regis. Social justice work has never been more vital and urgent than it is today. I want every student at Regis to feel a sense of belonging and to appreciate the diverse backgrounds, stories, personalities, and cultures that make up our community. This shared understanding will help Regis stand out by creating a strong sense of belonging and purpose. My aim is not to divide the student body, but to build on existing policies, coordinate events across various programs, and host spiritual and experiential retreats that reflect Jesuit values.

  • First, I will emphasize creating inclusive social events, both 18-plus and 21-plus, that bring students together across backgrounds, identities, and interests. Regis should be a place where everyone feels genuinely welcomed and connected, never pressured into activities that make them feel unseen or excluded. We should host a wide variety of on-campus events focused on cultural appreciation, community service, and student-led initiatives. These activities will foster school spirit and help ensure a safe, respectful, and welcoming environment for all. Second, I will focus on leveraging my strengths to increase student involvement by partnering with charities and non-profit organizations. By integrating service opportunities into campus life, students will actively engage in meaningful experiences that embody Regis’ mission and values. Through these efforts, students will be empowered to create positive change while discovering fulfillment in meaningful, purpose-driven experiences.

  • RUSGA needs to accommodate Regis students by making them feel seen, heard, and valued, regardless of their background. That’s why I believe it’s essential to celebrate and support the diversity on campus by embracing students’ backgrounds, cultures, and unique perspectives. My goal is to help create an environment where everyone feels encouraged to join clubs and programs, ensuring no one feels left out or overlooked. We can create a more inclusive environment regardless of social class, skill level, or experience; everyone deserves to feel a part of a community.

  • My time at Brophy College Preparatory instilled in me the importance of being a man for others. In this position, I aim to lead with authenticity, compassion, and a deep appreciation for diversity. I pride myself on being observant and recognizing each person’s unique strengths and limitless potential. My goal is to help every individual thrive and feel valued within our community. Ever since I was a child, I have yearned for connection; no matter who I disagree with or where someone comes from, I always listen to people and afford them the dignity and respect they deserve.

  • Over the past year, I have served as an Engaged Scholar Activist, working closely with the Center for Service Learning. As Student Coordinator for the Spanish-English Exchange Program (SEEP), I meet weekly with my assigned family, learning from their history, culture, and traditions, and witnessing their resilience as they work toward building a future in the United States. My involvement extends beyond SEEP, as I have participated in numerous service projects and experiential learning opportunities. I've worked with organizations and nonprofits such as Andre House of Hospitality and St. Vincent de Paul, and have led the Phoenix Aquatics Program, where I taught swimming to children from low-income families for over five years. These experiences have prepared me to support the Regis community wholeheartedly. I am ready to embrace this role and live my purpose, even as I continue to discover and grow.

 

Check your Regis emails for the link to cast your votes. Be sure to vote soon, elections close on Thursday, February 26th, at 11:59PM. 

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