President

Justin Vanderglas

I have experienced success as president in another student organization in which I grew paid membership from zero to over thirty, frequently interacted with faculty and other administrative staff, created various officer positions and coordinated the tasks which they were responsible for, scheduled each meeting, organized a year end banquet, and transferred leadership of the club to the president.
I have a working knowledge of how GSA operates through my involvement with the organization last year.
I have a flexible work schedule that allows me to be available for any need that arises regarding graduate students or the organization as a whole.
I will be a graduate student two more years which will aid the current problem of officer turnover the organization has faced over the past few years.
I have experience related to development and implementation of a strategic plan which will be impactful in determining where the organization is heading, and how it will achieve its goals.
I will be committed to helping GSA further enhance Xavier’s reputation through the proper and effective communication of ongoing events that aid graduate students in further enhancing their community and professional relationships.

Dimitri Yatsenko, CPA

Having recently received an undergraduate degree from Xavier University and returned to Xavier for an MBA, I am in a unique position to address the concerns of Xavier’s graduate students. The Xavier community has become my home over the years that I have spent in the Xavier family as a student, employee, and currently graduate student and graduate assistant.
During my undergraduate studies I was one of the founding officers of the Beta Alpha Psi chapter at Xavier, having worked with several founding officers to create a local presence of this honorary student organization on Xavier campus.
The Certified Public Accountant designation confirms my qualification and ability to effectively apply the accounting knowledge to given problems creating optimal solutions.
I bring real world work experience to the President position. During my 2 years at a Big Four public accounting firm I have applied the accounting skills learned at Xavier to real world clients, problems, and projects every day. Having worked in a public accounting firm, I was exposed to many new methods, skills, and approaches to problems faced by a diverse group of clients, who ranged from a small business owner to a large publicly traded company and from a non-profit entity to a high net-worth individual.
I have demonstrated the possession of required breadth and depth of the accounting knowledge through the professional certification and work experience as well as leadership skills through my role as a founding officer of the BAP; I am best qualified to serve in as the President on the Graduate Student Association.

Hillary Restle

I believe that I would be an excellent candidate for the office of GSA President for a variety of reasons, all of which are outlined below. From my extensive professional and voluntary experience, I have developed what I believe to be a unique skill-set tailored to the duties and responsibilities of leading the Graduate Student Association.
Extensive leadership history in professional and collegiate organizations:

Vice President/Personnel Chairman- Chi Omega Sorority, President/Vice-President/Secretary- University of Louisville Polo Team, Laboratory manager/Fundraising Chairman/Education Coordinator- Wood Hudson Cancer Research Laboratory

An understanding in group advocacy and effective negotiating

I served at the primary outreach coordinator of education and public support at Wood Hudson Cancer Research Laboratory. This included rally support, recruiting volunteers, and education regarding our mission and objectives. All of these skills I believe are helpful in advocating for the needs and concerns of graduate students on Xavier’s campus.
Through both my professional and collegiate experiences, I have had extensive experience in negotiating, collaborating, and communicating. These skills are vital in achieving results, especially considering the nature of University infrastructure.

Passion for improvement and expansion of program

The GSA at Xavier University offers graduate students a wide variety of opportunities and avenues for involvement. As the President of this organization, I would be able to exercise my passion for incorporating new ideas and recruiting more involvement from students on campus.
Keeping in mind that graduate school involves different challenges and experiences than undergraduate education, I believe my skills in process improvement and efficiency will also facilitate maximal involvement at the most convenience for graduate students.

Demonstrated proficiency in interpersonal skills and team-work

I have much experience in mentoring as well as team leadership that would facilitate the necessary collaboration to introduce new policies, programs, and initiatives as well as those existing.

Saad Jaka

My name is Saad Jaka. I am a MHSA/MBA student at Xavier University and I am asking for your vote. I am running for President of the GSA and feel that I am the right person for the job. My skill sets will help me serve Xavier University’s Graduate students well. What follows are three skills that I believe will allow me to succeed.
Leadership: As President, I will need to make decisions and put forth an agenda to best serve the Graduate Population. In this regard, I have a lot of experience. I am able to prioritize and place emphasis on what is important and what is feasible. My time running a restaurant has allowed me to develop these skills. I know how to get things done and put them in our favor. As President, I will do my best and be a strong voice for the Graduate population.
Innovation: The Presidents needs to be creative. When pressed with a problem sometimes a unique approach is required. I am a firm believer in this and have seen this thought process pay off. For example, I created a video game to help demonstrate the value of a not-for-profit. This method allowed me to win over a tech heavy crowd and secure funding. By bringing an innovative mindset, I will address the needs and concerns of the Graduate students and be able help Graduate Students, and Xavier University.
Personal Likeability: Being able to relate and listen to people is a key role for President. The President will be the one that has to go out and get the feel of the Graduate population and the student body as a whole. I have always placed an emphasis on getting to know people outside of my discipline and background. Doing so, has allowed me to get a rich flow of ideas. This will help me converse and negotiate with people who may be unwilling to work with the GSA.
I humbly ask you to vote for me as GSA President. With my skills, I will be a megaphone for the Graduate Students and help make our lives and the University Better

Vice President

David Wagner

Graduated from the University of Kentucky in 2012 with degrees in B.S. Accounting and B.B.A. Finance in 2012
Four-year member of the Phi Delta Theta Fraternity holding positions such as ‘Social Chairman’ for two years where I accurately managed and maintained a yearly budget of $60,000.
Through my experiences with the Phi Delta Theta Fraternity, I have understood and exemplified the rules and expectations that it takes to have success on an executive board.
I believe that I am a great fit for the position of ‘Vice President’ because of my ability to lead while cooperatively working with others, my ability to serve as the liaison between the GSA and all graduate students, and my ability respond to the needs of all graduate students.
If you have any questions or comments please contact me at Wagnerd@Xavier.edu

Hannah Kramer

Passion and potential: I see a significant amount of potential within Xavier University’s graduate student community for improvement. Unfortunately, there is a large disconnect between programs and a lack of unity. I have a passion for developing interdepartmental relationships among Xavier’s graduate student s and bridging the existing gaps.As GSA’s vice president, I will assist the president, participating faculty, program representatives and the graduate student population in building a strong tight-knit network in order to catalyze change at Xavier University.
As GSA’s vice president, I will assist the president, participating faculty, program representatives and the graduate student population in building a strong tight-knit network in order to catalyze change at Xavier University.
Diversity: As a MHSA/MBA student, I see the importance of building relationships in both programs. However, I feel the relationships we build outside of our own programs are the ones that count the most. The opportunity to effectively work on a team with people outside of our comfort zones is unique to graduate students and not seen in many universities.
As VP of GSA, I realize graduate students also have a much different lifestyle and set of responsibilities than undergraduate students. It is equally important to embrace those differences and schedule events that fit the needs of the graduate student community.
Volunteer and Leadership experience:

Projects: In undergrad at Ohio State University, I led multiple group projects that required advanced communication skills, as well as, efficient strategic planning proficiency. For example, I developed and designed an app that consists of a rewards program for performing household chores. From this, I learned how to effectively work with students from completely different backgrounds, as well as, transfer my excitement to potential team members.
Health Services Administration Student Connections Program: I also serve as a mentor to an undergraduate student in the BSHSA program by providing advice on professional development.
College Mentors for Kids: I mentored an elementary school student by engaging in weekly activities that foster community and empowerment while emphasizing the importance of higher-level education.

Lisa Peterson

Before coming to Xavier, I was a branch manager for a car rental company. I was a manager for about two years and when I left the company to attend Xavier, I had three people reporting to me. My experience taught me how to direct and lead teams, support the regional manager, and meet and follow through on business deadlines. This often required setting up meetings with local businesses to discuss their needs, following up both in person and through e-mail, and on occasion the company required my help in creating events for the public. These skills can be directly applied to the Vice President position as I support the President in meeting and following through on deadlines, helping to lead the board, and planning and carrying out events.
In addition to my managerial experience, I am well organized and know how to balance school and other responsibilities (such as jobs and committees), and I know I can handle the duties required from the position of Vice President.
Finally, I firmly believe in maximizing the learning and development opportunities for graduate students in the Xavier community in order to provide the greatest chance of success after graduation and to continue the tradition of excellence of the graduate programs.

Treasurer

Niles Lingard

As a first year student in Xavier’s Clinical Psychology Doctorate Program I am committed to making a significant contribution to our university’s graduate programs over the four years I will be a student here.
I have demonstrated this commitment by contributing to GSA meetings and becoming an active member of the Academic Research and Conference Fund Committee (headed by the GSA treasurer) reviewing requests for financial assistance for research and conference expenses.
Before returning to graduate school, I spent 4 years working as a Financial Analyst, which provided me with ample experience creating and managing budgets.
Finally, I am a solid team player and will work with my fellow GSA officers, students and administrators to help provide a positive graduate school experience for all of us.

Pamela Phillips

Student in Xavier’s Masters Occupational Therapy Program
I have successfully budgeted house hold finances for a family of 5
Worked as an assistant Bookkeeper
Also worked as an Accounts Receivables Rep.
I believe I have the demonstrated skills, knowledge and characteristics that a position of this nature requires.

Heena Parvez

I am currently a first year graduate student in Health Services Administration (MHSA). I would like to represent our student community as a Treasurer in the GSA team. As a potential treasurer, my key responsibilities would be: conducting financial transactions, budgeting for the school year, keeping a record of the financial status of GSA and reporting it to the executive committee.
I have a graduate degree in management and have worked with a bank for nearly two years. In my role as a product and process manager at the bank, I was involved in analyzing profitability of products and budgeting for resources to be allocated for development and improvement of products and processes.
Currently, I serve as a member of the Academic Research & Conference Fund (ARCF) Approval Committee in GSA.
I chaired the community service committee in my graduate school. One of my responsibilities was to budget for the activities conducted by the committee.
I was involved in several projects to improve on-campus processes and activities in my graduate school. Budgeting and financial reporting for these projects was a part of my responsibilities. I also co-signed with the treasurer to conduct financial transactions for these projects.
Apart from these roles, I led various teams (promotions, logistics, creative) in the annual festivals held in my graduate and undergraduate schools and was responsible for maintaining records for the finances involved.
The role of a treasurer involves a lot of responsibility and I assure you all that I will put my best foot forward in accomplishing the required goals. I will ensure that the GSA funds are utilized in the best manner possible to benefit our student community. I look forward to your support and will greatly appreciate your vote. Thank you!

Secretary

Megan Higgins

As an undergraduate student, I had the opportunity to serve as Vice President Operations of my Sorority (Kappa Delta), President of Student Alumni Association, and Vice President of Psychology Club. I believe these positions will help me in my journey as the next Secretary for GSA.
I am an organized, on task leader, who is great with time management. I understand the responsibility of being a leader and will do my best to fulfill the duties of secretary.
As Vice President Operations of Kappa Delta, it was my job to keep the event calendar updated, keep track of minutes during meetings, make sure other leaders stayed on task, and make sure our sorority was well organized. I believe that those responsibilities will help me be a well-organized Secretary for GSA.

Bryce Hansell

I have internship experience communicating client needs to management, which I feel directly relate to the work I would be doing in bringing students' needs and concerns to GSA.
As an Industrial-Organizational psychology Master's candidate, I feel as though I could bring organizational strategy and planning ideas to the committee.
After going through the process of applying for conference funding, I would like the opportunity to be a part of the allocation process as well as seek out additional funding opportunities for students.
As an undergraduate, I never felt like I had a real voice at the university. It is my hope that GSA will provide me will an opportunity to make a real difference a be a voice for my classmates.
I feel as though I would successfully communicate current issues, activities, and events to my fellow graduate students, giving them a sense of inclusion among graduate programs.

Nicole Sanders

I am interested in helping the GSA further enhance Xavier’s reputation through the proper and effective communication of ongoing events and activities that aid graduate students in further enhancing their professional and community relationships.
Previously I worked as an assistant to a professor at Kent State University where I learned valuable secretarial skills and the significance of obtaining and relaying important and confidential information along with organizational skills.
Also, by being a graduate student and working in the psychology department with graduate students for 2 years I am committed to the importance of academic support, dispersing information and improving the life of graduate students.

Saphir Niakadie

As an administrative intern at Upper Allegheny Health System, I learned to stay very organize and improve my business writing through:

Taking minutes at board meetings and assisting in Request For Proposal writing for the organization.
Organizing and scheduling meetings for projects
Preparing business material and presentations for Medical staff and manager meetings.
Handling confidential information
Weekly reports to the President/CEO

My interest involve cooking, reading painting and spending time with family.