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2009-2010 ASUC Student Leaders
| Executive Officers |
| Will Smelko, President |
| Tu Tran, Executive Vice President |
| Dani Haber, External Affairs Vice President |
| John Tran, Academic Affairs Vice President |
| Hassan Khan, Student Advocate |
| Michelle Strausman, Office of the President Chief of Staff |
| Grace Shen, Office of the Executive Vice President Chief of Staff |
| Neha Hippalgaonkar, Office of the External Affairs Vice President Chief of Staff |
| Brian Jang, Office of the Academic Affairs Vice President Chief of Staff |
| Kelly Fabian, Student Advocate Office Chief of Staff |
Please go to asuc.org for more information about the ASUC student government. Click to view the Coalitions.
Senators
Huda Adem
Email: hadem@berkeley.edu
Class of 2011
Major: Interdisciplinary Studies Field
Priorities for 2009-10: 1. Add more prayer spaces. 2. Increase spiritual and mental health awareness. 3. Help coalition building. 4. Improve academic resources.
Hometown: San Jose, CA
Favorite thing about Cal: “the people!”
Parth Bhatt
Email: parthbhatt1@gmail.com
Class of 2011
Major: Political Science
Priorities for 2009-10: 1. Work across party lines, facilitate dialogue, and create bipartisan reform so that the Senate can actualize its complete potential as a legislative body. 2. Ensure that professional organizations on campus get the necessary funding and resources to succeed. 3. Get student input for the redevelopment of Lower Sproul and contribute to the redevelopment efforts. 4. Create cross-cultural dialogue between ethnically diverse groups on campus to help lower ethnic tension on campus.
Hometown: Northridge, CA
Favorite thing about Cal: Cal Football.”
Ariel Boone
Email: boone@berkeley.edu
Class of 2011
Major: Music, Political Science
Priorities for 2009-10: 1. Advocate for queer and women’s issues. 2. Increase student voter participation.
Hometown: Davis, CA
Favorite thing about Cal: “The fire trail in the hills behind Clark Kerr.”
Emily Carlton
Email: emilycarlton@asuc.org
Class of 2011
Major: Classical Languages
Hometown: Hanford, CA
Sandra Cohen
Email: sandra_cohen@berkeley.edu
Class of 2012
Major: Civil Engineering
Priorities for 2009-10: 1. Enrich engineering societies. 2. Increase on-campus safety. 3. Improve quality-of-life on campus.
Hometown: Los Angeles, CA
Favorite thing about Cal: “There’s always so much to do!”
Lean Deleon
Email: lean_de_leon@berkeley.edu
Class of 2011
Major: Peace & Conflict Studies
Priorities for 2009-10: 1. Work with student voices to help make the administration more transparent. < representative diverse, inclusive, an is campus our Ensure>, by increasing student outreach and recruitment so that the public makeup of California is represented in our public institution. 3. Develop interns so that they are able to get the most out of the ASUC and apply what they learned in the ASUC to other spaces in the Berkeley campus, either in student organizations or student life.
Hometown: Quezon City, Philippines and Alameda/Oakland, CA
Favorite thing about Cal: “>The communities that I have been involved in and have evolved in.”
Christopher Franco
Email: christopher.franco.m@gmail.com
Class of 2011
Major: Environmental Economics & Policy, Rhetoric
Priorities for 2009-10: 1. Bridge communities, in senator-to-senator, peer-to-peer, and student-to-administrator relationships. 2. Advocate and be visible for students by emphasizing student voice in residence halls and updating students on ASUC developments. 3. Institutionalize sustainability, through the Green Club Certification Program and the "I <3 Tap Water" campaign.
Hometown: Daly City/San Francisco, CA
Favorite thing about Cal: “Bowles Hall.”
Anish Gala
Email: abgala@berkeley.edu
Class of 2011
Major: Interdisciplinary Studies Field
Priorities for 2009-10: 1. Improve Greek relations by providing more representation and support, institutionalizing monthly meetings and open forums to facilitate dialogue between the ASUC and Greek Councils, and promoting the Greek Opportunity Fund to support events that need funding. 2. Enhance entertainment and student life at Cal by creating new large-scale annual events and traditions to bring the campus community together, like big concerts, showing movies, inviting prominent speakers, and supporting more culture shows. 3. Actualize the full potential of the Lower Sproul Redevelopment space to benefit all individuals and student groups by creating a more interactive atmosphere through creation of a bowling alley, performance space, and even student-run businesses.
Hometown: Yorba Linda, CA
Favorite thing about Cal: “The fact that Cal is a place where leaders are made.”
Jonathan Gaurano
Email: jongaurano@asuc.org
Class of 2010
Major: Rhetoric
Priorities for 2009-10: 1. Promote coalition building between student organizations by working with the AAVP to establish events that promote collaboration amongst student groups, and promoting fairness and equality in allocating resources to student organizations. 2. Increase faculty-student networking and help more students discover opportunities for academic and fieldwork research. 3. Increase awareness on mental health on campus and support students and organizations that advocate social justice for those with physical, learning, and psychological disabilities.
Hometown: Southern California
Favorite thing about Cal: “It is the Campanile, or the “Champ.” The Champ’s stoic nature to stand tall illuminates compassion, discipline, hope, and order amongst the chaos of life. He is reliable and trustworthy; on the hour – when his bell hits my eardrum – I jump with avid excitement because he fulfills my hedonistic desires. Every sound of the Champ reminds me that I am alive and must continue my day with ebullient energy! Oh, the Champ, how you make my day.”
Minji Kim
Email: kimm@berkeley.edu
Class of 2012
Major: Political Science, French
Priorities for 2009-10: 1. Be as accessible and transparent as I would expect from my student representative. 2. Work with various student groups to organize and sponsor projects that promote cross-community building to benefit a wide array of student populations. 3. Collaborate with existing student organizations to promote access and development of Asian Pacific Islander languages programs, through initiating and maintaining student-student and student-university dialogue. 4. Act as a liaison between the Office of Financial Aid and the student body, conducting specific and informational workshops to connect students with the appropriate aid they need to alleviate some of the financial burden of attending the university.
Hometown: Seattle, WA
Favorite thing about Cal: “Cal: where I first realized that life is too short to live a passionless day.”
Eunice Kwon
Email: eunicekwon@asuc.org
Class of 2011
Major: Asian American Studies
Priorities for 2009-10: 1. Defend diversity on campus. 2. Represent Christian organizations and communities. 3. Progress the API community.
Hometown: Pasadena, CA
Favorite thing about Cal: “There are so many people, yet it still feels like a pretty small place. Like when you are making a quick coffee run at 1 a.m., wearing a holey shirt and a socks and sandals combo, and you run into five people you know in the span of a couple blocks. Except I don’t like that. But I like that Berkeley feels small.”
Sam Lee
Email: samlee@asuc.org
Class of 2011
Major: Electrical Engineering Computer Science (EECS)
Priorities for 2009-10: 1. Strongly represent the engineering community in order to provide more resources that encourage collaborative programs, awareness of engineering achievements, youth outreach projects, and professional development services and events. 2. Secure funding and resources for new student groups and initiatives that are vital outlets for new ideas and visions on this campus. 3. Ensure the student body's interests are heeded and accounted for in the revitalization of the Lower Sproul area into a dynamic center for student life and campus activities.
Hometown: Monterey Park, CA
Favorite thing about Cal: “Its endless opportunities.”
Cynthia Nava
Email: cnava@asuc.org
Class of 2010
Major: Ethnic Studies, Political Science
Priorities for 2009-10: 1. Increase resources for economically disadvantaged students by working with the Vice Chancellor of Equity and Inclusion to advocate and secure an increase in financial aid resources, retention, and programming for AB540 students and other students across the spectrum. 2. Improve student safety on and off campus by increasing visibility and attendance at the UCPD Student Forums, building a responsive and approachable UCPD-student relationship that will ensure fair treatment for all students, and encouraging students to join the WarnMe System. 3. Ensure that crucial student spaces are not excluded in Lower Sproul Redevelopment, but enhanced; this includes a permanent space for the Multicultural Student Center and maintaining resources for the Student Learning Center which provides resources for athletes, EOP students, and students in want of tutoring.
Hometown: Escondido, CA
Favorite thing about Cal: “The opportunity to meet new people everyday and experience new activities.”
NhuNhu Nguyen
Email: nhunhu@gmail.com
Class of 2010
Major: South and Southeast Asian Studies, Integrative Biology
Priorities for 2009-10: 1. Establish 24-hour study space. 2. Increase public safety. 3. Increase multicultural community-building.
Hometown: Hayward/Union City, CA
Favorite thing about Cal: “The diversity on all levels of college life.”
Christina Oatfield
Email: christinaoatfield@asuc.org
Class of 2010
Major: Environmental Sciences
Priorities for 2009-10: 1. Open a student-run sustainable foods cooperative. 2. Work with administrators to establish a more socially and environmentally responsible investment policy for the UCB endowment. 3. Set high standards for health, sustainability, and cultural integrity among the Lower Sproul food service providers, and speak out against corporatization and undemocratic processes of our public university.
Hometown: San Francisco, CA
Favorite thing about Cal: “The eclectic nature of the people and campus activities; there’s always something interesting and important to take part in.”
Rahul Patel
Email: rahulrpatel@asuc.org
Class of 2011
Major: Ethnic Studies, Interdisciplinary Studies Field
Priorities for 2009-10: 1. Work to ensure that the humanities and arts receive adequate amounts of resources and respect by assisting in the establishment of student coalitions that will assess the current allocations of resources and fight to ensure them for various majors, departments, and fields of study. 2. Create and utilize accessible and affordable art performance and practice spaces on campus by maintaining contact and working with student groups and Cal Performances to meet student needs. 3. Increase student access to Lower Sproul Redevelopment by providing additional opportunities for providing input, and by prioritizing and demanding spaces for equity and inclusion in Lower Sproul.
Hometown: Corona, CA
Favorite thing about Cal: “Passionate people.”
Chaney Saephan
Email: chaneysaephan@asuc.org
Class of 2010
Major: Ethnic Studies, Social Welfare
Priorities for 2009-10: 1. Increase access to the ASUC and its resources so that student organizations can continue the essential work they do, both on campus and in the surrounding neighborhoods. 2. Work with the ASUC and departmental budget committees to advocate for the importance and need to fund struggling academic departments such as Ethnic Studies, Education, and Languages, and to ensure the recognition of such departments as vital to the diversity of knowledge in our campus. 3. Spread awareness of the social, political, and cultural diversity within the Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders (AAPI) communities, and increase collaboration between these groups in order to create an understanding of the different communities within the greater AAPI identity.
Hometown: Oakland, CA
Favorite thing about Cal: “The passionate and empowering student organizers that I have met through my three years at Cal.”
J.P. Shami
Email: jshami24@asuc.org
Class of 2011
Major: Political Economy
Priorities for 2009-10: 1. Increase collaborative student philanthropy. 2. Improve ASUC-Residence Hall relations. 3. Expand cultural resources.
Hometown: Lubbock, TX
Favorite thing about Cal: “The campus, the students, the student organizations, the random glimpses of the Bay on campus.”
Noah Stern
Email: noah_stern@berkeley.edu
Class of 2012
Major: Political Economy
Priorities for 2009-10: 1. Increase dining space and availability. 2. Strengthen Jewish community support and outreach. 3. Increase administrative accountability.
Hometown: Sherman Oaks, CA
Favorite thing about Cal: “Cal football, Go Bears!”
Viola Tang
Email: lean_de_leon@berkeley.edu
Class of 2012
Major: Undeclared
Priorities for 2009-10: 1. Provide opportunities for international students and initiatives to thrive and contribute to the Berkeley community. 2. Increase venues for intercultural understanding and exchange on campus, to facilitate dynamic interactions between different campus groups so that all students can benefit culturally, academically, and professionally. 3. Support and improve international academic opportunities, especially in International & Area Studies and API languages. 4. Build up resources for international professional development.
Hometown: Hong Kong
Favorite thing about Cal: “The energy from having people of all backgrounds and experiences come together."
Executives
Dani Haber
Position: External Affairs VP
Email: eavp@asuc.org
Class of 2010
Major: Mass Communications
Chief of Staff: Neha Hippalgaonkar, eavpchief@asuc.org
Hometown: Beverly Hills, CA
Favorite thing about Cal: "The people, the school spirit, and the unique culture (I can’t pick just one).”
Departments: City Affairs, State Affairs, National Affairs, Cal Lobby Corps, Internal Affairs
Office Description: The purpose of the ASUC Office of External Affairs is to represent the student body of the University of California, Berkeley to all off-campus entities that affect our student life. The office is dedicated to advocating on behalf of student’s rights and concerns on the UC system-wide, local, state and national level. The office is committed to promoting civic engagement and providing opportunities for students to actively participate in decision-making processes in which their voices should be heard. Through lobbying, political events and forums the office seeks to empower students to advocate on their own behalf, to raise political awareness on our campus, and to improve the overall educational experience of all students.
Hassan Khan
Position: Student Advocate
Email: advocate@asuc.org
Class of 2010
Major: Chemical Engineering
Chief of Staff: Kelly Fabian, saochief@asuc.org
Hometown: San Jose, CA
Favorite thing about Cal: “Jeff Tedford.”
Departments: Academics, Financial Aid, Conduct, Grievances
Office Description: The Student Advocate's Office -- effectively the campus public defender -- offers representation, help, and advice to any student or student group involved in a dispute with the University. We provide assistance for a broad variety of problems, including conduct violations, grade disputes, enrollment issues, financial aid problems, residency establishment, discrimination, and harassment. All assistance is free and confidential.
Will Smelko
Position: President
Email: president@asuc.org
Class of 2010
Major: Political Science
Chief of Staff: Michelle Strausman, opchief@asuc.org
Hometown: San Diego, CA
Favorite thing about Cal: “The opportunities to get involved in anything you put your mind to.”
Departments: Projects and Programs, Outreach and Internal Affairs, Policy Initiatives, Partnerships (Resources, Alumni, Financial), Commercial Development
Office Description: The purpose of the Office of the President is to be an effective advocate for the student body to insure that their voices are heard and their needs are met. The President develops innovative strategies to bring more resources to students and help sustain the wonderful student groups we have on this campus, and provides students with opportunities for success, involvement, and expression, overall, working to provide all students a great Cal experience.
John Tran
Position: Academic Affairs VP
Email: aavp@asuc.org
Class of 2010
Major: Business Administration, Political Science
Chief of Staff: Brian Jang, aavpchief@asuc.org
Hometown: Hanford, CA
Favorite thing about Cal: "The diverse, intelligent, and motivated individuals that make up Cal.”
Departments: Academic Programs, Academic Services, Internal Relations, Grants, Policy
Office Description: The purpose of the Academic Affairs Vice President office is to increase the accessibility of higher education and academic engagement to all students through student initiated academic programs and services, safeguard academic affordability, and implement academic policy. We build proactive and community-oriented leaders through a social, professional, and service network. The AAVP office continues to represent student voices and fight for new educational opportunities to enrich the scholastic experience here at Cal.
Tu Tran
Position: Executive VP
Email: evp@asuc.org
Class of 2010
Major: Bioengineering, Rhetoric
Chief of Staff: Grace Shen, evpchief@asuc.org
Hometown: Ban Thad, Thailand and Sacramento, CA
Favorite thing about Cal: “The chill people, saying ‘Go Bears’ at the end of every sentence, and all kinds of opportunities. Go BEARS!!!”
Departments: Student Resources (Resources Development, Student Services), Campus Outreach (Community Building, Campus Programming), Internal Affairs (Senate Affairs, ASUC Affairs)
Office Description: The Office of the Executive Vice President supports student organizing in all spheres. Offering financial and networking resources, leadership development, and empowerment opportunities, we strive to provide students an environment that allows them to create positive change in areas of their interests. We will revamp the ASUC’s infrastructure and modernize it by leveraging technology to provide for an efficient, effective, user-friendly, and transparent ASUC. We seek to increase resources for student leaders through collaboration with other campus departments to bring affordable, accessible space and all kinds of resources to support their endeavors. We work to build a more vibrant and inclusive campus community through collaborative events, coalition building, and engaging as many students as possible in major campus decisions, like Lower Sproul Redevelopment.
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