Freshmen campaign in senate elections

By Alex Garrison

Tuesday, September 8, 2009

Voting for freshman Student Senate positions opens at 6 a.m. today and runs until 10 p.m. Voting will continue again tomorrow from 6 a.m. to 5 p.m. Freshmen can vote online by following a link from the University’s homepage. Winners will be announced at 6 p.m. tomorrow in the Kansas Room in the Kansas Union. There are 17 candidates running for five open positions.

Below is information contributed by the candidates.

Gabe Bliss

Hometown: Olathe

Major: Civil engineering

I’m Christian-raised from Olathe and a sibling of three. I have been a varsity team captain, student government member and a volunteer. I am a part of the National Honor Society and also the International Honor Society. As a senator I hope to promote multiculturalism and equality on campus.

Noopur Goel

Hometown: Overland Park

Major: Journalism, Pre-med

I am a graduate of Blue Valley High School and am currently Oliver Hall vice president, a member of the ultimate Frisbee team and a dancer at Naratan Dance Academy. I am running for freshman representative because I wish to represent the opinions of all those in the freshman class.

Briton Heck

Hometown: Overland Park

Major: Undecided

Graduate of Blue Valley North High School where I ran cross country and played guitar in the jazz band, I have interacted with many different groups of people. I am pledging Phi Delta Theta, where I live. I am also an Eagle Scout, which taught me about leadership, discipline, loyalty and hard work. I am on the University Affairs committee where I serve on the Multi-Cultural Education Fund.

Taylor Klauber

Hometown: Evanston, Ill.

Major: Undecided

I was born in Lawrence, moved to Irvine, Calif., and now my bed is in Evanston, Ill. At each school I attended I was involved in many clubs. Most recently I was secretary of Students Against Destructive Decisions. Often we had to talk to the faculty to decide where funds would go and speak to fellow classmates. I am positive I can excel as one of your student senators because of my social, financial and public speaking skills.

Michael Laverty

Hometown: Manassas, Va.

Major: Political science

I was born in Kansas City while my family was living out here, but I have been around the world as an Army brat. I want to both help my fellow Oliver Residents by representing them in the Student Senate and gain experience in college politics.

Christine Lee

Hometown: Omaha, Neb.

Major: Microbiology

Christine is a freshman candidate who is in Alpha Chi Omega and also a member of the KU Blood Drive Committee and Pre-Med Club. She is a team player but can easily lead a group. She is high-spirited and energetic. She would love to be one of your student senators.

Joshua May

Hometown: Deerfield, Ill.

Major: Political science

Joshua May is running to protect the rights of KU students just like he did in high school where he served as president of his school’s law club. He has worked on two congressional campaigns. If elected, Joshua will be an effective advocate for KU freshmen.

Adam Miklos

Hometown: Hutchinson

Major: Political science

I am running for Student Senate to let the voice of the freshman class be heard. I fully intend to represent my class and protect the rights that previous freshmen have enjoyed. I will bring to the senate four years of participation in debate and forensics, the ability to handle numbers after being the financial chair for my high school Young Democrats Club, and an unmatched skill in duels. I am somehow related to Aaron Burr and have been to Mexico, which means I have more foreign policy experience than Sarah Palin. With your help I would love to be your freshman senator.

Chase Neill

Hometown: Green Forest, Ark.

Major: Pre-med/Biochemistry

With an extensive history of political involvement, I believe myself to be more than qualified for this honor. Having served the Arkansas House of Representatives and Senate multiple times, being an Eagle Scout, and aiding in a campaign for the Arkansas Attorney General position, my experience is entirely professional.

Alex Rippberger

Hometown: Olathe

Majors: Biology and political science

In high school I strove to be a student leader. I served on student council as an executive board member and treasurer, and as president of debate and forensics for two years. I listened to the student body and instead of making promises; I acted on their words while I was in office.

Javon Shackelford

Hometown: Salina

Majors: Finance and French

I am extremely excited to have the opportunity to be the next freshman student senator. If elected I promise to serve to the best of my ability and serve as a catalyst for change and efficiency. I will also make sure that the freshman class voice is heard. If at any time you have questions, or concerns please don’t hesitate to stop me.

Kiley Sheehy

Hometown: Rochester, Mich.

Major: Pre-pharmacy

I was born in Kansas City, Kan., on March 15, 1991. I’ve lived in North Carolina, Georgia, Texas, Kansas, Washington, Washington, D.C., and Michigan. I attended Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology and love with all my heart the Kansas Jayhawks! I enjoy cake decorating and long walks on the beach.

Matthew C. Siler

Hometown: Overland Park

Major: Undecided

I attended Blue Valley Northwest High School, where I wrestled, played football and threw javelin. I am an Eagle Scout. I am running for Student Senate because I have excellent leadership capabilities and a work ethic that will allow me to complete the tasks and responsibilities that I am assigned.

Rebecca Stout

Hometown: Chapman

Major: Cognitive psychology

I want to represent the class of 2013 by serving on Student Senate! I was student council president senior year, and served on student council all through high school, so I am very familiar with student government and the way it works. I’m super fun, friendly and would greatly appreciate your vote! Have no doubt, vote for Stout!

Kenneth Betz, Christina Beynon and Morgan Rainey are also running for a freshman senator position but were unable to provide information for this story.

— Compiled by Alex Garrison

— — Edited by Nick Gerik

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