Candidates

Hi, My name is Antoine Byers, and I am running to be elected for sga Class of 2028 President. I have been involved in student government for the past 7 years, starting my journey in middle school. If elected to the Class Council, I aim to organize events and activities to foster a stronger sense of community and boost the overall morale for our first year at the University of Rochester. If given the opportunity, I will work with other departments within student government such as Campus Life and upperclassmen representatives to help create not just a strong community among first-year students but also with upperclassmen. There are a lot of things that we can learn from each other. I plan on hitting the ground running and not wasting any time, working on ways to improve my fellow students’ social lives because I am passionate about serving my fellow students and creating a better campus life.

Class of 2028!

Starting college is an exciting journey full of new challenges and opportunities. As we dive into academics, it’s crucial that we also take time to enjoy our college experience and build lasting connections. That’s where I hope to come in!

I’m running for Class Council with a passion for creating memorable and engaging experiences for us all. My goal is to organize events that bring us together and celebrate our diverse backgrounds and interests.

I want to be your point person—someone you feel comfortable talking to, and who is committed to putting in the time and effort to enhance your experience. By listening to your ideas, I aim to work with my fellow Class Council members to create exciting new events and traditions like Culture Days, International Food Festivals, and maybe even spirit weeks right here on campus. These events will be fun and provide us with opportunities to learn from and about each other.
I’m also excited to preserve U of R traditions and help us, as new YellowJackets, develop a strong sense of home and belonging within our community.

By electing me to the Class Council, you’re choosing someone dedicated to enhancing your college life, preserving cherished U of R traditions, and creating new ones.And you’re choosing someone who will not make empty promises, but who still hopes to push the boundaries to make this the best freshmen year!
Let’s make our time here enjoyable and meaningful—together!

Thank you for your support!

Hey Class of 2028! I’m Ava Chieffo, and I’m excited to run for Class Council! I want to ensure our college experience is fun and impactful, but how will I do that? Here are my thoughts:

– Community: I’ll work to strengthen our ties within and beyond the campus by fostering various, inclusive activities and partnerships with organizations, enriching our college experience and making a positive community impact.
– Improved Transparency: Communication is key and I want an open dialogue between students and council. Having me in council will provide you a direct line to reach out and shoot me ideas via insta/snap no matter the time. Feel free to send ideas; I’m excited to hear them all! I’ll take surveys to gather feedback so council reflects what you want to see.
– Sustainability: Let’s champion a greener city! I’ll advocate for sustainable practices such as cleaning up the nearby area, recycling programs, and garden projects, to reduce our environmental footprint.
– Wellness: College life is draining from the new environment, to the people, classes, and rollercoaster of emotions. I’m committed to enhancing mental health resources and providing an outlet and safe space for us through things like support networks.
– Campus Engagement: I’ll bring events that cater to diverse interests— festivals, career panels, and wellness workshops. My goal is to create inspiring, inclusive, activities.

Let’s make UofR and our experience here the best possible! Vote Ava Chieffo for Class Council to ensure you have a voice and role in our school community! Cheers!

As a candidate for Class Council, I am not running on any specific platform. Rather, I am running on the basis of being a link between the Student Association and the rest of the student body. I believe that as the newest class to the University of Rochester, it is important that we have someone that can bring the wants and ideas of the student body to life. I can be that link. I can be the person that brings the voices of the student body to life. I think it is important to hear the voices of people who have a diverse set of goals and put their wants into action. Class of 2028, vote for me to be your person and to represent you on Class Council. Meliora!

In Class Council I will plan events that are fun an meaningful to the community. I strive to get the student body involved and feel included on this campus. My experience in past positions and planning ensures that I can create events and programs helpful to the needs of the people.

Hey, Class of 2028!
I hope everyone’s first few weeks of classes went well!

To introduce myself, I’m Nadia Sewell, a first-year student from Baltimore, Maryland with an intended Major in Biomedical Engineering. I’m so glad to announce my candidacy for the Class Council position, as I’m excited to share and build many creative and fun ideas amongst my peers! I’m truly dedicated to expanding the many enjoyable spaces on campus to help strengthen our journey as first-year students. In addition, I want to create more accepting and comfortable spaces for the Class of 2028 to help build a sense of belonging and community. As a potential member of the Class Council, I strongly believe that it’s significant to strengthen the connections between each other and ensure that we are consistently learning and growing from one another. As we unite, we can create an Ever-Better community at the University of Rochester!

Class of 2028, I am a first-generation student, published poet, and long-term environmentalist. Like many of you, this place is still a big world to explore. Walking the paths to me are roads of opportunity with the scent of ambition. We made it, we are the next generation with proven worth to walk in this sunlit greenery. Strolling these halls, I can not help but wonder: “What does a student need to become their best version of themselves?” Well obviously, we need the best support through new programs to improve our stay here. If I am elected for Council, I promise to improve student dining experiences to ensure student nutrition. I intend on installing composting for our dining hall food waste so that students feel more comfortable with trying new foods. This implies more community engagement while making a difference. I promise to improve community strength by enhancing student relations through the creation of a potential tradition: “Haunted Halls”, with each building converted into a theme. Students could work towards this event that provides an opportunity to connect with each other as they explore. I wish to introduce another tradition that promises better academic performance: “The Spring Bling”, a concert where all can come together to reward themselves for all their hard work, meaning less burnout. With endless ideas, I will make our future so bright, shades will be necessary. As students strive for Meliora, I will strive for Meliora.

Hey! Wassup everyone. My name is Yuanzhe Cui but many of you guys know me as RJ. I am a freshman here at U of R and I am passionate about building a strong community and fostering school spirit. Through high school, I was a class officer for 3 years. I planned various events and ensured my class had a memorable experience. I helped raise over $50,000 through various fundraisers to help fund events like senior picnic, prom, homecoming, etc. I believe in open communication and collaboration, and I’m committed to making your voice heard. Together, we can better our university experience, thank you for your support!

I have always strived to bolster an encouraging and transcendent community. I have been the strategic planner, keeping everyone on track and focused on the task at hand. A determined hard worker, I have committed to volunteering around Cleveland with over 100 hours of service. From my experience, I am a dependable role model who can demonstrate the same ardent commitment as a member of the Class Council with veracity.

1. The Pumpkin Roll: THis is an event that was first started in Chagrin Falls, Ohio. During Halloween, you could either get a pumpkin that would be donated from the greater Rochester area or buy your own. The one who rolls their pumpkin the fastest/longest wins a cash prize. Afterwards, you can go sledding down the gooey mess and enjoy some pumpkin pie with a nice glass of warm cider.

2. Off-Campus Events: For fun events, I want to organize laser tag at LASERTRON near the Marketplace Mall and possibly an escape room competition. I also want to sponsor volunteering events within the greater Rochester area, like at InterVol, which repurposes unused medical supplies.

3. Taskmaster UR: Taskmaster involves a group of comedians aiming to complete certain challenges set by the Taskmasters. My overarching goals would be to hold the show at the theater and be open to the entire undergraduate community, but at the very least I can post tasks via Instagram, and my team would judge submissions and award prizes.

Hi! I’m Sam and I’m from Westchester, New York. I’m majoring in philosophy, am on the debate team at U of R and I’m super excited to get involved on campus!
If elected, I aim to increase communication between the class council and students, ensuring that every student is able to contribute to student life on campus. I’d like to open an online form where peers can suggest things to our class council. I would also facilitate in-person meetings where any member of the class of 2028 can contribute to the class council’s efforts by forwarding ideas for new or upcoming events the class council works on.
I believe connection amongst our class is paramount and I hope to strengthen our class community by building bonds amongst our peers through events such as socials and field days. I would also like to connect the class of 2028 with the city of Rochester so we can have the best four years here! I hope to plan trips to local landmarks and museums for the freshman class to enjoy together while getting to know the area we live in. While freshman year is going to be fun, it’s also going to have its challenges, and another one of my goals is to help students de-stress by organizing calming and enjoyable activities.
I want the class of 2028 to have the best freshman year and I hope you’ll give me the opportunity to work with you all to make that a reality!

When I am elected for class council, I will strive to make the University more unified and connected. With a strong sense of unity, we will foster a community that promotes a vibrant, diverse, and supportive campus. I plan to do this by organizing various activities, launching campus-wide initiatives, and creating inclusive traditions that highlight the diversity of the student body. Ideas for activities include bobbing for apples accompanied with cider and donuts, a gingerbread house making competition, karaoke nights, and spirit weeks. With campus-wide initiatives, I intend to focus on unity weeks, encouraging collaboration and interaction with various groups through cross-cultural discussions, international food fairs, and multicultural festivals. By promoting inclusive events and working towards shared goals, we will create a campus environment that instills the Melioria values where every student feels connected, engaged, and part of a larger community. Together, we can make our U of R campus ever better!

Hi, My name is Antoine Byers, and I am running to be elected as SGA 2028 Senate member. My passion for student government stems from always asking questions and wanting answers never being afraid to ask the tough questions and not being stratified with non-transparent answers. I am running for senator because I want to help pass legislation that will improve each student’s experience at the University of Rochester and create a long-lasting positive impact on our school. As a senate member I plan on helping create legislation that positively impacts students not just academically but also socially, I will also serve as a bridge to administration. Two things I stand for are transparency and honesty, values that are of utmost importance in a position in SGA. Therefore, although I have a vision of ways to improve our community, no SGA member can 100% guarantee proposals will be passed, so I will not falsely make you that promise. What I will do is promise, if elected, to use my platform in the SGA to work consistently and meaningfully to remedy any concerns by listening to each student and being a voice to enact change.  If I am elected as a member of the Senate I will use every resource readily available to help create and expand on ideas that will best improve our campus community, as well as to advocate for the best interests of all students and commit to being a responsive and proactive representative for my fellow students.

One of the core principles that a leader should hold is a sense of accountability and humility. Often in leadership roles I have held, I come in contact with many people that I disagree with. A true leader is someone who instead of discounting ideas, sits down, listens, and reflects on the best path forward. When elected to serve as your Senator, I would strive to continue this value and principle in my daily life, and as student representative on campus. When elected, I will focus on administrative relationships, food inclusivity, and continued comprehensive health services. First, I would help build a transparent campus community focused on a continued shared relationship of administrative and student communication. A student government only works when its campus is there to support it. Second, I would continue work on inclusive food options that cater to all ethnic, religious, and dietary needs. Third, I will make sure the senate is providing as many resources to students as possible. This would include focusing on new innovative ways to talk about mental health and general health services. A campus community needs to have these essential functions to continue our mission of Meliora. With your support, and vote, we can make this a reality. Vote Austin DeLorme for your Senator.

Hey there, my name is Ben and I am running to represent you in our senate. I firmly believe that transparency, accountability, and accessibility are the three most important qualities a representative could have, and those are the three traits I hope to bring to the Students’ Association; at the end of the day, the point of student government isn’t personal ambition or resumé building, it’s representation. Any elected body made up of accountable and easily accessible listeners is one that will represent its constituency to the fullest. I intend to involve everyone in the workings of our student government, because I know that this must be a group effort. That means making sure there are clear, intuitive channels for communication—both online forums and in person meetings—between our class, the Students’ Association, and ultimately the administration. When we prioritize communication, we can utilize student government as a tool to make our voices heard. We have an opportunity to make the Students’ Association a vehicle for campus-wide change and accountability—and if selected as your representative—pursuing that will be my ultimate priority. To be your representative is not to deliver my own message, but to deliver yours, and as your representative—committed to transparency, accountability, and accessibility—I will make sure that your voice is heard. No matter what your concerns may be, whether it be inconvenient dining or substandard housing, we can and will come together to make ourselves heard. Thank you for your consideration, I am very excited to meet you all!

In a Senate position, it is my goal to ensure that our class nurtures a diverse range of perspectives while promoting inclusiveness in decision making processes. I will solicit feedback from students to properly ensure all issues are effectively addressed. In the process and over the course of the next 4 years together, I strive to establish class unity and helpful resources. In my previous leadership roles I have learned how to be an accessible member of student government, emphasizing the importance of an environment where everyone’s voices are heard and active student engagement. An approachable and available platform is one of my top priorities as a transparent leader. My commitment to enhancing our freshman experience and creating a supportive and engaging campus environment drives my campaign. Together, we can build a strong, inclusive, and thriving community where every student feels valued and heard. A vote for me is a vote for a stronger and more dynamic undergraduate experience.

Hi! I’m Insiyah Readymadewala standing for Senate. In his convocation speech, Dr.Blackshear urged students to abide by the true significance of Meliora by leaving their mark on the university- and that’s exactly what I intend to do. I think UofR is a world-class institution filled with opportunities but it also has so much more potential. As a senate member of the Academic Affairs and Campus Life committees I’d like to introduce key changes.

Firstly, being a muslim I have realized that the dining services fail to cater students’ special needs. I want to create policies that ensure all types of food (halal, kosher, vegan etc) are available always across dining halls. Secondly, I’d target the academic needs of students. Currently, according to the library policies a student may keep a textbook on hold for weeks together. Given that the library has a single copy of multiple textbooks, students face constant struggle obtaining them. By amending this policy, we can ensure that all students have access to academic material. Thirdly, I wish to work closely with facilities to improve efficiency and serving time. Moreover, I’d work towards reducing or remitting printing fees for academic purposes. Additionally, I’d explore the possibility of improving exam schedules to prevent popular subject combinations from conducting exams on the same day (Eg. Math161 and Econ108). Lastly, being a freshman I understand the anxiety that comes with college and I’d like to use my position to also support my classmates.

Think Meliora, Think Insiyah!

I plan to pass legislation for the better of the student body using the peoples demands. I strive to ensure everyone has a home here at the University of Rochester. My goal is for inclusivity and fairness across campus. I want everyone to be heard and feel seen through this time of such uncertainty. My experience in leadership in the past years, I know how to listen to the people and find ways to promote the needs of the people. If you vote me I will put the people first.

I am campaigning on the goal of improving and expanding sustainability initiatives on the Rochester campus. I hope to organize recycling drives and promote the benefits of composting organic waste. Together, we can create a greener future for the campus and broader community.

Hi! I’m Sam and I’m from Westchester, NY.
As a representative for the class of 2028, I hope to be an independent voice that addresses the needs of the campus community swiftly and plainly. I intend not only to accurately and ardently advocate for the needs of my fellow students, but include each and every one of you in my efforts as I do. I will take great care in listening to your feedback and will not shy away from raising it to the Students’ Association Government and the administration.
I have three main initiatives I’d like to introduce to the UofR this year:
1. Address dining concerns.
Danforth is open at inconvenient hours and swipes at the pit can’t be used on our favorite items. What’s up with that? I’d like to learn more about the reasoning behind our dining concerns and potentially find solutions that benefit students as well as our amazing dining employees.
2. Improve online academic platforms.
Registering for classes is difficult and Blackboard’s user interface is less than ideal. I want to streamline the class search and registration process and improve the online platforms used for class content.
3. Inclusion and safety.
Everyone should feel at home here. I want to increase access to and efficacy of mental health, Title IX, and other resources on campus. I’d also like to continue DEI initiatives to ensure everyone feels represented on campus.
I look forward to meeting you and working with you to make our campus community ever better!

Hello, Class of 2028!

I’m Sophia Anderson, and I’m thrilled to be running to represent you as one of your Senators. Although we’ve only been at UofR for a short time, it’s already clear that our class has the potential to make a significant impact. If elected, I promise to be your voice—listening to your ideas, concerns, and unique perspectives to ensure that our diverse class is fully represented.

One of my key goals is to make off-campus healthcare more accessible, ensuring that every student can receive the care they need without unnecessary obstacles. I also want to extend dining hall hours for students with late-night work or study schedules, so no one has to sacrifice meals due to their commitments. Additionally, I will advocate for better weekend transportation options, so that we all have more flexibility in getting around.

The Class of 2028 is filled with passionate, creative, and driven individuals. We heard it at Convocation—we are the best class yet. Let’s prove it by working together to create a campus that meets our needs and reflects our strengths. With your support, I believe we can make real, positive changes.

Vote for me, Sophia Anderson, and let’s make the Class of 2028 unforgettable!

– i’m TINA HAN (you might wanna shout in CAPS or Frank Ocean will be on full volume in my airpods all time)
– Delulu is the solulu (delusion is the solution) is my life mantra. I will forever assert the yellow guitar pick that I was being thrown at in the Coldplay concert and no reality-check can change my mind. Sometimes, my confidence (read: delusion) lands me opportunities I would not otherwise access. My latest delusion involved unexpectedly getting a feature post on the school account and getting into the Eastman programme, which is what I could not have imagined to happen before my 40 hour flight from Malaysia to Rochester three weeks ago.
– Three words to describe me: Outspoken, cheerful, Java junkie (if you watch gilmore girls you’ll know i’m a coffee addict who runs starbucks errands everyday)
– If I say I encourage ‘Laissez faire’ leadership style you’ll also know my personality, and I believe that giving the team ‘freedom’ and asking the team to ‘lock in’ are mutually exclusive => I am a responsible & chill leader
– Lastly, TINA needs you! ALL OF YOU! Please vote for Tina as a SENATE. And, I can’t wait to have a fabulous year with yall!

As a candidate for Senate, I’m dedicated to upholding and advancing the University’s Meliora values of equity, leadership, integrity, and accountability. These are more than words; they are the foundation on which we, as a student body, will build an ever-better future for our university.
Equity is central to my platform—ensuring that every student, no matter their background, has a voice in shaping our campus. I will prioritize inclusivity in decision-making, fostering an environment where openness thrives and every concern is acknowledged. Through mutual respect and collaboration, I will work to bridge the gap between students and administration, ensuring your voices are heard at every level.
With integrity, I will remain transparent, accountable, and true to my commitments. I will actively listen to the undergraduate community, understanding student needs, and making decisions that reflect the best interests of all.
Leadership with purpose drives my campaign. I am not just here to represent but to ensure every student feels represented. Together, we will make meaningful changes that enhance campus life and strengthen our collective future.
Let’s make Meliora more than a motto—let’s make it a reality.

Hit me up on my Wechat: FelixHuang0001 and feel free to visit my Ins page: DIAN2075654434