Candidates for Honors College Advisory Board Positions

Brian Lin,    Major: Economics & Biological Sciences

Hey Honors College! My name is Brian Lin and I am a second-year student majoring in Economics and Biological Sciences. I had the great opportunity to serve on HCAB last year, gaining a lot of knowledge and experience along the way. I served as Publicity Chair and as a member of the ball committee. Working in both of these committees, I had input in almost every aspect of HCAB, from the smallest task to the Honors College's biggest event of the year. I believe that with these experiences, the connections I have made with many Honors College students and faculty, and my personable yet determined attitude I would make a great HCAB President. If elected, I would look to build upon the success of the current board by further developing community within the Honors College as well as integrating new events and opportunities. I would be honored to continue to serve you again next year. Thank you for your time and consideration!

Keerthi Ranganath,    Major: Neuroscience

Hi HC students! My name is Keerthi Ranganath and I'm a sophomore majoring in Neuroscience. HCAB has been part of my UIC experience for the past two years; I served first as Freshman Representative and then as Treasurer. It has been great getting to know many of you through our various activities! I also serve as the Secretary for the Society of Future Physicians, and I believe that I have the leadership and organizational skills necessary to continue the growth of HCAB. Additionally, by being an Honors Ambassador I learned how to effectively meet the needs of a group and make everyone feel comfortable. I value HCAB's efforts to build community within the Honors College, and I have enjoyed coordinating all the years' awesome events and opportunities. If elected, I look forward to expanding upon what we have accomplished and further establishing a precedent for the years to come. I hope that I can count on your support!

Candidate for Vice-President:

Anita Mathew,    Major: Biological Sciences

Before coming to UIC, I had the mindset that I would be coming home every weekend just because there would be no social atmosphere here. Fortunately, I was mistaken, and a major reason why was because of the community established by the Honors College. Networking and social interaction are a huge part of a good and well-rounded college experience and HCAB definitely helps promote these, especially with the luncheons, pizza parties, and more. Being a Freshman Representative last year on HCAB, I gained experience in all the activities HCAB partakes in. One of my favorite events is the Honors College Ball, and as Vice President/Ball Committee Chair, I hope to make next year's Ball even better than the last.

Candidates for Secretary:

Nilay Shah,   Major: Neuroscience

I hope to continue to serve as a representative of the Honors College students as Secretary of the 2008-2009 Honors College Advisory Board. I will use my experiences as a Member-at-Large on this year's HCAB to support and improve HCAB's programming and events, and work on behalf of Honors students to provide greater academic/social opportunities. As a member of this year's HCAB, I helped with fundraising and publicity efforts, assisted in coordinating the Tutoring program, and contributed to the 2008 Honors College Ball. Also, as an HCAB member, I served on the Admissions Policy Taskforce, which discusses current and future admissions policies of the Honors College. As Secretary, I intend on developing ways for Honors students to have greater input in the planning and direction of the Honors College, such as a method for students to submit comments/suggestions to HCAB online. I hope to make even more of a contribution to the Honors College community – and, I take great notes! Thank you for your vote and consideration.

E. Anu Ogedenbe,  Major: Nursing

Hello, I am Anu Ogedengbe, a sophomore majoring in Nursing. I am excited to have the opportunity to serve on the Honors College Advisory Board (HCAB). I am looking to expand my leadership abilities as I recently participated in the UIC Student Leadership Conference. I am anxious to put what I learnt into practice. I would like to serve as the secretary of the board, not just because I believe I will do a great job, but also because I want to support the Honors College as it has done for me. I have benefited from the services the college and HCAB provide. Thus, I know how great a job HCAB does and I would like to be a part of that. If elected as secretary, I will be concerned with improving the communication between the board and the members of the Honors College and improving the feeling of community within the college. I will work to increase awareness about available resources and increase networking opportunities among students.

Candidate for Treasurer:

Shauna Gunaratne,  Major: Neuroscience

Hi! My name is Shauna Gunaratne, and I am a neuroscience major in my second year at UIC. I was a member-at-large on the 2007-2008 HCAB, and I absolutely loved being a part of the behind-the-scenes planning for the social and academic events made available to the Honors College students. I was a member of the tutoring committee for NLVS, on the executive board of SFP as the activities chair, and an Honors Ambassador this past year, in addition to being the chair of the scholarship committee for HCAB. These leadership roles taught me how to help run an organization that accurately meets the needs of its members. HCAB is a wonderful organization that ensures the student voice is heard in the Honors College, and I hope to continue to represent the HC students well and keep bringing great opportunities and events to all of you.

Cadidates for Members-at-Large:

Ramandeep Dhami, Major: Biological Sciences

My name is Ramandeep Dhami, but I mostly go by Raman. I am currently a freshman and majoring in Biology. I love kids and interacting with people, which is why I want to go into pediatrics. I am a typical fun and loving girl that gets along with mostly anybody. At UIC, I am involved in Sikh Student Association, Adam's Star Institute and Alchemy Society. I want to be a member at large because I want to plan more fun and different kinds of activities for Honors College Students. I want to plan more outings such as movie nights and dances. I also want to do more with study lounges, in where we can get more stuff to put in there, such as food, T.V. with movies, which makes it both educational and entertaining. I will listen to you guys for any changes or suggestions, so vote for me for member-at-large.

Ekaterina Khramtsova  Major:Anthropology

My name is Ekaterina and I'm a first year Anthropology major, running for the Member-at-Large position. I am greatly appreciative of the current HCAB members for all the events they have organized this year. Members of the HCAB served as role models to me when I came to UIC, and now I feel that I can become one of such mentors for the freshman as well as current HC members. I am an active member of Society of Future Physicians, WISE, and ASCEND. This year I've volunteered with the Red Cross, performed research in Dep. of Pathology, and worked with HS students as an Academic Excellence Mentor in Kenwood Academy. As a member of the advisory board, I would further develop the Undergraduate Research Program in the HC, because I think that every student should have a chance to participate in such a unique experience.

I am currently a Sophomore in the College of Business Administration majoring in Accounting. I was a member of HCAB in the 2007/2008 school year. During my time on HCAB I was the appointed the chair of the Luncheon and Activities committee. In these positions I was responsible for planning and organizing various events for Honors College students. Having these responsibilities really helped me develop my leadership abilities. Overall, I really enjoyed my time on HCAB and would again love to be part of something that brings UIC students together.

Josh Kannankeril  Major: Biological Sciences

Good day. I am an aspiring honors college freshman, who is looking to get more involved in his home here, the honors college. I feel HCAB would be my most important leadership position yet, because I feel that I could bring the advisory boards issues and plans directly to the honors college community with impressive results/feedback, what with my boyish charm and whatnot. To give you an idea, I have had quite a few leadership experiences in the past, probably the biggest of which was my leadership of a group of fifteen or so grade school students during my church's week long Camp Can-Do program. Those kids were INTENSE, but it turns out, I loved every moment of it, just as I hope to love every moment of HCAB. I have nothing else to say, and I've already said too much. I hope I won you're vote over at "Good Day".

Anup Reddy  Major: Biological Sciences & Psychology

My name is Anup Reddy and I am a sophomore double majoring in Biological Sciences and Psychology. I have been a member of the Society of Future Physicians, New Life Volunteering Society, and Indian Students Association the past two years. I am a dedicated undergraduate research assistant and also work as a Peer-Led Study Leader in the Science Learning Center, where I help students in Chemistry 112/114. I am interested in serving on the HCAB to uphold the standards that have been set by the Honors College and its students. Forming new friendships and becoming more active in the Honors College community is also important to me. One idea I have is to send out more emails to students letting them know what the HCAB is doing to have their opinions heard and to make their Honors College experience better.

Apoorva Maddi   Major: Biological Sciences

My name is Apoorva Maddi and I am running to be a member-at-large for Honors College Advisory Board. By being a member of HCAB I can serve as the connection between the administration and the masses of students. In addition my opinions and choices can be heard and my different perspective might help solve a problem. I have been a representative for the class during both my junior and senior year in high school, and thus I am aware of the hard work and time I have to put into this job. Hopefully being a member will not only help me improve as a leader, but also help me make some great friends along the way.

Greg Cygan   Major: Biological Sciences

I would like to be a part of HCAB next year because I've been able to see all the great events that HCAB has organized. I want to be a part of making those events better than they were before. I spend a lot of time in the college itself and I'd like to be able to give back to it as well. I know what it's like to be part of a team and I think that I would be a good addition to HCAB.

Lisa Zhang   Major: Chemical Engineering

Hi everyone! I'm Lisa and I would love to represent you as a member of the HCAB for the next school year. In the past, I've served as a team captain for Relay for Life and I'm currently an Honors Ambassador. I enjoy running, eating, hanging out with friends and guitar hero-ing in my free time. What I love about the Honors College is meeting so many talented and interesting people and I'd like to see the Honors College host more events that would get everyone involved, such as an outdoor barbeque or a trip to the beach. Don't just hope for good fortune next year, please vote for me!

Milan Patel   Major: Biological Sciences & Chemistry (Minor)

I am a first year GPPA Med student majoring in Biological Sciences; I plan on graduating in three years and then maybe taking a year off to volunteer or something. I believe that from my experience in leadership positions and my social nature, I can be a great addition to the Honors College Board. I was Captain of my varsity tennis team and the Math Team during high school. Currently I am involved in SFP and am trying to get a breakdance club started on the south campus dorms. I have also worked since my sophomore year in high school and currently I am employed by the UIC forum. My experience from work has taught me the most about working in groups to get things done. I believe that I can make the Honors College an even more outreaching and approachable organization; I know that I have the abilities and qualities to be a great representative of the Honors College Body. I appreciate your vote. :)

Prashansa Sharma   Major: Biological Sciences & Spanish

Always involved in leadership activities, whether as Vice-President of National Honor Society and President of Spanish National Honor Society in high school or Freshman Representative of HCAB this past year, I would like to continue to learn more about myself as a leader, my peers and their interests, and the Honors College staff and their goals. As Freshman Rep, I began to learn a lot about HCAB and the opportunities it offers to the student body. Becoming a Member-at-Large and taking on more responsibility seems like the perfect next step in growing as a leader and helping the Honors College. I hope to help with the committees by better distributing the work load, better incorporating students' ideas, and better networking with the staff.

Joseph Esparaz   Major: Biological Sciences

Coming from a small high school, there weren't many leadership positions available. During these years, I became President of National Honors Society and President of MEDICS. After leaving these positions once senior year was completed, I came to UIC looking for new leadership positions and the opportunity to meet others. It all began when I was selected as an Honors College Ambassador for the incoming freshman class. Becoming a member of HCAB would help me gain experience and leadership at UIC, as well as allow me to serve my fellow Honors College students. The transition from high school to college was fairly easy, and I think I can help theirs be the same.

Siva Iyer   Major: Biochemistry

What's up, Honors College students! I want to thank you for giving me the opportunity to run for your member-at-large and for reading this blurb. I'm running for this position because I feel like I can serve you well on HCAB. Although I am a freshman, I've had a lot of experience in leadership positions. During high school, I had leadership roles in many cultural clubs, helping to organize a big show. I have also had experience as a student ambassador, giving tours for future students so I know what it is like to be involved with something like the Honors Experience Days. If elected, I promise to push for great ideas and listen to your voice. I want to have more events through Honors College, such as mixers and maybe a murder mystery dinner party. Please consider me and thank you for reading this. Happy voting.

Annabella Vidal-Ruiz   Major: Undeclared

My name is Annabella. My motto has always been to make the best of life because at the end of the day what matter are the people that surround you. I believe that this can be achieved through the Honors College. My interest in HCAB is due mainly to the Honors College Lounge. Every Honors College student has at one point or another lived in "the Lounge" or eaten at an HCAB sponsored lunch. Whether I am hanging out or eating, I have always felt a strong sense of community. HCAB is the glue that holds this community together, encouraging us to talk and form friendships. My previous leadership experience involves being Vice President of the UIC Concert Band and participating as a member of many organizations such as, Alternative Spring Break and Medicina Scholars. Although HCAB is a well-organized organization, I believe that I can bring fresh ideas and a new perspective to HCAB.

Parth Nanavati   Major: Biological Sciences

Hi, I'm Parth Nanavati and I'm running for a Member-at-Large spot on HCAB. I feel I am well qualified for this position after holding a few leadership roles this past year. Being the freshman representative on the ISA (Indian Student Association) board was an amazing experience and allowed me to see how vital each board member is in an effort for something to be accomplished. Doing my part is something I will definitely bring to the table. Next year, along with being on the board again for ISA, I am an Honors Ambassador working with the First Year Experience group. That was one of the reasons why I decided to run for HCAB. I feel that HCAB's main goal is to help build a strong Honors Community, especially with the incoming freshmen. Working with my freshman I will also be able to help promote HCAB's events and all the other things they have to offer. So remember vote PARTH for Member-at-Large!

Elizabeth Boyle   Major: Spanish & Biological Sciences (Minor)

Hello Honors College students! My name is Elizabeth Boyle, and I have had the pleasure of serving HCAB as first the Freshman Representative and then as a Member-at-Large. However, I was unable to run for re-election last year as I have been a year long exchange student in Madrid, Spain. My leadership experiences include such activities as the Newman Center, the Society for Futures Physicians, and writing for the Ampersand. I am anxious to regain a position on HCAB in order to continue to influence change within the Honors College and to encourage the increased participation of Honors College students.