Tag Archives: PUC SA

Meet PUC’s SA: Natalia Gomez, VP of Publication & Marketing 

Natalia Gomez is this year’s SA VP of Publication & Marketing. She’s in charge of running SA’s social media accounts, creating all the visuals for their announcements and events, and in charge of designing their merch. Running their social accounts has given Natalia an “inside scoop” on how the student body feels about their events and allowed her to connect with more people. 

Natalia answered some questions for us to learn more about being a part of SA. 

What do you enjoy the most about being SA VP of Publication and Marketing? 

It might sound silly but I honestly love getting to read all the DMs, comments, and answers to polls or questions that get put on our Instagram accounts. It’s like an inside scoop as to how the student body feels or thinks about events, and it’s also allowed me to get to know more people!

What is the most important part of your role?

I would say that the most important part of my role is communication. It’s my job to communicate with other members of the team to get all the necessary information to create posts. Then I have to communicate those details across social media to the student body. I also check in with all the DMs for any questions or suggestions that SA gets through our @puc.sa & @withmewednesdays accounts on Instagram. 

What do you like the most about being a part of SA? 

I really love our team’s dynamic! I think it’s really special to get to be a part of a group that all have different majors and are a part of different departments or groups on campus. Without SA I’m not sure if we would have all met and gotten the chance to see each other on a weekly basis. Plus our group chat is really funny and it always makes me laugh. 

What goals do you have set for the rest of the school year with SA and the campus? 

One of my biggest goals right now is working on an SA march drop and possibly making it accessible online, so stay tuned!

Do you have a favorite SA event? If so, which one and why? 

Well during fall quarter my favorite SA event is the corn maze in Petaluma! I love getting to go and find my way out of the maze while scaring my friends or them scaring me. Although I also love the excuse to dress up and take photos with friends so banquet is always special to me. I think this year’s banquet will be bittersweet since it’ll be my last and graduation will be right around the corner. 

Can you share any events that will be happening this quarter?

There’s so many plans for the rest of the year! Of course we will have poor mans banquet, actual banquet and hopefully a spirit week! A future even I’m looking forward to is a rollerskating night. I’m determined to be able to roller-skate without holding onto a friend for dear life!

What are your favorite things about PUC? 

I really love all the nature that we are surrounded by here at PUC. One of my favorite things to do on the weekends is grab a blanket and have a picnic or read out in on of the grassy areas. The grove is one of my favorite places for some quiet time, and in the spring its a great place to escape the heat on campus! Hammocking is also a lot of fun once the weather gets a bit sunnier!

Kenzie Hardy, Your SA President!

Kenzie Hardy is what is commonly known as a “super senior.” This is her fifth and final year at PUC, having spent one of those years as a student missionary in Madagascar. She will graduate in June with two degrees: A Bachelor of Business Administration with an emphasis in international business, and a Bachelor of Science degree in global development studies with a business emphasis.

She considers Roseville, Calif., to be home, and completed her high school years at Pine Hills Adventist Academy in Auburn. While there, she served as student association treasurer, was a member of the honor society, and helped out during Week of Prayer. When it came time to decide on a college, Kenzie says, “PUC was the college I felt was most responsive and provided the best answers to the questions I had.” Her path was clear: She chose PUC.

This year, Kenzie is not only finishing up her college career, but she’s also serving her fellow students as their student association president. We caught up with her between classes and meetings so we could get to know her a little better. Introducing: Kenzie Hardy, your Student Association president!

When did you first get that spark of interest in leadership?

I unofficially participated in SOL club (the Student Organization of Latinos) my freshman year, attending and offering help during some events. But I became a life group leader as a sophomore. As a freshman, I had a great leader but knew of others that didn’t have the same experience. I saw the benefits of continuing the program but also saw an opportunity to be part of changing those things that weren’t working as well.

What was your major platform while running for SA president?

The phrase on the campaign materials was “let’s talk” and instead of leaving it as a printed poster, I set up a booth in the cafeteria. The booth provided an opportunity for students to share concerns, ideas, and to get to meet me and ask questions. I really emphasized the experience and knowledge gathered after several years here.  

How did it feel to go through your campaign—and win?

The elections process felt surreal, and the day it was announced even moreso. To this day I’ll have random and sudden realizations of the huge responsibility I have been entrusted with. It is mostly humbling to have received support that put me in this office and continues.

Tell us your leadership philosophy.

I truly think individuals are motivated to thrive in any position if the environment is designed to allow individuals to grow. Also, I really take into heart the idea of leading by example, instead of demanding or requiring things I wouldn’t of myself.

What do you feel is one of your most important roles/duties as president?

I think being visible, accessible, and present to students. Also, making sure information is being collected and transmitted between the student body and college administration.

What’s the best way for students to have their voices/concerns heard by the student leaders on campus?

There are several student leadership bodies that are empowered to make changes, but it all starts with communication. Finding out who represents them in the Student Senate, SA, and other committees is the first step. I’d like to encourage anyone with concerns to actually address them to someone—any leader can take it to the appropriate channels. The invitation also goes to those entrusted with listening, to make sure they are getting to those channels or individuals who can make changes.

Kenzie and the SA team.

What’s the best class you’ve taken at PUC thus far, and why?

My freshman year I took Psych 121 (General Psychology) and at that time it was taught by Dr. Charlene Bainum. The class was fascinating and to this day, I still reference some of the concepts learned in that class almost daily.

Where are your favorite study spots?

If I really need to focus and minimize distractions I like to go to the basement laundry room in Andre. I usually go off-campus on a Sunday or during finals week, and I like Brasswood’s coffee shop.

What’s something about PUC you learned after being here a while?

This is something I learned during my junior year, I think everyone should know: There is a waived fee for credit overload if you’re a senior who has taken 16 credits/quarter since freshman year.

Tell me about a time you stepped out of your comfort zone and how it’s benefitted you.

I worked as the programming coordinator at Pine Springs Ranch this past summer, and the position was somewhat out of my comfort zone. Creating programs for different purposes (comedy plays, activities with spiritual messages, interactive stations with a theme, etc.) and overseeing their development from start to finish was not something I had experience doing. It was definitely a summer of growth, I developed the skill of quick problem-solving.

Kenzie and her SM family.

Tell us about a positive role model in your life.

I have a very special place in my heart for Dr. Gideon Petersen, president at Université Adventiste Zurcher in Madagascar, and his wife, Pam. During my time as a student missionary they cared for me and I experienced firsthand their servant leadership style, their passion for helping others, and their humble lifestyle. We had candid conversations about various topics and they are part of the reason I am completing the major I am.

Where and when can students find you if they want to chat about life at PUC and voice their opinions?

In between classes, meetings, and other such events, my default location is my office in the Campus Center. Whenever I am in here, unless I’m having a meeting, I keep the door open and everyone is welcome to come chat. I also love writing emails, so I am always checking my email and answer relatively fast.

What’s your favorite Bible verse, and why?

One of them is Luke 1:45; “Blessed is she who has believed that the Lord would fulfill His promises to her!” I love that this verse specifically says “she” and the benefit of trusting in God and His faithfulness is feeling happy, secure, and blessed.

My Year as Editor-in-Chief of the Campus Chronicle

By Daniel Grigore

I never expected to join the Student Association at PUC, never expected to learn “inverted pyramid” writing and never expected to become as experienced at apology emails as I am now. However, all those “never thoughts” became a reality when, last winter quarter at PUC, my best friend persuaded me to run for a then-empty position: Editor-in-chief of the Campus Chronicle.

Now, three quarters into the year—and about three and a half weeks away from graduation—I have finally worked out a smoothly functioning system of production (sort of). Although I am proud of what I and my staff have accomplished, if I had been more aware of the steep learning curve that accompanies the adage “fake it till you make it,” I may have been more hesitant to run for office.

Nevertheless, I do not regret my time spent as editor-in-chief. In fact, I have had the opportunity to learn a great many things. I discovered em dashes, en dashes and hyphens are three distinct types of punctuation. Additionally, notice how the previous sentence is missing, a serial/Oxford comma—the comma that comes before “and” (also, note the hyphen and em dash in this sentence). The convoluted AP Style is really quite simple—if merely ignored and placed on the shelf next to APA, Chicago and Turabian (I am a full-blooded English major: “if it ain’t in MLA, then I don’t wanna play”).

A completely different approach to writing is not my only takeaway. I have learned interviews take planning weeks in advance and just one email is, contrary to my own preconceived notions, not the most effective way to obtain a timely response. Administration can be the biggest help or hindrance (thank you, President Cushman, you make life a breeze!) and faculty and staff are a goldmine when it comes to content.

Above all else, I think this leadership role has taught me communication is a major key to success—along with an enthusiastic and dedicated staff. If I cannot communicate my goals, ideas or expectations, how can my staff expect to produce a quality paper? How can my adviser trust I will be successful? How can I lead without a clear destination? I am very lucky my adviser and Chronicle crew were able to piece together a some sort of vision from my oftentimes questionable instructions. They deserve all my gratitude.

In retrospect, in the first issue compiled under my leadership almost one year ago, the section designated as the “Letter From the Editor” held the characteristic I wanted the Chronicle to most exemplify: honesty. In a world filled with “fake news” and fluctuating morals, the Chronicle was to be a solid and steadfast representation of life on campus as it is. I am proud to say I believe this standard of truthfulness has been met. To be just a little piece of PUC’s long and impressive legacy is an honor, and I am grateful for all the unforeseen schooling I received outside a classroom as editor-in-chief of the Campus Chronicle.

Interested in learning more about PUC’s Student Association? Check out our recent blog post about the 2018-2019 SA officers and start getting excited about next year!

PUC’s 2018-2019 Student Association Officers Elected

This week PUC elected a new group of student leaders for next school year to serve on the Student Association. Congratulations to each of them! We can’t wait to see the exciting things you accomplish next year.

We also wanted to take the time to briefly explain the various positions and what they do for the student body.

Kenzie Hardy was elected as SA president.

President
The leader of the SA team, this position acts as the liaison between the student body and the college’s administration. The president sets the tone for the year and supports the team in their duties, facilitating help and ideas when needed. The president is also responsible for several events each year, including one Colloquy service per quarter and weekly SA team meetings.

Amanda Musvosvi was elected as executive vice president.

Executive Vice President
The executive vice president presides over all Student Senate meetings, following the school constitution and bylaws. This critical role also oversees SA elections and serves as chair of the elections committee, and is responsible for holding quarterly town hall meetings to help keep the campus informed of Senate activities.

Financial Vice President
The financial vice president position is the backbone of the financial structure of SA. This position regularly advises each officer and the Student Senate regarding SA budgets, preparing monthly budgets for each officer and advising them on their status.

Daniel Arriaza was elected as religious vice president.

Religious Vice President
An integral part of the spiritual life of the college, the religious vice president works directly with the campus chaplain to secure guest speakers for Friday night vespers programming. This role also works with student leaders and the PUC Church worship pastor to schedule praise and worship praise teams to perform for vespers, and is responsible for the weeks of prayer held in winter and spring quarters.

Fatima Sosa was elected as social vice president.

Social Vice President
The social vice president position is responsible for scheduling and implementing a regular calendar of activities that encourage student participation, including larger events such as banquets and the annual Talent Show. This role also oversees a social committee and collaborates with campus club officers to help promote and provide opportunities for clubs. The social vice president also works closely with the director of student engagement and leadership to execute the fall “Week of WOW” events during the first week of school.

Public Relations & Marketing Vice President
The public relations and marketing vice president is responsible for running all SA social media accounts, including Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and Snapchat, and promotion for each SA event, including posters and email graphics. This position hires photographers and videographers to create content for SA events and social media accounts, and assists other SA officers with marketing needs. The public relations and marketing vice president also designs the SA t-shirt for the year which coincides with the theme for the year.

Diogenes Lantern Editor
The Diogenes Lantern editor oversees the production of the school yearbook, which includes taking student, faculty, and staff portraits, as well as hiring staff to assist with design and layout and generating outside advertising income.

Campus Chronicle Editor
The Campus Chronicle editor is responsible for creating and publishing 16 issues of the newspaper each year, which includes writing content and hiring staff to assist with layout, photography, writing, and editing.

Video Producer
The video producer creates a minimum of four short films each quarter that highlight SA events and campus activities and culture, which includes hiring necessary staff to meet production goals and producing at least one creative short film project in conjunction with the Group Production class.

Meet Megan Weems, PUC SA President

Hailing from Medford, Ore., Megan Weems is a junior studying liberal studies and elementary education at PUC, and is next year’s incoming Student Association president. We’re looking forward to seeing her and her team’s energy and creative ideas in action.

We asked Megan a few questions about her experiences at PUC and her hopes for this upcoming year.

What are your plans for this coming school year?

Oh! Where do I even begin?! This next school year is the year for changes. My SA team and I have so many ideas/events/plans we want to implement. We envision everything already great about PUC but multiplied by 100. My team and I plan to be extremely intentional about making the students happy and encouraging PUC pride! We want to make PUC a place where fun is had, quality relationships are built, and bonds are made that will last a lifetime. #PUCFAM

What are you looking forward to the most with SA?

Family. The family in which we create within the team, that will then trickle out into to Senate, clubs, and EVERYONE.  🙂

What made you decide to run for SA president?

Truly, God put me in the right spot, at the right time. I ran for SA president because I wanted to do something a little out of my comfort zone and put myself out there. I want to be the change so, I can therefore make a change. I am so proud to be a Pioneer and I wanted to be in a position where I can facilitate change to make PUC a place everyone wants to be.

What is your favorite thing about PUC?

The people of course! We are beyond blessed here on this hill with some of the most compassionate, brilliant, and beautiful minds. I feel extremely blessed to be a part of this college community.

Why did you decide to attend PUC?

If we are being honest, PUC was not in my original plan. In fact, I was at Walla Walla University my freshman year, but something didn’t fit for me there. I was pulled by God (and my sister) to enroll at PUC and I found my niche here. I appreciate the experience I had at WWU but here at PUC is where my heart and home are.

So far, what has been your favorite class at PUC?

Any class by Tom Lee or Jim Roy. (Shout out to the department of education, woot woot!)

What was the last book you read?

“Outliers” by Malcolm Gladwell.

What are some of your hobbies?

Singing, sewing, cooking, socializing, swimming, chilling, learning new things, doing anything exciting and new.

What advice would you give incoming freshmen?

GET INVOLVED and STAY INVOLVED.

How can students keep up-to-date with SA events and activities?

The PUC SA Facebook page, as well as our SA website. Stay tuned for more info!

 

Student Association Officers Elected for 2017-2018

By Andrew Mahinay

The 2017-2018 Student Association elections at PUC was one for the records. Every candidate, from president to public relations vice president, ran unopposed, an extremely rare situation. While the odds of obtaining one’s desired position was guaranteed, a few were still nervous, but who wouldn’t be? On Thursday, February 23, each candidate gave a speech for the SA Elections Colloquy to make their case for why they should be elected.

Each candidate has something different to offer PUC students. Megan Weems brings her experience in service. Coming back to the states after serving a year as a student missionary in Fiji inspired Weems to apply all she learned while she was away to being the next SA president. She ended her speech saying, “SA is about the students not the leaders. I ask that you follow me and you follow God to make PUC what we want it to be.”

In addition to being a senator-at-large, incoming executive vice president Alma Musmovi is the current president of Amnesty International, a club that informs students of human rights issues. Musmovi is prepared to handle the task of leading out in Senate. “You have someone who has a passion for change who is willing to have those hard conversations and address the concerns students have,” she said.

Ryan Goldring, soon-to-be financial vice president, is ready to bring his experience in service to PUC students. Goldring spent a year as a missionary in Pompeii. Currently, he is performing cost-benefit analyses, contract negotiations, asset managements, and market research as an intern for Brotemarkle Davis & Co., LLP, an accounting firm in St. Helena which ranks 25th in the nation.

Angel Castillo, a junior who ran for public relations vice president, plans to use Snapchat as a medium to inform students of all SA events.

Knowing he is the next editor-in-chief of the Campus Chronicle, Daniel Grigore began his speech saying, “I am going to be your new Campus Chronicle editor next year,” He continued, “If you have any great stories we’re looking for them,” referring to his team and editors. The crowd began to laugh.

With each candidate proposing new ideas, students attending PUC for the 2017-2018 school year can expect big SA events. One major past event was giving students the opportunity to ride a hot air balloon, which seems possible again with this up-and-coming SA team.

To stay current with the Student Association at PUC, visit their Facebook page. Congratulations to all of the 2017-2018 SA officers—we can’t wait to see what exciting things you will do next year!