Tag Archives: PUC Student Association

Get To Know Your Student Association

Welcome to a new year at PUC! We are so excited to get to know each and every Pioneer! This year we have a great group of student leaders who have been working hard to make sure this is the best year yet. Let’s take a minute to meet them and when you see them around campus, don’t hesitate to say hello!

thumbnail_image001Lewis Govea – President 

“There is nothing I want more than to reunite with my PUC family, but I know everything is going to be different when all this is over. The incoming SA Team has the monumental task of rebuilding the PUC Family following this forced separation, but that’s exactly what we signed up for. This pandemic has strained our support systems and left us feeling alone, but I want everyone to know that SA will be waiting for you all with open arms and hearts full of love when we are back together again. We see our reunion as something to be excited for and we are ready to make PUC feel like home again. SA misses everyone and can’t wait to be back home on the hill. We love you all!”

thumbnail_Image-2Aileen Kurts – VP 

“I’m so excited to be a part of SA because I know the potential Student Senate has for making great changes at PUC. I’m ready to lead the Senate to make PUC feel like home for all students. I’m hoping to create a mentorship program at PUC so freshmen have some more guidance in what they’re doing and so they know people who have accomplished what they dream of. Senate is a powerful tool that I’m hoping every student learns about and utilizes so that their experience at PUC is the best they can have because PUC is not just a school but a place to create a family and call home.”

thumbnail_11B82805-844F-4B31-8C46-5B54A7F03BCDSebastian Anderson – PR/Marketing VP

“I’m thrilled to have another opportunity to be a leader and representative of the student body. I hope to use the PR & Marketing position to bring the whole campus closer together while helping campus culture and energy flourish. I want to do everything in my power to make sure everyone feels included, involved, and invited to everything the SA team puts together.”

thumbnail_ImageGrace Jong – Social VP 

“Hey, guys! I can’t wait for all the exciting new adventures that God has planned for PUC. This upcoming year, I have so many events planned in order to connect the students together. Stay tuned always remember to give love and give grace :)”

thumbnail_Image-1Keren Castro – Religious VP 

I’m really excited to be part of SA and bringing new things to PUC. My biggest goal for next year is really to bring more opportunities for the students to seek a more personal and deeper relationship with God while creating a stronger community through it. This past year, I was on Noah’s RVP team and we brought together Afterglow and we’ve seen amazing outcomes from it. So now I only want to expand from that.”

thumbnail_IMG-20190831-WA0008Miriam YU – Financial VP 

“I’m excited to meet everyone, especially the new SA team, real soon and also to bond with the student body. As FVP I look forward to growing in this position and meeting all the accounting goals.”

thumbnail_ADC_0034Adam Adreveno – Video Producer 

“I look forward to making quality videos for everyone to engage with and enjoy!”

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.

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!

Get to Know Daniel DeCaires, PUC SA President

Daniel Decaires

Last year, Daniel DeCaires decided he wanted to leave his mark on PUC and ran for Student Association President, and won. Now entering his senior year, he has big plans for our campus! As a kid from the public school system with no discernable connection to Adventism, I wanted to find out why Daniel decided to come to PUC and what made him fall in love with the school.

Daniel came to PUC because he wanted to do something different. He grew up within the public school system and was becoming disenchanted by the end of his high school career. Everything seemed to become so impersonal to him and he really wanted to be somewhere with a sense of togetherness and belonging. He recognized the people who graduated from PUC got more than just an education – they had people surrounding them who genuinely cared about their success beyond college, and who did their best to ensure students had the best possible experience while attending.

I asked Daniel to answer a few questions about his experience at PUC and his plans for his future.

Two favorite things about PUC
1.) The small class sizes. I’ve gotten to know my professors and build a relationship with each one as I’ve progressed throughout college.
2.) The aesthetics. This is one of the most beautiful regions in the Napa Valley and there are too many places to count which offer incredibly beautiful hikes and drives.

Favorite class at PUC
Management—Professor Nunes has seriously changed my life for the better and in addition to being my favorite professor he has become my mentor and dear friend. I have learned as much outside the classroom from him as inside. He is an awesome guy.

Career Goals
I plan to graduate with a degree in Business and immediately begin working at Kaiser Permanente as a financial analyst. Kaiser has already agreed to pay for my master’s degree as long as I stay with them for an additional three years after completion. Eventually I plan to start and oversee a fully operational medical clinic in either Central or South America, offering medical services to the underprivileged people of a developing country.

Why PUC?
Pacific Union College can be as great as you want it to be. You get to decide how involved you are and just how incredible of an experience you have. Up here, people care about you. If you’re having a bad day, people take notice and ask if you’re ok. What other college can you say that about? The teachers care about your education, even classes they don’t teach, and they truly care about you as a person. Your friends are always close by and someone is always willing to help you when you need it most. Overall, this college offers far more than an education, it offers an experience, and it is an experience you will never forget with people you’ll always have in your life.