Candidates
Biographies
Elections
2012
Table of Contents
Executive Candidates
President ...................................................................................................................................................... 3
Tristan Gerrie ........................................................................................................................................... 3
Vice President of Academics ........................................................................................................................ 5
Simran Gill ................................................................................................................................................ 5
Naima Mehraban ..................................................................................................................................... 5
Vice President of Communications .............................................................................................................. 6
Jennifer Egberts ....................................................................................................................................... 6
Vice President of Finance ............................................................................................................................. 6
Sangeeta Balla.......................................................................................................................................... 6
Steven McInnis ........................................................................................................................................ 6
Vice President of Operations ....................................................................................................................... 6
Meaghan DeClerq .................................................................................................................................... 6
Program Representative Candidates
Business ........................................................................................................................................................ 8
Ishita Alam ............................................................................................................................................... 8
David Czubat ............................................................................................................................................ 8
Abeer Zahid .............................................................................................................................................. 8
Early Childhood ............................................................................................................................................ 8
Julia White ............................................................................................................................................... 8
Family Community and Social Services ..................................................................................................... 10
Iulia Negutoiu .......................................................................................................................................... 10
Justice Studies ............................................................................................................................................ 11
Luke John Park ....................................................................................................................................... 11
Kunal Luthra ........................................................................................................................................... 12
Kanwardeep Rataul................................................................................................................................ 12
Kinesiology.................................................................................................................................................. 13
Nora Ahmad ........................................................................................................................................... 11
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Media Studies ............................................................................................................................................. 13
Kharri Oosthuyzen ................................................................................................................................ 14
Psychology .................................................................................................................................................. 16
Amanda Howlett .................................................................................................................................... 16
Alexander Stirpe .................................................................................................................................... 17
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President
Tristan Gerrie
Hi Everyone!
My name is Tristan Gerrie and I am running for the position of Guelph-Humber Student Association
President for the 2012-2013 Academic Year!
I have been a part of the GHSA for two years, first as a program representative for the Family and
Community Social Services program and then as an executive member, serving as the Vice-President of
Operations. Through my time with the association I learnt a lot about the background information
about the workings of council, something that I believe would make me a great candidate for president.
My previous experience and continued dedication to improving the Guelph-Humber community make
me a great candidate for the position of president.
If elected, I strive to act as a strong advocate for students at all levels of student government, both
within the Guelph-Humber administration and to the Humber Students Federation. I will seek to
provide better student representation, and to work with others to bring new, innovative, exciting
initiatives to the UGH community.
Thank you very much for taking the time to read this and I appreciate your support. Together we can
make the University of Guelph-Humber an amazing place for students and give them a voice.
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Vice President of Academics
Simran Gill
Hi, my name is Simran Gill. I’m a second year student currently enrolled in the Business
program. There are many reasons why I chose to run for Vice President of Academics, one of
them being that I am very passionate about the school’s academic system. I am an open person,
ready to listen to your problems concerning the school and academic matters. To the best of my
abilities, I will address school issues; because I too, am a student at this school. I believe that I
will be an asset to the committee because I am an enthusiastic person and bring a lot of energy
and creative ideas.
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If elected, I plan on ensuring that academic issues are heard by the GH
administration/faculty. I have witnessed a disconnection between the two parties and
wish to bring student’s unheard voices to the table.
I will keep students updated on the various academic resources in the school, and try to
implement new ones.
I also plan on including great academic activities that everyone will enjoy participating in
and that will improve student life.
I will ensure these platforms are met with my time management skills and capability to handle
having a lot on my plate. So nominate me as a potential applicant. I will do my best for the 20122013 school year.
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Nasima Merahban
NASIMA MEHRABAN. I am a third year Psychology student
and I am running for VP of Academics. I am running because I want to be a student
Hello everyone, my name is
advocate for all things academic for each and every single one of you. In previous years I was on the
GHSA as the psychology representative and currently I am a student senator for the University of
Guelph, as well as the Vice President of the Psychology Society. I feel I am a great candidate for this
position because
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I have had experience with the GHSA
I currently sit and am familiar with AMAP (part of the duties of the VP of academics is to sit on
AMAP)
I am familiar how student senate works (VP of academics has to act as a liaison between the
GHSA and Guelph Senate)
If elected, I will do everything in my power to do an excellent job being the VP of Academics!
VOTE FOR NASIMA FOR VP OF ACADEMICS!
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Vice President of Communications
Jennifer Egberts
Hi I’m Jennifer Egberts, a second year student in the business program here at the University of Guelph
Humber. I am currently involved in intramural sports, and have also participated in various other events
here, such as the business networking event. I decided to run for VP of Communications because I want
to ensure that students know about important events that are held here at Guelph Humber, such as the
business networking event, well in advance. I believe that my major in Marketing, my passion and drive
will help me in accomplishing all that I set out to do. With your support I know I can make a difference!
My goals as VP of Communications:
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Ensure important events are heard of well before they happen via various media
The website/facebook will always be current
Students from all programs will be
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Vice President of Communications: The VP of communications will oversee the creation of
branding and advertising initiatives of the GHSA. This will include websites, email updates,
social networking activities, posters and more.
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Vice President of Finance
Sangeeta Balla
My name is Sangeeta Balla and I am proud to be in my second year of Business, planning on
majoring in accounting. I am delighted to be the current Business Representative of the GuelphHumber Student Association. Furthermore, I’ve enjoyed my experiences in GHSA leading to the
grounds for my decision to run as Vice President of Finance. If I get the opportunity to be the VP
of Finance, I will try to make this year exciting and ensure that your money is used for the right
ideas, so that you can enjoy the 2012-2013 year. I am thrilled getting the opportunity to study
in GH, appreciating the fact that I am able to attain both a degree and diploma. I also enjoy the
amazing environment and student life.
Why should I be the person that you vote for?
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I have experience in the Guelph-Humber Student Association and therefore able to put
forth my previous skills for this position.
Since I am emphasizing in accounting, I believe I have the expertise to perform my roles
and responsibilities for this position.
I am very sensible when it comes to money; especially when dealing with students’
money. I know that every penny counts; so I will use it to make the year effective and
efficient.
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Steven McInnis
Hello fellow Guelph-Humber students my name is Steven McInnis and I am currently in my second year
in the business program. I am running for Vice President of Finance in the Guelph-Humber Student
Association (GHSA). So why should you vote for me? Through not only my experience in the GHSA being
business rep this school year but my knowledge learned through the Business program right here at
Guelph-Humber! Furthermore, I worked closely with the current VP of Finance and feel the transition
would be fairly smooth for me. Becoming the VP of Finance works directly into my career path and
therefore I would be very passionate regarding this position and all its duties. I hope to receive your
support in the upcoming election. Below you can find a brief outline of my campaign platform
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If I were to become the Vice President of Finance I would work to institute more timely
and detailed budget reports.
Make sure to keep organized in order to ensure all finances are properly accounted for.
Make sure I have close contact with all members to ensure funds are properly allocated.
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Vice President of Operations
Meaghan DeClerq
My name is Meaghan DeClerq and I want to be YOUR VP of Operations.
The GHSA within our university is extremely important. As VP of Operations I will be accountable for
taking care and managing the GHSA office as well as working with the HSF directors to ensure the office
is staffed and accounted for.
If I’m elected to be your VP of Operations I will:
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Effectively communicate between the GHSA and outside organizations
Promise to fairly represent all students from all programs
Continue to focus on the GHSA’s customer service skills
I am currently in my 3rd year of the Media Studies Program emphasizing in Image Arts. During this past
year, I have been a Media Representative on the GHSA. I have grown my knowledge on the GHSA over
the last year, and know I can impact the position. In addition to working on the GHSA, I have been a
START Leader for the last 2 years. Elect me for VP of Operations I promise to give the same passion and
commitment I give towards everything.
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Program Representative – Business
Ishita Alam
Hey guys, my name is Ishita Alam. I am currently a second year Business student at Guelph-Humber. I
am running for the 2012-2013 Business Representative position. I believe I will make a good candidate
for the position because I am strong willed and able to juggle many different tasks. I am organized and
work in a timely manner; both skills needed to perform the roles required for the position. I plan on
enabling business students with great activities and ensuring that you can take advantage of your full
potential in the program. I believe I can provide a great business year by bringing my creativity to the
table; reaching out to you in as many ways as possible.
I have many platforms I plan on promoting:
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I plan on listening to any concerns that may arise amongst business student and representing
their voices in as many ways as possible.
I will try my best to answer questions students may have in regards to the program or the school
in general.
I will also provide great events and activities that will be exciting and fun, adding to the school’s
overall student life.
I will ensure I meet these platforms so we can have a great year!
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David Czubat
Hello my name is David Czubat and I want to be your GHSA business representative! I was born in
Toronto and grew up in Mississauga. I graduated from St. Paul's Secondary school in the year 2010.
Some of the things I enjoy doing are: exorcising, traveling, beatboxing, and last but definitely not least,
partying. I want the position as the GHSA Business representative because I'm really interested in
bringing the people I study with in my program together. I believe GHSA could do a better job with
planning events to bring a greater sense of pride, school spirit and enthusiasm to the students in the
program. These are my beliefs at least, along with providing the professional structural layout required,
something which is expected from a leader in this position. As your business representative I will stand
for you, the student body, in delivering and making the things you want to see happen. I plan on doing
this by being extremely active with the GHSA operations and making it extremely easy to contact me. If
you are anything like me or agree with my beliefs then vote for me! Let me represent you!
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Abeer Zahid
My name is Abeer Zahid, and I am in my second year taking Business Administration; I am
planning on majoring in accounting. I am running for the business representative position for the
GHSA. Through events and orientations, if elected, I will try to bring more school spirit to
university. I will arrange different events through my time management skills, organizational
skills, and ability to network and socialize with the right people to bring the best activities for
students.
Why should you vote for me?
1. I am a people’s person, and I am a good listener. I will try my best to listen to concerns
and suggestions of other students.
2. If I am elected for the business representative position, I will try my best to organize
exciting events to involve the business students. For example, transitioning from high
school to university and from university to a job is difficult, therefore I will try my best
to organize events to help students transition more smoothly; events such as business
networking.
3. I will represent the business program to the best of my abilities. I believe I will make a
good candidate and help the program in every way possible.
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Program Representative – Early Childhood
Julia White
Hey there! My name is Julia White and I am currently in my second year of the Early Childhood
Program here at the University of Guelph-Humber. Many of you might have seen my face
around our close-knit community on a campus tour or at some of our recruitment events for
prospective students. One of my many inspirations to become more involved at Guelph-Humber
comes from my job as a START Leader (Student Transition and Resource Team). Through this
job, I have had the chance to advocate and represent the Early Childhood program on many
occasions such as Orientation and The Ontario Universities Fair, which is why I feel that I would
be a great candidate for the position of a program representative. If I were given the opportunity
to represent the Early Childhood program, I can promise:
● to bring awareness to all issues and concerns
● as well as bringing us closer together through exciting events.
I will work hard to ensure a great year socially and academically for all Early Childhood
students! Thank you in advance for all your support. Please feel free to contact me in person or
through e-mail if you have any questions about my campaign.
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Program Representative – FCSS
Iulia Negutoiu
Hello. My name is Iulia Negutoiu; I am 18 years old in my first year at The
University of Guelph-Humber. I am studying Family and Community Social Services and I
would like to become the FCSS Student Representative for a second term. Being the FCSS rep
for the 2011-2012 school year has really been a great way for me to meet people and get
involved beyond around campus. The experience on GHSA has allowed me to learn a lot and I
hope to take with me what I have learned and make for a better representative next term. If I
obtain this position, I want to get people more involved in what goes on at GH. There are so
many opportunities and events open to students and it would be great if students would get
involved beyond their classes. I am a strong believer in involvement, if you go to classes
everyday, sit in lectures and then go home, you will not be able to experience university to its
fullest. Getting involved makes time at university so much more worthwhile and enjoyable! I am
a very positive and outgoing person, I am always ready to work and I always have a smile on my
face. Students are able to approach me easily and I will be able to help them with any questions
and concerns they may have now that I am even more educated on GHSA and Guelph-Humber.
My campaign is simple:
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Motivate students by getting them involved!
Address any questions, concerns or ideas!
Organize events for students in order to have fun and participate!
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Program Representative – Justice Studies
Luke John Park
Hello Guelph-Humber,
My name is Luke John Park. I am currently in my second year of Justice Studies and Police
Foundations. I will be running as the Guelph-Humber Student Association [GHSA] Justice
Studies Program Representative for the next academic year, 2012-2013. If I am elected as the
Justice Studies REP, I will do to the best of my abilities to uphold great academic and social
events, and most importantly let our voices as Justice Studies students be heard. I have
experience in the position during the academic year of 2011-2012, learned a lot about the
professionalism of University Student Leadership and Student Government within the GHSA, on
and off campus fields of student representation and mentorship.
If I am chosen and if there's anything that you may be concerned about, regarding the Justice
Studies Academic Program or Campus Life, please let me know! If there is anything that you
should know about me would be that I am confident, open-minded, friendly, determined, and
professional in the field of leadership and legal studies.
As your Justice Representative, I plan to make myself readily accessible to fellow students, listen
intently to your opinions and suggestions and then advocate on your behalf at Guelph-Humber
Student Association meetings as well as Program Curriculum Meetings with our Academic
Advisor, Program Head, Faculty and Staff. It is my wish to help make 2012-2013 a memorable
year for our program by planning social excursions and events that will encourage students to
meet each other and share their ideas.
So on Elections Day, GET INVOLVED and VOTE! Let your voice be heard in our great
community of Guelph-Humber University. Look forward to seeing you around the campus.
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Kunal Luthra
Hello, my name is Kunal Luthra and I am a first year Justice student running for the position of
Justice Representative. Throughout high school, I found myself looking for many different
leadership opportunities as I love helping others in any way possible. Being a social person, I
found that I excel working with a variety of people in different environments. As the public
relations officer in my school for two years, I really developed my interpersonal skills whether it
be doing the announcements in the mornings or by being the MC of various social events. I can
be the voice that the students in this program are looking for. If elected, I would do three things
to improve and help those in the program:
1. Justice Meet and Greet (All Years).
2. Pub Night.
3. Facilitate events involving industry professionals with a focus on law and policing to network
with and provide valuable information to students .
So, why should you vote for me? I am a friendly, kind, reliable person who keeps the interests
of others in mind before making a decision. If you want the best, forget the rest, Vote Kunal
Luthra for Justice Rep.
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Kanwardeep Rataul
My name is Kanwardeep Rataul and I am twenty-two years of age. I was born in India
and I came to Canada in 1998. It was an amazing culture shock and every day was a struggle in
an unfamiliar world. I have progressed through school and college and now finally at a university
level education to make myself a better person and achieve my goals in life. I am always looking
forward to opportunities to do something good for others. Thus, the reason I would like to be a
program representative. I was to be the voice of my fellow students and help them with any
concerns regarding the studies, health and safety and the entire university environment. As a
student representative I would also like to organize guest lectures that will benefit everyone for
their future career. Also, university is great for studies but it also requires fun and entertainment.
I will take an active role in fund raising and then use the money to better the entire experience
for staff and students alike. I think the students should vote for someone who will listen to their
concerns and who gets things done.
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Program Representative – Kinesiology
Nora Ahmad
KIN GHERZZ!!
My name is Nora Ahmad and I am running to be your kin rep! I joined GHSA
because of my desire to be involved and bring the kin program together for
an unforgettable year, and one you are excited about. With that in mind, I
am crazy easy to talk to, I love meeting new people, and I am here for YOU.
Come into GHSA, talk to me about what you want to see, like or don’t like,
or just to say hi. Let’s make 2012-2013 amazing!
Here are some of my objectives as kin rep:
1) Advocating: On your behalf in program related, course related, or
event related.
2) Informing: Whether its sessions about possible future careers, or
directing you to the right resources, I’ll always be there to help you
out.
3) Involving: Getting involved is great because you know what is going
on in our program, and you’ll be aware of all the initiatives going on
with kin. Whether its with workshops, guest speakers, or careerrelated events, having you guys involved will definitely better kin
interaction as well help you in the future!
With that out of the way, this year will be SICK!
GH KIN PRIDE
LEGGO
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Program Representative – Media Studies
Kharri Oosthuyzen
My name is Kharri Oosthuyzen, I am 22, and I am a fun-loving, dedicated person. I am in my
third year of the media studies program, majoring in journalism. I am applying for this position because I
care about the Media Studies program and the students who take it. I am determined:
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To help let their voices be heard and give them what they need to grow and be successful in
the media world.
Provide them with opportunity to learn new things about media and to get them more
involved.
To see to it that their academic needs and wants are being met.
I have been volunteering and helping others since I was a little girl and it is a passion of mine to
see other people thrive. I hope to challenge students and give them a fresh outlook on their program
and how they can use their skills/ knowledge to the best of their ability.
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I believe that my outgoing personality, dedication, and love of media qualify me as a great
candidate for this position. I like to make things fun but still have a professional attitude.
With this, I hope to prove myself as a media representative.
Program Representative – Psychology
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Amanda Howlett
Hello follow Guelph-Humber psychology students!
My name is Amanda Howlett and I am currently in my third year of psychology and have been
actively involved in our program for the past three years. I have been a START leader helping
psychology students transition into Guelph-Humber, the CPA campus representative and recently you
have elected me to be your psych society president.
I feel like I can benefit the students of the psychology program even further by being a member
of the GHSA. If elected I plan to:
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Create more social events connecting the GHSA and psych society
Take advantage of common times to unite years socially and academically
Strive to communicate the academic concerns of psychology students
Guelph-Humber is a school that I pride myself being a student from and if elected I’m hoping to
make all of you feel the same. I am someone who goes above and beyond the call of duty in all tasks
that I’m assigned and pride myself in being easy to communicate with. A new school year brings new
responsibilities and chances to give back to the student population. I’m hopeful you’ll see my potential
and help make the 2012-2013 school year memorable together.
Alex Stirpe
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Hello Psych students!
My name is Alex Stirpe, and I am running to become your new GHSA Psych Representative. I am
currently in my third year of the Psychology program and I’m President of the Psychology Society.
Working with my team of executives has enhanced my skills as a leader and has brought me closer to
the students of the Psychology Program!
If elected GHSA Psych Rep, I plan to:
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Establish a voluntary mentorship program, allowing first and second year students to
communicate directly with senior years regarding student life, academic advice, and other
student directories.
I will also continue to promote common time meetings. I will determine ways to motivate
individuals within the Psych program and discuss the importance of attending these meetings.
These meetings will also be abstract and determined by the interests of the student body.
Also, I plan to interconnect each year with social events. This would allow students to become
more comfortable with students from other years. Hopefully with improving interconnected
friendships in different years, students are able to anticipate further into the program and share
each other’s experiences at Guelph-Humber.
I hope to be your GHSA Psych Representative for 2012-2013! Vote Alex Stirpe!
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