WEB EXTRA: Candidates offer qualifications

Arts and Lectures VP

Sara Diem is a junior Biology major from Littlerock, California. She has been involved as STAB special events and aerobics chair, STAB Mardi-Gras co-chair, STAB volunteer, and current site director Boys and Girls Club of Cache Valley.

Diem said she plans to make lecture series easier to attend for all students, backstage passes to meet speaker, more scheduled performances for students, bring things students haven’t seen before, multicultural, all aspects of performing and visual arts, and student suggestions in programming guest lectures and concerts.

“As arts and lectures VP, I would provide speakers, performances and presentations that would give an uplifting and enjoyable experience of life, visual and performing art to the students of Utah State University.”

Salt Lake City resident, Danielle Gardner, is a junior Family and Consumer Sciences major. Her qualifications include ASUSU Exec. Council as Family Life Senator, Special Olympics Invitational Committee, WOW week committee, Panhellenic President, Panhellenic Philanthropy VP. Phi Upsilon Omicron Honor Society, and Fall leadership facilitator.

Gardner’s plans for the office include bringing back the tradition of Poetry and a Beverage; establishing an alternate form of funding for the lecture series through an outside donor; set-up an on campus Alternative Cinema program featuring foreign and independent films; form a Brown Bag Lunch series featuring lectures by Utah State faculty and staff; and bring programs that appeal to a broad spectrum of students through student input.

“As Arts and Lectures Vice President,” Gardner siad, “I will create a diverse agenda which will include not only Lectures and Performing Arts, but also Poetry and a Beverage, Alternative Cinema, and Brown Bag Luncheons that will appeal to a large scale of student interest.”

Senior, Bryce A Baxter, is a Marketing major from Sandy. His experience includes Athletics club sports chair, Arts and Lectures P.R. chair, secretary for Rugby Club, two years as an RA, and NRHH member of the year.

If elected Baxter’s goals are that Poetry and a Beverage will be back; foot work to bring back the Performing Arts season tickets; take Performing Arts series community advertising to the next level; increased funding though co-sponsorship; and create bonds between different aspect of USU.

“My goals for the year are to have programs that both educate and entertain. I also feel strongly about bringing back past programs and procedures that have been successful i.e. P & B, season tickets. Most importantly to make A & L successful and have fun,” Baxter said.

Joe McFarlane from Anacortes, Wash., is a senior with a dual Finance and Economics major. He has planned campus wide events for USU such as the Howl, comedy night, and moonlight and music, attend National Association for Collegiate activities conference 1999, involved in leadership and a member of various campus organizations, programmed large events for over 4 years, and current special events chair for ASUSU Student Activity Board.

McFarlane’s goals are to bring back Poetry and a Beverage; continue in A & L’s strong focus on quality speakers; student input on speakers/genres; accountable representation on issues; and interesting topics, big-name speakers.

“As Arts and Lectures Vice President, I, Joe McFarlane, plan to serve the students of Utah State University by brining big name speakers to campus, reviving poetry and a beverage and increasing student input.”

Athletics VP

Stephen Hunt, from Kaysville, is a senior BIS major. He has served as student body vice-president at Dixie College, USU College of Business Ambassador, USU Rugby team, and active member of Sigma Chi Fraternity.

If elected he would increase attendance at Varsity games; strengthen the Intramural program; inform students of outdoor recreation available to them; form a club committee for all sports club presidents; and more student involvement in Big Blue Crew.

“As Activities V.P. I will work closely with the Athletic administration to support and strengthen the varsity, club, intramural and outdoor recreation programs,” Hunt said.

Englewood, Colo., resident Clark Jessop is a sophomore Marketing major. He has been Athletics committee chair for Club sports, member of the USU rugby team, he has a missing front tooth to prove it, and he is the biggest Aggie fan in his apartment.

He plans to inform students of upcoming intramural deadlines besides students who spend time in the HPER; make “The Crew” a fun and worthwhile club to belong to; make Varsity sports games enjoyable by having theme days and student competitions; and make himself accessible to students and respond to their ideas and needs.

“I’m hoping this doesn’t come across as just a vague political statement that cannot be accomplished, but I believe that every USU student should have a better college experience because of athletics,” Jessop said. “Whether it is a fan, or as an athlete in varsity, club, or intramural sports, athletics should make your life a little better and I will do all I can to see that happen.”

Management/Human Resources major Justin Keith is a junior from Blanding. He is a PLC member, Men’s Club Volleyball team, Athletics Council crew chair and spirit squad chair, ASUSU Supreme Court Justice, USU Ambassador, Beta Theta Pi Executive Secretary, and Philippines Manila mission.

Kieth’s goals are to improve student recreation options by working out options between USU and valley health center; Implement a “locker room pass” program to increase interaction between student and student athletes; work with the Organizations and Traditions VP to bring new traditions to USU and continue current traditions; use “The Crew” more effectively to promote and increase school spirit; promote and support club sports and intramurals by increasing funding, publicity, and improved relationships between intramural sports and students.

“USU Athletics is enjoying great success. As Athletics VP, I will work to improve school spirit, build relationships between students and student athletics, and work to bring students a reasonable option for physical recreation,” Keith said.

Jennifer Putnam is a senior Public Relations major from Mesquite, Nev. She has been involved as “The Crew” activities chairman, tailgating party coordinator, Big Blue Crew special events board, Public affairs board, USU Intercollegiate assembly delegate, Snow College Exec. VP/Senate President, and student booster leader.

Putnam said sahe plans “blowing the horn” and recruiting the funds for our club sports provides opportunities for fund raising and publicity; feed the Aggie rage by starting new traditions such as “A” flags for the community on game days, monthly athletics newsletters ; pack the stands Blue, pre-game activities for varsity sporting events, free hand-outs for early arrivers; old or new – who cares as long as you’re Blue! Coordinate activities with alumni groups for victory parties and fundraising; and Gettin’ the crew the big and the blue, monthly activities for Big Blue Crew members to support athletics and a corner on the quad and in the Statesman to inspire school spirit and awareness of events.

Said Putnam, “To inspire Aggie pride in Utah State students, faculty and community through example, old and new traditions, recognition of athletes and their supporters, and a true blue wave of enthusiasm at all athletic events and activities, that’s what I hope to do.”

Extension VP

Junior Tad Thornton is a Business management/marketing major from Sandy, Utah. His campus involvement is campus Extension committee, Public Affairs Board as Student awareness chair, Utah Intercollegiate Association 2001 delegation, and branch manager of a local financial institution.

Thornton said he plans to improve communication by holding on-line office hours, and by initiating at least two monthly satellite meetings with extension site student represent
atives; improve student involvement with the University, by a monthly newsletter from the Extension VP office; provide better extension student access to libraries, computer labs, registration, and additional resources on extension campuses and the main campus; provide students with books and materials on time, by improving the current extension bookstore problems; and investigate the possibility of providing inexpensive health insurance to extension students.

“To represent Extension student’s interests, make available USU resources, extend the scope and purpose of this University in the State of Utah, ensuring great contributions from this University to society is my platform,” Thorton said.

Centerville resident Joey Hyde is a junior Business and Information Systems major. He has been a member of the Business council, public relations committee, member of the Institute council, and activities committee volunteer for the Service Center Friends of the Elderly.

Hyde said he plans to make the extension students feel a part of USU; build Aggie pride statewide through the extension campuses; be personally available to the extension student by visiting campuses throughout the state; intensive training of extension student representatives; and keep student representatives updated and informed through regular, and personal communication.

“As the Extension VP I will spread Aggie pride throughout the state by involving extension campus students in the social atmosphere, spirit, and traditions of USU,” Hyde said.

Mike Larsen is a junior from Malta, Idaho, majoring in Agricultural Education. He has been served as Collegiate 4-H President, USU Extension state 4-H office, Cloverbuds after school program at Aggie Village Extension field office, ASUSU Fall leadership facilitator, ASUSU academic council, and ASUSU College of Agriculture council for two years.

His goals are to ensure off-campus students’ needs are understood and met through cooperation with campus and extension services; provide several opportunities for extension students to ease financial burdens by increasing awareness of financial aid options and applications; visit each branch campus by April 2002 to hold forums where students are able to voice their opinions and concerns; assist off-campus students in feeling like a part of the University community by offering a weekly updated web page with University news, highlights and sport scores; and increase awareness on the Logan campus about the importance of the Land-grant University Extension and Continuing Education.

“As Extension Vice President I will work hard to ‘Extend ASUSU to you’,” Larsen said. “I will bring you closer by working with campus services to better accommodate students that seldom set foot on Old Main Hill.”

Business Education major Katie Alvord is from Sandy. Her experience has been with the technology used for distance learning, current enrollment in an independent study course that gives her experience in the extensions student lifestyle, and employment with a teacher who teaches online courses through distance education, and experience representing students in positions in Institute Council and high school student body officer.

Her plans are to establish a weekly time to communicate with each of the Extension Center representatives so I can adequately represent extension students; work with President and Organizations and Traditions VP in implementing activities for the students at the Extension sites by providing relevant ideas and means; maintain the Extension web site with up to date information to narrow the relationship gap between off-site students and traditional students; actively work towards making the policies and procedures that effect Extension students more efficient through being aware of Extensions students needs and concerns; and provide an effective leadership training experience for the Extension Center Council to insure better communication between them and the on-campus Extension committee.

“Communication is the key to a successful distance education program. Using the current technology available, I will communicate with the Extension student representatives to effectively represent the needs and concerns of Distance Education students,” Alvord said.

Junior Jacob Steele is a Psychology major from Layton. He is currently an Extension student, he has had various leadership church responsibilities religiously and “is an approachable friendly guy.”

He said plans to give Extensions students a needed voice to be heard by letting everyoone know what they need where ever they may be; help the USU Bookstore to better help the needs of Extension students; and represent the extension students.

“This is my third semester in the extension program at USU,” Steele said. “I understand the students and their obligations where ever they are. I want to represent them and educate others to better help the Extension students gain the education that they deserve.”

Graduate Senate President

Robert Franckowiak, is a Physics graduate student from Lovell, Wyo. He has had experience in the U.S. Navy, a high school teacher and coach, and served as a Physics Graduate Senator.

Franckowiak said his goals are to increase the awareness of and participation in the Graduate Senate by all the colleges; act as a conduit for policies, events and concerns among the Graduate Senate, the graduates, and the ASUSU Executive Council, and the USU administration; build upon the orientation program for incoming graduate students; and enhance the reputation of the USU graduate program to encourage a greater number of potential applicants.

“As a platform, I would like to procure the concept that a university is a place for the exchange of ideas. In this way, we can create an atmosphere where different opinions can work together for the benefit of the whole,” Franckowiak said.

School Psychology graduate student Erica Thomas lists her hometown as “military brat.” She has experience as ASUSU Education Senator, Psychology VP, Public relations chair for Psi Chi Exec. Council, recipient of Undergraduate Teacher assistant dept. award, undergraduate research assistant, graduate assistant for dept. head, publicity chair for ASUSU STAB, and member of A-Team new student orientation.

Thomas said she plans to increase communication between Graduate students and departmental student representatives by implementing an e-mail list service within the departments; create a working partnership w/career services and the School of Graduate studies in order to increase job opportunities and internships; better educate graduate students of current and new policies and procedures; increase awareness of upcoming presentations or projects within departments to fellow graduate students; and strengthen the relationship between deans, department heads, and faculty and students.

“As Graduate Studies Vice President I will work for you, the students, who are the voice and life of this University,” Thomas aid, “and try to implement your ideas in order to better your graduate education.”

Organizations and Traditions VP

Dan Kartchner, from Centerville, is a junior Marketing /Organizational Communications major. He has served as Vice President of public relations for the Business council, head of the advertising committee for the College of Business, a former LDSSA and current Institute representative, and a performer with Sunburst Singers and Eclipse.

Kartchner’s goals are to build on the great achievements of Chelsie Crane, Organizations VP 2000; recognize clubs and promote funding to the most active organizations, expand the Christmas tree lighting, include the Multicultural Fair in Traditions week; and save from extinction the tradition of the Glenn Miller show.

“I am willing to devote my time and energy to the continued success of the Organizations and Traditions at USU. I promise to provide executive leadership, creativity, and my best effort to magnify events and continue meaningful traditions at USU,”
Kartchner said.

West Jordan native Mary Shepherd is a senior Ornamental Horticulture major. She has served as Ag Council, Ag Council web page designer, collegiate 4-H service chair person, PLSC club secretary, and the first treasurer of the new USU cycling club, participated in Ag Tech and PAS activities, and involved in service projects, public speaking competitions, parliamentary procedure, and other leadership activities.

Shepherd said she plans to act as a representative of clubs and organizations I would be responsible for; educate and excite the student body about USU, Utah’s Agricultural College, traditions; promote involvement, pride, and spirit of alumni and new students of USU; fulfill all duty requirements and committee and board assignments; and participate or attend one or more actives or functions of every CSCO club.

Shepherd said, “I believe in the future, in being involved with everything possible to enhance learning experiences. If you’re doing your best you won’t have time to worry about failure. I believe in strong work ethics and am always reliable to those who I have committed myself to. If elected I will work hard to represent and serve, striving to make next year one of the best years ever.”

Karmann Clements is a junior FHD major from Aurora, Ill. She has experience in Dixie College government, Organizations and Traditions committee, chair for Royalty for Homecoming, CSCO representative, campus Christmas tree co-ordinator, traditions week dance co-ordinator, Robins awards committee, Student Alumni Association member, and “A” day committee member.

Clements said she want to create a CSCO pamphlet; make herself accessible to all students and clubs/organizations as a voting member of the legislative council; increase the participation of student body and faculty on the campus Christmas tree lighting; promote more student and club involvement in traditions week; and make Homecoming a week of events that involves more students and alumni.

“As Organizations and Traditions Vice President, I plan to increase student, club, and alumni involvement in the traditions of Utah State,” Clements said. “I will accomplish this goal by establishing strong relationships with all organizations and serving as a liaison between the student body and ASUSU.”

Public Relations VP

Jordan Singleton is a sophomore from Providence with an undeclared major. His experiences include research promoter of Singleton & Co., Nintendo Power Advisory Selection for five years, Elementary school English & American culture teacher in Moelia, Mexico, U.S. Government and Law finalist committee, director of the Jack Saunders memorial pigeon racing classic.

Singleton’s goals are to increase election awareness and response; report to student body on policies and decisions being made and make available more opportunities for students to govern themselves; research student tastes and preferences to better develop activities that will attract diverse groups among the studentbody; set up a free student ad paper; and provide free origami lessons sponsored by ASUSU.

“People think more logically about issues that concern them,” Singleton said. “Our student officers represent us on the fee board, parking and transportation advisory, etc. and have some say in every decision being made in the “big offices”. I will create big opportunities for all students to have a voice.”

Kennewick, Wash., native Nollie Dockum Haws is a junior majoring in Public Relations. She has served on the ASUSU PR council, Public Relations student society of American Treasurer, Public Relations account manager for ASUSU Arts and Lectures, PR Intern, Cache Valley Specialty Hospital, SAA Senior send-off PR co-chair, LDSSA campus relations VP, PLC, and USU’s President Ambassador.

Haws plans are to redesign the ASUSU web site to be more appealing and informative, so it becomes the main information network for USU students; institute a monthly newsletter to report the progress of ASUSU, voice student input, and spotlight outstanding campus organizations, thereby improving the lines of communication between students and the officers who serve them; coordinate and enhance the publicity of all ASUSU activities to increase student awareness and participation; inform students of current ASUSU issues and legislation through the use of advertising boards throughout campus; and assure that all student are aware of who their ASUSU officers are and how to contact them.

“I will use effective means of communication to lessen the distance between students and student leadership, so that every student knows what is happening at USU, where they can look for information and what ASUSU does for them,” Haws said.

Sociology major Ashley Ferrin is a junior from Bountiful. She has been involved as LDSSA publicity VP, LDSSA Publicity committee, Legislative Intern, Utah State Senate, production and coaching of several musical productions, religious youth council presidency, publicity president for various musical productions, management and supervisory experience in the workplace, USU Chamber Singers, USU Chamber Singers Council, LDS Institute show choir, graduated with high honors, National honors society officer, and student liaison.

If elected Ferrin said she will promote student unity through advertising events sponsored by University student clubs and organizations; increase awareness of student concerns and activities that are sponsored by the studentbody; publicize University events in correlation with university standards and procedures; correlate with the executive ASUSU council and campus organizations for advertising awareness; and increase community support and enthusiasm for University sponsored programs and events.

“I will work to increase student unity, promote community awareness and support, and communication and cooperation among students, faculty, and administrators,” Ferrin said. “My goal is to make Utah State University the best place to be.”