VOTE HERE
Voting for AS Student Senate Elections will take place from 12:00 a.m. Monday, Oct. 25 to 4:00 p.n. Friday, Oct. 30.
The students running to represent the Graduate School are: Ethan Liggett, Cam MacKenzie, Samia Quiwai, AP Wang and Kelly Zwicker.
Ethan Liggett
My name is Ethan Liggett, I’m originally from Kirkland, Wa but I consider Bellingham my home. I began developing a great sense of community throughout my first four years at WWU while I completed my undergraduate degree in Operations Management. Currently I am enrolled in Graduate School and I feel that with all my experience here it is time for me to give back. As a member of the Student Senate I will stand to create not only equality but equity when it comes to the diverse crowd of my fellow college scholars. I want every student’s voice to be heard to ensure that we all have the ability to succeed in our collegiate endeavors removing all discriminatory boundaries. During these hectic times while we fight for justice, I believe that it is time to take charge and make the Graduate School program the best it has ever been.
Cam MacKenzie
Hello, my name is Cam MacKenzie and I’m running to be your graduate school senator. I’m an MBA student with my bachelor’s in international business & economics, and I am confident my knowledge of policy can help influence positive change at Western. I want to focus on the massive changes to education that have been brought on by COVID-19, how we can provide better value to students, and how we can better support BIPOC students and those in marginalized communities. I aim to be a resource and megaphone for the voices of the student body, encouraging innovation and collaboration. We can make lasting changes on issues of diversity, equity, and opportunity by using the power of collective action.
Samia Quidwai
My name is Samia Quidwai and I am a second year graduate student in the Doctor of Audiology program at WWU. As a graduate student, like you, I am concerned about the absence of our voice and the need for action towards diversity, inclusion, and representation at the graduate level. In order for the university to address our needs as students, we need to make sure our voice is heard. The Au.D program is four years, one of the few doctoral degrees offered at WWU. This time frame has allowed me ample time to observe, reflect, and plan for change. As a woman of color, I will use my life experience coupled with leadership skills I have obtained while serving on several student organization boards, (since my freshman year of my undergraduate at the University of Washington) to continuously work to serve my fellow graduate school students.
AP Wang
My name is AP Wang, and I am a second-year graduate student in the department of Chemistry. I completed my biochemistry undergraduate career in Spokane, WA at Whitworth University. During my time as an undergrad, I have held many teaching assistantships along with residential work. I am familiar with organizational team work to arrive at a cohesive decision amongst a group of leaders representing their peers.
As a first generation Asian-American and millennial, I have seen the struggles that we, as citizens of America, face in the year of 2020. Moreover, I have seen the student body struggle through online learning and how hard the faculty members have worked to make this experience as flexible and accommodating. I am interested in serving both the student body as well as collaborating with faculty to make western a stronger community. I believe in equality for all and especially representing the marginalized community.
Kelly Zwicker
My name is Kelly. I am a master’s student in Kinesiology, with a specialization in sport and exercise psychology. I think I am qualified to hold a graduate student seat in the senate because I can be a voice for other graduate students. Given I am in my second year of my program, I have personally experienced the stressors and responsibilities that come with being a graduate student. Thus, I think other students can relate to me and know that their feedback will be heard. My background in psychology can help me better connect with my fellow graduate students and empathize with their concerns and struggles. I am interested in prioritizing the well-being of graduate students in the Western community, as well as bettering their experience when navigating COVID-19 as well as online learning.
Editor’s Note: All photos and statements were provided by the candidates and not edited in any capacity by the AS Review. Candidates are listed in alphabetical order by last name.
Correction issued Oct. 17, 2020 at 3:31 p.m. to update AP Wang’s candidate statement in order to abide by length guidelines.