Members
Blake Smith
Senate Chair
I am a third year Political Science major with minors in Mathematics and Criminal Justice. After undergrad, I will attend law school as an aspiring labor law professional. I joined this organization last year as a Senator At-Large, and I will be serving as the Senate Chair this year to lead the Legislative Branch and create real change on campus. My main focus for this year will be to push legislation that improves common student experiences such as dining and housing. Outside of student government, I am the VP for the Pre-Law Society and I am a Hearing Officer for the Office of Student Conduct and Community Standards.
Ally (Alia) Baig
Vice Senate Chair
Joining USG last year was one of the best decisions I made. As someone who is already involved on campus as the President of the Environmental Action club, I was able to become even more involved. USG is an outlet for students to make change and advocate for their peers. I feel like this is a way to have a long lasting impact on campus and to create an environment for students to thrive in. Being an advocate for students is the reason I wanted to be a part of USG, and I feel like I am completing that goal by being a leader and working on multiple projects. My favorite part of being a part of this organization is working with likeminded people to accomplish our goals!
Grace Dewitt
Senator for the Williams Honors College
My name is Grace DeWitt, and I am a second-year student at UA. I am majoring in Political Science and minoring in Pre-Law Philosophy. I am involved in several student organizations on campus including the Williams Honors College, Residence Hall Program Board, Women in Business, Pre-Law Society, Sigma Lambda Honorary, Honors Delegates, and Zips Programming Network. I enjoy being involved on campus, and I am happy to represent students here at the university. Undergraduate Student Government has allowed me the ability to exercise advocacy for my fellow students, and I am privileged to hold a position in this student government! Feel free to reach out with any issues or concerns you may have! I would be more than happy to help.
Isaac Machar
Senator At-Large
Hi Zips! My name is Isaac Machar and I am a second-year student pursuing degrees in Psychology and Biology and an Addiction Services certificate. I joined USG in Fall 2021 as a Senator At-Large and am excited to continue in that position this academic year. Outside of USG, I am a Resident assistant in the Honors Complex, Historian for Sigma Lambda Honorary, a member of the AK-Rowdies, and a New Student Orientation Leader. During the semester, catch me in Coleman Common or at Bierce Library. I enjoy hammocking, taking walks on campus, reading, and listening to music! Overall, I am incredibly passionate about the student experience. Coming to college is a huge adjustment; however, with the proper support systems and channels of advocacy in place, it does not have to be so daunting. The opportunity to assist students with this transition motivates and inspires me to continue my involvement in this great organization and governing body. Go USG! Go Zips!
Ashley Cosgrave
Senator At-Large
Hi! I'm Ashley Cosgrave, Senator at Large, and I'm a 2nd year Biomedical Sciences major with a Spanish minor. I enjoy sewing, reading, watching the news, and anything plant related. Outside of USG, I'm involved in the Environmental Action Club and I'm a student in the Williams Honors College. I joined USG because I want to be involved in big decisions on campus. I've never exactly been a quiet kid when it comes to my opinions and I believe USG is a great place to voice them. After being in Debate for 4 years, I knew that I would want to make change wherever I go and USG is the place I'm starting. I'm especially passionate about helping LGBTQIA+ students, commuters, workers, and those who are struggling financially. It's my job to be your voice, so don't be afraid to speak your mind to me!
Emily Tenney
Senator At-Large
I am a senior integrated language arts major with a Spanish minor. I am a president of an Acapella group and a water skier. I have worked in orientation, as a peer educator and in the office of accessibility. I decided to join USG to help advocate for students and their needs.
Kaden Rupert
Senator At-Large
My name is Kaden Rupert, I am a freshman at the University of Akron majoring in Biomedical Science on the Pre-Med track. I am a very active person, I love to play and watch sports, exercise, read, hang out with friends and be part of a team. Along with being a Senator-at-Large for USG, I am part of the Williams Honors College and have an on-campus job at the Polsky Tutoring Labs. I choose to be a part of the University of Akron's Undergraduate Student Government because I want to be involved in significant campus organizations and try to make a difference for my fellow students and the community of Akron. Please don't hesitate to reach out if you have any questions or concerns, or have an idea to make UA a better place. Thank you and Go Zips!
Anthony Santos
Senator for the College of Engineering and Polymer Science
My name is Anthony Santos; I'm a first-year aerospace systems engineering student at UA. I attended a larger high school in central Pennsylvania, GO CVSO. I work at Best Buy and love to play video games. You can catch me playing some Lego stars the complete saga and portal two frequently. I also did Boy Scouts, earning the rank of Eagle Scout, and I love to go hiking. I'm a very chill person who likes to go with the flow; feel free to come to me if you see anything that needs to change at UA or the college of engineering and polymer science. I want to make the engineering building an innovative and relaxing place to lean. Furthermore, I would like to know how the engineering department can help others, so please let me know if you have any ideas.
Maxwell Pastoria
Senator for Off-Campus Housing
I am a first-year finance major with the intent to pursue law school after graduation. Usually, I am spending time with friends and family, I enjoy doing things outside, and my interests include sports, reading, and shoes. I am part of Campus Focus but am looking to get involved in a pre-law student organization or dodgeball club. I joined USG in order to make college a seamless and enjoyable experience for my fellow students here at The University of Akron, especially those living off-campus, ensuring they, like on-campus residents, feel connected and involved during their time here at Akron. Go Zips!
Carson Wolfe
Senator for the College of Health and Human Sciences
I am a fourth year Speech Pathology/Audiology major with a minor in Mathematics. On campus, I am a New Student Orientation leader, First Year Forefront mentor, and staff member at our rock wall. In my free time, I DJ and produce dance music. I have also been involved in a church plant in East Akron called Five39. In my first year at the university, I was a member of the marching band. In band, the director, Dr. Feyes, always said the phrase, "Leave it better than you found it." As a member of USG, I am making it my goal to leave The University of Akron better than I found it.
Lana Tamin
Senator for the College of Arts & Sciences
I am a 1st year majoring in Computer Science. Student government spoke to me as I always try to involve myself on campus through various chorale and engineering-oriented organizations. I joined student government in order to make a difference in the Akron community and uplift the unheard voices.
Meghan Teeters
First Year Senator
I am a First-Year Senator and a freshman at the University of Akron. I am majoring in Biomedical Science and hoping to go to medical school after getting my degree. My end goal is to become a surgical dermatologist and own my practice. I love running, reading, baking, and hanging out with friends. I am involved in the William's Honors College, Spicer Hall Government, Campus Focus, AK Rowdies, and flag football. I joined USG because I want to make a difference and ensure that the freshman class has a voice.
Gwen Bushen
First Year Senator
My name is Gwen Bushen. I am a freshman majoring in English. I currently live in Spicer and am a RHC Representative for Spicer. I also am a part of the Pink Gloves Boxing Program and am a new member of Alpha Gamma Delta. I joined USG to be more active in my community and be a voice for others.
Natalie Gardner
Senator for the College of Business
My name is Natalie Gardner, and I am a first-year student. I am majoring in Accounting. I am involved in multiple on-campus organizations such as the Williams Honors College, Emerging Leaders, and Delta Sigma Pi. Outside of school activities, I like to swim, read, and spend time with my friends in my free time. I joined Undergraduate Student Government as the Senator for the College of Business because I wanted to be able to assist in any change that needs to occur on campus while also giving all students in the College of Business and every other major a chance to voice their opinions and concerns.