By: Amiracle Williams-Anderson (BA Psychology, ’21)
With CASSAC members graduating, one may wonder who will be next to serve as the new President of the organization. After careful consideration and a unanimous vote, the new president of CASSAC is senior Ellie Kurt. I recently interviewed Ellie to learn more about her plans for CASSAC.
Q. You have been a longtime member of CASSAC, Ellie. What interested you about moving into leadership as the President?
A. I really believe in the mission of CASSAC. I think it is important for students to have a direct connection to the faculty through the College of Arts & Sciences Dean’s Office. I decided to run for President because I wanted to make sure the good work of the previous executive board continued after their graduation.
Q. What are your goals for CASSAC for the 2021-22 academic year? What projects are you planning to kick off or continue?
A. My main goal is to continue holding forums on topics that are important to students. In the past, before the pandemic, this was not always the priority, but I think it’s an important part of what we do. I am looking to have CASSAC host three events. We are very aware that half of the incoming/returning students have never been on campus, so we are hoping to do an event which helps them get acquainted with the Auditorium building. We will also be bringing back the popular “Grad School A to Z.” It is one of our most important annual events, as it allows students to learn about their options for graduate school and to ask questions of faculty. The third event will be a social event: a movie night.
Q. What extracurricular activities or campus jobs are you involved with, in addition to CASSAC? What do you think the benefits of extracurriculars are to Roosevelt students?
A. I am founder and President of Phi Alpha Theta, the history honors society. I am also a peer tutor in the Learning Commons and a member of the Honors Program. What I like most about being involved on campus, and especially being a student campus leader, is being a part of a community and helping to create that community. On a city campus with a lot of commuter students, it can sometimes feel difficult to connect with people. Student organizations have allowed me to make close friendships.
Q. What are your summer plans, Ellie?
A. I am hoping to get a research positions, but I will also be helping out on my sister’s flower farm, taking photos, making bouquets, drying and pressing flowers. But my main plan is to rest before getting into the next school year and reading to prepare to write my honors thesis.
As you can see, Ellie is ready to hit the ground running. We can’t wait to see all the great things that CASSAC has planned for 2021-22.
Again, a big congratulations to Ellie and to the rest of the elected CASSAC executive board!