Choose your 2024–2025 Harper College Student Trustee: cast your VOTE in the online Student Trustee election, on your student portal, Monday, April 8, 2024 at 12:01 a.m. to Thursday, April 11, 2024, at 11:59 p.m.
The Harper College Student Trustee is elected each year by the Harper student body
to represent students by serving a one-year term on the College Board of Trustees
where they have an advisory vote. The Trustee has the opportunity to use their voice to advocate for their student peers, and be
involved in critical decision-making processes that help elevate Harper College.
2024–2025 Student Trustee Candidates
Statements are as submitted. Candidates listed in order of application submission.
Valensia Pencheva
As a passionate advocate for student voice and engagement, I am excited to express
my interest in serving as a Student Trustee. I believe that a successful college institution
must give voice to its attendants, and I believe that I could be that trusted voice
for my colleagues. I would contribute to amplifying student voices, ensuring that
diverse perspectives are considered, and advocating for policies that prioritize the
well-being and success of all students.
Throughout my high school journey, I have actively engaged in roles akin to that of
a Student Trustee, fostering my passion for student representation and leadership.
For four years, I served as the elected student representative of my class, spearheading
various initiatives and engaging in constructive dialogues with school administrators
to propose innovative ideas for improvement. Whether it was advocating for more effective
teaching methodologies or orchestrating events to enhance the student experience,
I consistently endeavored to make a meaningful impact.
Click to read more from candidate Pencheva
In my final year of high school, I was responsible for organizing our prom, a task
that demanded careful consideration of the diverse perspectives within the graduating
class. Balancing differing opinions and preferences taught me the invaluable skill
of compromise and reinforced the importance of attentive listening. As a staunch advocate
for inclusive decision-making, I understand the necessity of weighing multiple viewpoints
when representing a diverse student body.
Reflecting on my personal attributes, I recognize myself as someone inherently determined,
optimistic, and resilient. My innate perseverance drives me to pursue my aspirations
relentlessly, while my positive outlook enables me to navigate challenges with grace
and enthusiasm. Stepping into the role of a Student Trustee represents a significant
leap out of my comfort zone, but I embrace this opportunity wholeheartedly as a catalyst
for personal growth and development.
What truly inspires me to pursue this position is the prospect of overcoming challenges
and seizing opportunities for advancement. I am motivated by the inherent challenge
of effectively representing the voices of my peers and advocating for their needs.
Moreover, I am drawn to the opportunity for continuous learning and the chance to
contribute to the enhancement of our educational community.
I am deeply committed to serving as a Student Trustee, driven by a sincere dedication
to amplifying student voices and fostering positive change. I pledge to listen attentively
to the concerns and aspirations of my fellow colleagues, serving as a steadfast advocate
for their interests. With an open mind, a willingness to embrace new experiences,
and a genuine desire to make a difference, I am confident in my ability to fulfill
the responsibilities of a Student Trustee effectively.
Thank you for considering my candidacy. I am eager to embark on this journey of service,
ready to listen, collaborate, and contribute to the betterment of our educational
institution.
Gerard Garay
As a dedicated member of the Harper College Student Government, I have witnessed firsthand
the challenges and missed opportunities caused by infighting among our representatives.
This experience has motivated me to run for Student Trustee, where I aim to transform
our collective frustrations into actionable change for the betterment of our entire
student body.
My campaign is driven by a simple yet profound belief: every student deserves to have
their voice heard, their concerns addressed, and their academic and social environment
improved. It's unacceptable that our students face a 3% tuition increase without a
corresponding rise in their income. Such financial decisions impact all of us, especially
when we're already navigating tight budgets.
Click to read more from candidate Garay
Moreover, I stand for the inclusive representation of all student groups, including
veterans and minority communities, whose unique challenges and contributions enrich
our campus. It's time their voices are amplified in our decision-making processes.
I also believe in the power of our diverse clubs and organizations to shape a vibrant
college experience. They should have every opportunity to make their voices heard
and contribute to a dynamic campus culture.
One of my first actions as your Student Trustee will be to address symbolic issues
of privilege and access, such as the allocation of the student trustee parking spot.
I propose this spot should be awarded to deserving students based on merit or need,
not as a perk of an elected position. This is just one example of the many changes
I envision aiming to foster a more inclusive and fair campus environment.
My commitment to you is unwavering: I will work tirelessly to ensure your concerns
are not only heard but acted upon. Together, we can overcome the challenges of infighting
and focus on creating tangible improvements for all students at Harper College. Let's
unite our voices, address the pressing issues we face, and work collaboratively towards
a future where every student thrives.
Elect me, Gerard Garay, as your Student Trustee, and let's embark on this journey
of positive change together. Your vote is your voice-let's make it resonate throughout
Harper.
Liman Lei
Hello, fellow Harper College students,
My name is Liman Lei, and I am excited to announce my candidacy for the position of
Student Trustee. As the former president of the International Student Association,
I have had the privilege of serving our diverse student body and initiating impactful
projects, such as the Consul General Project. This project brought the consul general
from the Chicago area to our campus, enriching our understanding of various cultures
and heritages.
Through my experiences and interactions, I have identified areas where our college
community can improve. One significant area is communication. I have observed a potential
gap between our student club leaders and the school administration. As your Student
Trustee, I pledge to foster better communication channels between these groups, ensuring
that our student voices are heard and valued. I will work diligently to establish
easier communication methods, facilitating smoother collaborations between student
organizations and the administration.
Click to read more from candidate Lei
Another critical issue I aim to address is transportation accessibility for our students.
Currently, our bus service operates with a 40-minute interval. Recognizing the inconvenience
this poses, especially during peak hours, I am committed to advocating for increased
bus frequency. By reducing waiting times, we can offer students a more efficient and
reliable transportation option. Additionally, I will explore opportunities to expand
our Lyft pass program, providing students with alternative commuting solutions.
Furthermore, I am passionate about supporting our students' basic needs. I plan to
collaborate with Hawks Care to expand the food pantry and career closet, ensuring
that every student has access to essential resources. By strengthening these support
systems, we can create a more inclusive and supportive environment for all.
In conclusion, I am dedicated to representing your interests, advocating for positive
change, and enhancing the Harper College experience for every student. With your support,
we can build a stronger, more connected college community. Together, let's shape the
future of Harper College!
Thank you for considering me as your Student Trustee. I look forward to serving you
and making a difference at Harper College.
Timeline of Events:
April 1, 2024 through April 5, 2024 - Candidates Campaign
April 8, 2024, 12:01 a.m. through April 11, 2024, 11:59 p.m. - Voting
For additional information, email engage@harpercollege.edu, or visit Student Engagement, Building A, 3rd Floor, Room A336, Monday to Friday, 8
a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Click here to access the Harper College Academic Calendar.