2024-2025 Election

President:  Jaydon Bott

Hometown: Madison, WI

Major:  Legal Studies, History Double Major, Classical Literature Certificate

What qualities and experiences make you the ideal candidate for this position(s)?: I’ve been in multiple leadership positions throughout my life, especially in positions involving working with other students. I’ve always aspired to give back to our community through volunteer work, and I view this opportunity as another way to get experience collaborating with others and implementing policies that I believe in. I’m hardworking, perseverant, and dedicated to any position that I put myself in. I’m a person that is open to all points of view without judgment and also easy to work with in collaborative ways

If elected, what are your plans for the Senior Class Office?: When we are elected, one of our biggest priorities will be protecting students. This includes allowing for the free flow of ideas, but not tolerating discrimination that alienates other members of the community. We also intend on creating more ways of protecting the physical health of our students, which includes finding ways to eliminate sexual abuse and harassment on our campus, which I think we can all agree is more prevalent and not as spoken on as it deserves to be.

For other decisions, such as selecting speakers and anything else of viable interest for our class, we intend on receiving the voice of the entire student body before making any decisions. This would include us sending surveys to all students in hopes of hearing popular viewpoints and what is most preferred. By doing this, we will be collaborating with the people, and not making decisions solely on our own preferences. We are all about the people, not the power

We believe that we should implement more extracurricular activities for students. This will work to both increase mental health and offer students additional opportunities to meet new people. College is a stressful place that has become highly technologically based in recent years. We believe that students should have more ways to alleviate their stress, and should have a broader range of activities available to them. 

Finally, we intend on bringing more energy and culture to the 2025 student class. This is the greatest university in America, which means we should have the greatest President and Vice President in the country. We hope to continue moving this university “forward”

Is there anything else you would like to share about yourself?: I don’t play around

Vice President: Matthew Casey

Hometown: Wauwatosa, WI

Major: Economics Major with a Development Economics Certificate

What qualities and experiences make you the ideal candidate for this position(s)?: The most important qualities I attribute to myself as an individual are dedication, passion, hard work, and empathy. Since my freshman year in the dorms, I’ve learned a lot as a student. Whether it’s in clubs like the National Society of Leadership and Success (NSLS), where I’m now the Treasurer, or at the company where I’ve been interning for nearly a year. I am an active and eager student who wants to face challenges and bring smiles to everyone I work with and surround myself with, and I hope to bring this attitude and positive energy to the senior class of 2025.

If elected, what are your plans for the Senior Class Office?: My focus as Vice President would be finding ways to bring the 2025 class to connect and unite as one and to engrave an everlasting legacy at UW-Madison as we move “forward” into the future. I want to be in the mix of the student body to hear the student’s voices and find ways to make our classmates enjoy their last year and move into their next chapter in life with a positive outlook and admiration for the value Madison has brought to us.

Is there anything else you would like to share about yourself?: I’m him

President: Eli Cowan

Hometown: Houston

Major: Global Health B.S. / Pre-Med Track

What qualities and experiences make you the ideal candidate for this position(s)?: When I was in high school, I took a two-week backpacking and canoeing trip through Quetico National Park in Canada with a group of 15 friends. This was hard and the days were long. As easy as it could’ve been to be selfish during this experience, I had to keep it priority to do everything I could to make this the best experience for all of my friends. That is the same approach I will take for my fellow classmates if I am elected president of the Senior class. Memorable and equally as amazing for everyone.

If elected, what are your plans for the Senior Class Office?: To foster and create a passionate and memorable graduation ceremony, and plan countless other events to foster community amongst the entire senior class for one last incredible year. 

Is there anything else you would like to share about yourself?: I feel like this is a role I am best fit for, and would put in tons of effort. The idea of being class president excites me.

Vice President: Samuel Schulman

Hometown: Columbus, Ohio

Major: Psychology B.S.

What qualities and experiences make you the ideal candidate for this position(s)?:  I have been lucky enough to work with individuals from all walks of life and have learned how to work with and listen to anyone to create healthy and memorable experiences for all those involved, and I plan to use all that I have learned over the years to the widest variety of people in my senior class. 

If elected, what are your plans for the Senior Class Office?:  To work with my peers and fellow officers to have the most memorable senior year Madison has ever seen. 

Is there anything else you would like to share about yourself?: I have been wanting to do this since coming to Madison since seeing and hearing about past graduations and I feel like finally the time is right for me and Eli to do this.

President:  Dane Jacobson

Hometown: Winneconne

Major: Computer Science and Mathematics

What qualities and experiences make you the ideal candidate for this position(s)?:  In the interest of keeping things short, a reason why I am the ideal candidate for this position is that I am a natural leader. In all I have done, leading others is trivial to me. From being elected by my teammates on the leadership council in football, to being an intern lead at my summer internship at JP Morgan Chase, to being the VP of Engineering for the Software Development Club, using myself as an example and resource for other to follow is something that I do naturally. As Senior Class President, I will use these leadership abilities and be a vehicle for the ideas of the greater UW-Madison student body.

If elected, what are your plans for the Senior Class Office?:  If elected, I plan to prioritize student mental health by making myself available and having conversations with many different Badgers on what they see as roadblocks to getting not just good, but great mental health care. I also plan to spearhead an effort to let Badger voices be heard when it comes to the rapid development of overpriced high-rise apartment, which raises student housing prices not only for those who choose to live at said developments, but in off-campus neighborhoods as well.

Is there anything else you would like to share about yourself?: N/A

Vice President:  Aayush Bharadwaj

Hometown: Naperville, IL

Major: Computer Science, Data Science, and Economics

What qualities and experiences make you the ideal candidate for this position(s)?:   As a candidate for senior class president at UW Madison, I offer a track record of leadership, dedication, and a deep commitment to serving my fellow students. My extensive involvement in campus organizations such as being a President in the Software Development Club has honed my communication and problem-solving skills, while my academic pursuits have equipped me with critical thinking abilities. I am committed to representing the diverse voices of our senior class, collaborating with administration, and creating memorable experiences for our final year at UW Madison. I am eager to lead us towards a successful and unforgettable senior year.

If elected, what are your plans for the Senior Class Office?:  If elected, my focus for the Senior Class Office will revolve around enhancing engagement, addressing issues, and prioritizing mental health initiatives. I plan to increase participation through diverse events while actively listening to and addressing concerns. Additionally, I am committed to implementing mental health resources and support systems, ensuring every senior feels supported as we navigate our final year at UW Madison. Furthermore, I will advocate for the inclusion of student voices and concerns in the development of new apartments, ensuring our needs and perspectives are considered in campus planning decisions. Together, we will create lasting memories while prioritizing the well-being of our classmates.

Is there anything else you would like to share about yourself?: N/A

President: Samantha (Sam) Mahlum

Hometown: Germantown, WI

Major: Biochemistry Major and Athletic Healthcare Certificate

What qualities and experiences make you the ideal candidate for this position(s)?: During my time at UW-Madison, I have been able to explore a variety of aspects of the person that I am becoming. Qualities that I have nurtured in myself include determination, resiliency, collaboration and leadership. I have shown determination to compete in rigorous coursework, elevating my own work beyond what I thought I could do. I have been resilient through personal challenges, including physical, academic, interpersonal and mental wellness as likely most of the student body has. Through participation in the Badger Powerlifting Club and as events coordinator for our local Medlife chapter, I have learned to work with teams of people and shown leadership. My time management skills and organization have been strengthened as I also find opportunities to volunteer with the Red Cross, SPILL (Supporting Peers in Laidback Listening) and Girls Scouts of Badgerland. Through all of my experiences as an undergraduate, I feel that I have the skills needed to serve as President of the Senior Class of 2025.

If elected, what are your plans for the Senior Class Office?: 

-Brainstorm ideas allowing for a more structured and informational student organization fair. Incoming students, transfer students and current students rely on student organizations to network professionally as well as socially. The student org fair only runs for 3 hours on consecutive nights without additional resources being posted for review. Whether or not a student finds an organization that aligns with their needs can significantly impact their journey and time at UW-Madison.

-Expand on the current goals of the Transfer Transition Program. The Transfer Engagement Center provides a space for transfer students to meet each other through simple drop ins and events. They offer approximately one monthly event open to all transfer students and a monthly lunch open to a subset of these transfer students. I would love to expand on the number of events that all transfer students can attend. This would give the maximum number of transfer students the opportunity to be immersed in a community while also strengthening these connections.

Is there anything else you would like to share about yourself?: As a transfer student, I did not consider the social impact of not being on campus as a freshman, when many friendships are forged. Over 12% of incoming students in 2023 were transfer students. Finding ways to engage and belong on campus took real effort, especially due to my struggles with POTS, a heart condition. UW-Madison touts itself as a campus of inclusivity and diversity. Much energy, and effort is expended on orientation for incoming freshmen; the thought is that students will be more comfortable and have an increased likelihood of success if they feel supported. While I firmly believe that opportunities follow from hard work, enhancing support structures for non-traditional and transfer students as well as students who may require accommodations for physical or mental health concerns can only improve outcomes. Shelby and I are both women with STEM majors, and realize the importance of leveling the playing field to equalize opportunity independent of personal background. As class President and Vice-President, we aim to represent all classmates, not just the majority.

Vice President: Shelby Olson

Hometown: New Brighton, MN

Major: Biology and Psychology major

What qualities and experiences make you the ideal candidate for this position(s)?: UW-Madison has fostered many important qualities including perseverance, adaptability, confidence and has helped further my ability to advocate for myself. College is by no means easy, and although I have had my ups and downs, as I am sure we all have, it has taught me that I am capable of so much more than I thought possible. I have learned how to adapt to personal and academically challenging situations through perseverance and hard work. UW-Madison has encouraged my personal growth and given me the confidence to advocate for myself, which has led to many amazing opportunities. For example, my experience in the Marler Lab has provided me with teamwork and leadership skills by allowing me to work alongside other dedicated undergraduate and graduate students, deepen my connection with faculty, and grow my passion for research. Outside of school and research, I spend my time volunteering at the National Sexual Assault Hotline and the UW-Madison Children’s Hospital which have further developed my communication, time management, and leadership skills as I have been able to offer personal support to those in need. UW-Madison has truly shaped me into the person I am today and I would be honored to serve as the Vice President of the Senior Class of 2025.

If elected, what are your plans for the Senior Class Office?: “Similar to my running mate, Sam, I think it is extremely important to modernize the way we advertise student organizations. The current system makes it incredibly hard to stick with the organizations that are most important to you. I simply get flooded with emails and it is really easy to lose them in the midst of the plethora of emails we receive each day. I propose that we coordinate with some skilled individuals to create an app that has campus organized events, state street events, student organization meetings, and allow each student to customize their calendar to their desires. 

Additionally, there are a lot of resources available that I wish more students were able to take advantage of. For example, at a health appointment I went to recently I learned that UHS offers free nutritionists and women mind, body, and wellness specialists that you can’t schedule online and aren’t readily advertised. Throughout my time at UW I have learned that mental and physical health are key factors in increased resiliency. Thus, I would make it a priority to troubleshoot the lack of mental health therapists currently available, as it can take months to get an appointment once one gets the courage to ask for help. 

Finally, while UW-Madison prides itself on diversity and inclusion I think we need to do a better job of hosting campus-wide events that allow students from different backgrounds and majors to share ideas and get to know one another. One of the most amazing aspects of college is the people that you can meet and the variety of different perspectives that you get to learn from. I would love to see UW-Madison grow in this area and not only talk about diversity and inclusion but experience it throughout the whole student body. There have been too many examples of inexcusable behaviors on or near campus in the last few years that have compromised our inclusive learning environment. Sam and I believe that everyone should feel safe and that they have a home here at UW-Madison. Therefore, we aim to represent our entire student body, and would love to listen to your perspectives on the improvements that UW-Madison can and should make.”

Is there anything else you would like to share about yourself?: Last summer, I had the amazing opportunity to travel to Ecuador with MEDLIFE (Medicine, Education, and Development for Low Income Families Everywhere) which helped me experience first hand the importance of representation and the unfortunate reality of healthcare disparities. This experience came home with me as I realized these inequities aren’t just in areas that are thousands of miles away, they are right here in our own backyards. Additionally, Sam and I both have similar goals, and aim to use our positions as President and Vice President to bridge these unjust inequalities, not just in our campus healthcare system but in all aspects of campus life. 

President:  Alexis Smiezek 

Hometown:  Tomah, WI

Major:  Neurobiology, Psychology, and Gender & Women’s Studies with Certificates in Global Health and Health Policy 

What qualities and experiences make you the ideal candidate for this position(s)?:  I have a proven track record of leadership and advocacy both on and off campus. A proud Badger, I have volunteered on ASM Shared Governance Boards, including the Student Title IX Advisory Board, the Dean of Students Advisory Board, and the Healthcare Advisory Board, am the Outreach Coordinator for Promoting Awareness Victim Empowerment (PAVE-UW), and contribute as a student representative on the Sexual Assault Prevention and Community Equity (SPACE) Task Force. Beyond my involvement on campus, I have spent time volunteering with the Crisis Text Line as a Crisis Counselor and with RAINN as a National Sexual Assault Hotline Volunteer. I have tailored my education to be interdisciplinary so that I may approach problem-solving holistically and through multiple perspectives to ensure equity and efficiency in all situations. My experiences have awarded me the great opportunity of collaborating with students from all arenas of campus, which makes me confident in my ability to serve in this role. Finally, central to all that I do is a true desire to make a difference. I am a highly motivated student ready and able to do the work necessary for progressive change. I care about the work that I do, and I genuinely care about the people it impacts. 

If elected, what are your plans for the Senior Class Office?:  Our top priority remains amplifying the voices of the student body to enact meaningful change so that every student may flourish. Beyond planning graduation and community events, we hope to:

– Promote holistic student wellbeing through physical and mental health initiatives

– Expand spaces of support, community, and advocacy for marginalized students 

– Advocate for survivor services 

– Facilitate discussions with administration and the community about the necessity of increased affordable housing

– Advance sustainability efforts on campus

Is there anything else you would like to share about yourself?:  As a woman, queer person, first-generation college student, survivor, and proud UW-Madison student, my journey has been defined by a tapestry of diverse experiences that uniquely shape my approach to leadership. These identities intersect to form the bedrock of my motivation in seeking this position. They instill in me a deep sense of empathy, resilience, and a commitment to inclusivity. My lived experiences have taught me the importance of amplifying marginalized voices, creating spaces of acceptance, breaking down barriers, and supporting others through adversity. I am equipped with a multifaceted understanding of the challenges facing our community and the diverse perspectives needed to address them. As a candidate, I stand as a testament to the power of representation in leadership roles, advocating not just for myself, but for every individual who sees a part of their own identity reflected in mine. Together, we can pave the way for a more inclusive and equitable future for all members of our senior class and beyond. 

Vice President: Emerson Cronheim-Strasser 

Hometown: Columbus, OH

Major: Social Work with Certificates in Jewish Studies and LGBTQ Studies

What qualities and experiences make you the ideal candidate for this position(s)?: I bring a wealth of diverse experiences to the table. With a major in Social Work, complemented by certificates in Jewish Studies and LGBTQ Studies, I pride myself on my ability to compassionately engage in meaningful activism. My academic journey has provided me with a deep understanding of human behavior, empathy, and effective communication skills, essential for fostering inclusivity and unity within our campus community. Through practical roles in mental health settings and active involvement in Jewish life, including internships at Hillel facilitating intersectional programming and planning community-centered social justice initiatives, I’ve honed my ability to navigate challenging situations with sensitivity. As an Interfaith Fellow, I’ve engaged in community work and challenged biases, while my role in University Housing and my interdisciplinary academic studies have equipped me with the skills to collaborate with a wide variety of students. I am driven by a passion for advocacy, empathy-driven leadership, and a commitment to fostering a supportive community, all of which motivate me to enact positive change for all students.

If elected, what are your plans for the Senior Class Office?: Our top priority remains amplifying the voices of the student body to enact meaningful change so that every student may flourish. Beyond planning graduation and community events, we hope to:

Promote holistic student wellbeing through physical and mental health initiatives

Expand spaces of support, community, and advocacy for marginalized students 

Advocate for survivor services 

Facilitate discussions with administration and the community about the necessity of increased affordable housing

Advance sustainability efforts on campus  

Is there anything else you would like to share about yourself?: As a Jewish trans man, my journey embodies the intersectionality of identity and the struggle for acceptance. While I hold pride in my Jewish identity, I’ve grappled with the complexities of disclosure, navigating the delicate balance of visibility and vulnerability. Yet, these struggles have fueled my commitment to fostering an inclusive campus environment where every individual, regardless of background or identity, feels validated and embraced. My experiences have forged within me an unyielding dedication to championing the well-being of all students. I firmly believe that our differences are what make us beautiful, and it is through our collective acceptance and celebration of diversity that we truly flourish as a community. My journey as a trans man and a Jewish individual has imbued me with a profound empathy and determination to advocate for equity, justice, safety, and the empowerment of every student, ensuring that their voices are not just heard, but cherished and amplified.

President: Anthony Wells

Hometown: Milwaukee, WI

Major: English

What qualities and experiences make you the ideal candidate for this position(s)?:I have an outgoing and friendly personality and I am enthusiastic about all I do. I am a great listener and I value everyone’s opinions. I was the founder and co-president for my high school’s only book club. I was also the co-president and founder of my high school’s Emma Roberts fan club as well as holding an officer position for HOSA.

If elected, what are your plans for the Senior Class Office?: I enjoy making meaningful connections with everyone around me, and being able to serve in this position would give me the ability to unite the senior class and share a common goal. I, along with Esha Sekar, would plan show-stopping events that create lifelong memories for the beloved senior class.

Is there anything else you would like to share about yourself?: I am Leo and my favorite color is navy blue

Vice President: Esha Sekar 

Hometown: Lakeville, MN

Major: Computer Science and Info Science, Certificate: Entrepreneurship

What qualities and experiences make you the ideal candidate for this position(s)?:  Being VP would give me the opportunity to make a deeper connection with a lot of my peers as well as really get to implement some of the plans and ideas myself and Anthony have in mind. By being incredibly outgoing, goal-oriented, as well as a good listener, I plan to take this opportunity to have our class’s best interest in mind and do everything we can to ensure an amazing year to remember

If elected, what are your plans for the Senior Class Office?:  Working alongside Anthony Wells to support all of our peers and create memorable events that will build a good foundation for our senior year. This year is going to be really meaningful for every single individual and we want to make sure the events we plan can be enjoyed by everyone.

Is there anything else you would like to share about yourself?: My favorite movie right now is Dune p2 and I love chocolate