Meet your 2014-2015 USU Board Directors
Stay up to date by following them on Twitter @USUAccess
Consultation hours: Monday 10am – 1pm, and Thursday 9am – 12pm.
Degree and Year: Bachelor of Arts (Media and Communications)/Law IV
Reason for running for Board: I ran for Board because I'm excited about all the possibilities ahead of us, particularly universal ACCESS, reforming the clubs and societies program, and increasing student services and opportunities.
Biggest change you plan to make whilst on Board: I hope to be a servant to our Union membership and to make the Union more meaningful to you – in finding a new passion, making new friends and supporting you through your degree. I hope to set the foundations for future growth, so that one day we may see every student a member of a club or society, and proud to be part of the last-remaining independent student organisation in the country.
Best thing about being involved with the USU: Being a part of a melting pot of friendships, opportunities and personal development.
Favourite pastime: Café-hopping.
Degree and Year: Bachelor of Arts (Media and Communications)/Law IV
Reason for running for Board: I ran for Board because I'm excited about all the possibilities ahead of us, particularly universal ACCESS, reforming the clubs and societies program, and increasing student services and opportunities.
Biggest change you plan to make whilst on Board: I hope to be a servant to our Union membership and to make the Union more meaningful to you – in finding a new passion, making new friends and supporting you through your degree. I hope to set the foundations for future growth, so that one day we may see every student a member of a club or society, and proud to be part of the last-remaining independent student organisation in the country.
Best thing about being involved with the USU: Being a part of a melting pot of friendships, opportunities and personal development.
Favourite pastime: Café-hopping.
Degree and Year: Bachelor of Arts/Law V
Reason for running for Board: To heighten the organisation's transparency and to ensure that it is guided by progressive values. In this way I want to help create an inclusive USU that empowers student decision-making.
Biggest change you plan to make whilst on Board: The creation of 'Radical Sex and Consent Day' - a festival that emphasises the importance of consent and offers sex-ed for all, in contrast to the abysmal sex-ed offered in high schools.
Best thing about being involved with the USU: Seeing student ideas materialise.
Favourite pastimes: Navigating the weekly specials at Harris Farm/Coles, playing boutique board games, and getting things done.
Reason for running for Board: To heighten the organisation's transparency and to ensure that it is guided by progressive values. In this way I want to help create an inclusive USU that empowers student decision-making.
Biggest change you plan to make whilst on Board: The creation of 'Radical Sex and Consent Day' - a festival that emphasises the importance of consent and offers sex-ed for all, in contrast to the abysmal sex-ed offered in high schools.
Best thing about being involved with the USU: Seeing student ideas materialise.
Favourite pastimes: Navigating the weekly specials at Harris Farm/Coles, playing boutique board games, and getting things done.
Robby Magyar - Honorary Treasurer
Degree and Year: Bachelor of Arts (Honours) IV
Reason for running for Board: I wanted to immerse myself in the conversations that impact the way student life runs at the University of Sydney, and help shift the culture of the Union towards one that focuses on progressive policies, innovative ideas and increasing student control. I also wanted to bring Froyo onto campus - check out Laneway.
Biggest change you plan to make whilst on Board: During my first year on Board, I focused on increasing the role the Union has in promoting the welfare of queer identifying and questioning students. This year, I plan to continue focusing on the welfare of students, ensure that all extra-curricular passions can be supported, increase the mechanisms of representation we have for marginalised students, and fight to see the Union become an inclusive, progressive and truly student run organisation.
Best thing about being involved with the USU: Being able to see the impact of your decisions, the policies you implement and the events run by the Union can have on the lives of students. Freebies are also nice.
When I grow up I want to be: Batman. Failing that, no clue..
Favourite pastime: Attending Verge Gallery events, drinking beer and eating free food – the life of an unemployed university student with few aspirations.
Reason for running for Board: I wanted to immerse myself in the conversations that impact the way student life runs at the University of Sydney, and help shift the culture of the Union towards one that focuses on progressive policies, innovative ideas and increasing student control. I also wanted to bring Froyo onto campus - check out Laneway.
Biggest change you plan to make whilst on Board: During my first year on Board, I focused on increasing the role the Union has in promoting the welfare of queer identifying and questioning students. This year, I plan to continue focusing on the welfare of students, ensure that all extra-curricular passions can be supported, increase the mechanisms of representation we have for marginalised students, and fight to see the Union become an inclusive, progressive and truly student run organisation.
Best thing about being involved with the USU: Being able to see the impact of your decisions, the policies you implement and the events run by the Union can have on the lives of students. Freebies are also nice.
When I grow up I want to be: Batman. Failing that, no clue..
Favourite pastime: Attending Verge Gallery events, drinking beer and eating free food – the life of an unemployed university student with few aspirations.
Eve Radunz - Honorary Secretary
Degree and Year: Bachelor of Science III
Reason for running for Board: To help create an inclusive, supportive and exciting student union.
Biggest change you plan to make whilst on Board: Review into AA in Clubs and Societies.
Best thing about being involved with the USU: Meeting incredible people.
When I grow up I want to be: A plant scientist.
Favourite pastime: Going to the dog park.
Reason for running for Board: To help create an inclusive, supportive and exciting student union.
Biggest change you plan to make whilst on Board: Review into AA in Clubs and Societies.
Best thing about being involved with the USU: Meeting incredible people.
When I grow up I want to be: A plant scientist.
Favourite pastime: Going to the dog park.
Kate Bullen - Board Director
Degree and Year: Bachelor of Arts IIIReason for running for Board: I ran to shape the Union in a way that is truly representative of, and run by, the student body.
Biggest change you plan to make whilst on Board: I plan to oversee changes to the practical services the Union provides its members across the board. This could be as small as decreasing the price of an everyday coffee right up to providing free mental health professionals, a grocery store on campus and cheaper childcare and housing for students.
Best thing about being involved with the USU: The friends you make, skills you learn and experiences you share.
When I grow up I want to be: A world-explorer! I want to travel the whole world, learning lots of languages, eating different foods and meeting amazing interesting people.
Favourite pastime: Eating pancakes, drinking tea and reading a good book (preferably Harry Potter) whilst in bed.
Liam Carrigan - Board Director
Degree and Year: Bachelor of Arts (Media and Communications) II
Reason for running for Board: I saw an opportunity to engage in community building, advocate for the inclusion of marginalised groups on campus and reform our organisation with my fellow Directors to ensure it remains student focused.
Biggest change you plan to make whilst on Board: I would love to see the full participation of international students, and increase the role of students within every aspect and at every level of our organisation.
Best thing about being involved with the USU: The incredible opportunity to form new friendships, memories and skills is the best thing about union membership. I owe so many of the incredible experiences I've had at university to the USU and I'm sure so many other students on campus would say the same.
When I grow up I want to be: A person of integrity and happiness who is fulfilled by whatever direction life has taken them.
Favourite pastime: I enjoy watching TV on my computer, making memories with my friends and karaoke.
Reason for running for Board: I saw an opportunity to engage in community building, advocate for the inclusion of marginalised groups on campus and reform our organisation with my fellow Directors to ensure it remains student focused.
Biggest change you plan to make whilst on Board: I would love to see the full participation of international students, and increase the role of students within every aspect and at every level of our organisation.
Best thing about being involved with the USU: The incredible opportunity to form new friendships, memories and skills is the best thing about union membership. I owe so many of the incredible experiences I've had at university to the USU and I'm sure so many other students on campus would say the same.
When I grow up I want to be: A person of integrity and happiness who is fulfilled by whatever direction life has taken them.
Favourite pastime: I enjoy watching TV on my computer, making memories with my friends and karaoke.
Ed McMahon - Board Director
Degree and Year: Bachelor of International and Global Studies/Law V
Reason for running for Board: In spite of the managerial, corporatist discourse that increasingly characterises organisations like ours, I believe that the decisions of the board are political. I therefore ran to advance a political conviction that it is proper for our Union to be fully student controlled at all levels, and to prioritise considerations of equity and environmental justice.
Biggest change you plan to make whilst on Board: I plan to focus my attention on the sustainability of our Union. I want to agitate for full divestment from fossil fuels, the installation of solar panels on Union buildings, and more sustainable practices in our day-to-day operations. Aside from this area of special interest, I want to ensure that every aspect of our Union is guided by the will of its membership.
Best thing about being involved with the USU: The opportunity to develop relationships with like-minded people and organise together to achieve a common vision.
When I grow up I want to be: A person who recognises that the process of growth is perpetual and that the world that exists is the one that we build.
Favourite pastime: Daydreaming.
Reason for running for Board: In spite of the managerial, corporatist discourse that increasingly characterises organisations like ours, I believe that the decisions of the board are political. I therefore ran to advance a political conviction that it is proper for our Union to be fully student controlled at all levels, and to prioritise considerations of equity and environmental justice.
Biggest change you plan to make whilst on Board: I plan to focus my attention on the sustainability of our Union. I want to agitate for full divestment from fossil fuels, the installation of solar panels on Union buildings, and more sustainable practices in our day-to-day operations. Aside from this area of special interest, I want to ensure that every aspect of our Union is guided by the will of its membership.
Best thing about being involved with the USU: The opportunity to develop relationships with like-minded people and organise together to achieve a common vision.
When I grow up I want to be: A person who recognises that the process of growth is perpetual and that the world that exists is the one that we build.
Favourite pastime: Daydreaming.
Kade Denton - Board Director
Degree and Year: Bachelor of Agriculture IV
Reason for running for Board: I ran for Board so that I could give back to the organisation that defined my university experience, and to make sure that the USU is providing the greatest opportunities for students to make friends and life long memories during their time on campus.
Biggest change you plan to make whilst on Board: Over my time on Board, I hope to be able to help introduce structures and procedures that ensure the USU is a organisation free from discrimination and which people actively strive to work for and participate in.
Best thing about being involved with the USU: The friendships and experiences that I have developed through the multiple clubs and societies I've been involved with before and during my time on Board have proven to be the best thing about my involvement with the USU.
Favourite pastime: When I'm not championing the student experience through the USU, I enjoy taking photographs of people and nature.
Reason for running for Board: I ran for Board so that I could give back to the organisation that defined my university experience, and to make sure that the USU is providing the greatest opportunities for students to make friends and life long memories during their time on campus.
Biggest change you plan to make whilst on Board: Over my time on Board, I hope to be able to help introduce structures and procedures that ensure the USU is a organisation free from discrimination and which people actively strive to work for and participate in.
Best thing about being involved with the USU: The friendships and experiences that I have developed through the multiple clubs and societies I've been involved with before and during my time on Board have proven to be the best thing about my involvement with the USU.
Favourite pastime: When I'm not championing the student experience through the USU, I enjoy taking photographs of people and nature.
Tim Matthews - Board Director
Degree and Year: Bachelor of Arts/Law V
Reason for running for Board: I ran for board because I believe that creating an inclusive, dynamic and vibrant community on campus requires strong student control by individuals with a positive and inclusive vision for the Union.
Biggest change you plan to make whilst on Board: I hope to work towards implementing universal and free provision of the ACCESS card.
Best thing about being involved with the USU: It's a weird and wonderful student community. I really love seeing the diverse range of opportunities in our clubs and societies program - everything from Quidditch to vegetarian lunches, from video games to Disney!
Favourite pastime: It's somewhere between watching RuPaul's Drag Race, engaging in long and pointless arguments, and consuming far too much Coke Zero.
Reason for running for Board: I ran for board because I believe that creating an inclusive, dynamic and vibrant community on campus requires strong student control by individuals with a positive and inclusive vision for the Union.
Biggest change you plan to make whilst on Board: I hope to work towards implementing universal and free provision of the ACCESS card.
Best thing about being involved with the USU: It's a weird and wonderful student community. I really love seeing the diverse range of opportunities in our clubs and societies program - everything from Quidditch to vegetarian lunches, from video games to Disney!
Favourite pastime: It's somewhere between watching RuPaul's Drag Race, engaging in long and pointless arguments, and consuming far too much Coke Zero.
Liv Ronan - Board Director
Degree and Year: Bachelor of Arts/Law III
Reason for running for Board: I want to make sure that more of the 50,000+ people on our campuses feel a part of our Union community. We need to mean more, to more people.
Biggest change you plan to make whilst on Board: I want to help foster a Union that recognises that social life is often a luxury - to not shy away from issues of inequity that face students every day.
Best thing about involvement with the USU: Finding friends who are just as nerdy, keen and bizarre as I am.
When I grow up I want to be: An astronaut. Failing that, as long as my workplace has free snacks, we're fine.
Favourite pastime: Sitting in a cafe, reading a book and writing to-do lists.
Reason for running for Board: I want to make sure that more of the 50,000+ people on our campuses feel a part of our Union community. We need to mean more, to more people.
Biggest change you plan to make whilst on Board: I want to help foster a Union that recognises that social life is often a luxury - to not shy away from issues of inequity that face students every day.
Best thing about involvement with the USU: Finding friends who are just as nerdy, keen and bizarre as I am.
When I grow up I want to be: An astronaut. Failing that, as long as my workplace has free snacks, we're fine.
Favourite pastime: Sitting in a cafe, reading a book and writing to-do lists.
Alisha Aitken-Radburn - Board Directors
Degree and Year: Bachelor of Arts (Media and Communications) III
Reason for running for Board: I ran for Board because I love our Union and I want to make sure that every single student is as proud of our organisation as I am. I want to give back to the organisation that has given so much to me.
Biggest change you plan to make whilst on Board: I plan to change the way the Board interacts with our membership. I want to be a member of a Board that is engaged and active - out there cooking free brekkies, making sure we're holding the biggest and best events, as well as developing closer working relationships with the SRC and SUPRA to help students in need.
Best thing about being involved with the USU: The opportunity to meet new people who open you up to an extraordinary diversity of experience. From SURG FM to SHADES there is something for absolutely everyone.
When I grow up I want to be: TV News Presenter.
Favourite pastime: Procrastinating with a drink (or two!) at Hermann's.
Hannah Morris - Immediate Past President
Degree and Year: Juris Doctor III
Reason for running for Board: Wanting to give back to an organisation that had given a lot to me.
Best thing about being involved in the USU: Seeing the opportunities for growth, fostering of skills and sense of community the USU provides to individuals from all walks of life.
Favourite pastime: Excessively using social media and enjoying a good cheese platter
Reason for running for Board: Wanting to give back to an organisation that had given a lot to me.
Best thing about being involved in the USU: Seeing the opportunities for growth, fostering of skills and sense of community the USU provides to individuals from all walks of life.
Favourite pastime: Excessively using social media and enjoying a good cheese platter
Emma
McDonald - Senate Appointed Director
Degree and Year: BA LLB (1991)
Reason for running for Board: Provide support and commercial experience, and share the perspective of Alumni.
Biggest change you plan to make whilst on Board: Ensure our vision for the USU has a positive impact on as many students as possible. Identify space for students to study when libraries are closed. Promote student access to the amazing USU art collection.
Best thing about being involved with the USU: Working with an extraordinarily talented bunch of student Directors and seeing their passion yield results for students.
Favourite pastime: Lying on a beach with a good book.
Reason for running for Board: Provide support and commercial experience, and share the perspective of Alumni.
Biggest change you plan to make whilst on Board: Ensure our vision for the USU has a positive impact on as many students as possible. Identify space for students to study when libraries are closed. Promote student access to the amazing USU art collection.
Best thing about being involved with the USU: Working with an extraordinarily talented bunch of student Directors and seeing their passion yield results for students.
Favourite pastime: Lying on a beach with a good book.
Simone Whetton -
Senate Appointed Director
Degree and Year: BEc LLB (Syd 1993).
Reason for running for Board: To provide strategy, perspective and guidance and to consider the needs of all members of the Union.
Biggest change you plan to make whilst on Board: Achieve unity amongst Board members to pursue common goals for the good of all members of the Union.
Best thing about being involved with the USU: The joyful enthusiasm and dedicated commitment of the student Directors.
When I grow up I want to be: A person who has more time to chill!
Favourite pastime: Going to arts events anywhere in the world!
Reason for running for Board: To provide strategy, perspective and guidance and to consider the needs of all members of the Union.
Biggest change you plan to make whilst on Board: Achieve unity amongst Board members to pursue common goals for the good of all members of the Union.
Best thing about being involved with the USU: The joyful enthusiasm and dedicated commitment of the student Directors.
When I grow up I want to be: A person who has more time to chill!
Favourite pastime: Going to arts events anywhere in the world!
