Presidential Candidates

TaJuana Sebens

Academic Program: Business

During my tenure, I have been afforded the opportunity to work with an outstanding executive board. They have definitely built a strong organization and I would be honored if I could assume the responsibilities of the President. I am currently serving as the Vice President of the World Campus Blue & White Society. I also co-chair the Activities Committee and have been working on scheduling a social event with the Washington, D.C. Penn State Alumni Chapter. That gathering would allow members able to attend the opportunity to engage with the larger Penn State community.

We are all aware of the responsibilities of being a World Campus student and that role is something that I take very seriously. I am going into my third semester with Penn State and thus far, my experience has been great! Some of the Executive Board members and myself were able to attend the Lion/Blue & White Society Conference that was held in Middletown, PA at the Penn State Harrisburg campus. During that conference we learned a bit about how other Blue & White Society members recruit, retain, and engage fellow students. We also offered them a different perspective on how we do the same with our members. They were impressed with our “tech-savvy” capabilities in how we communicate and engage our members, and were eager to learn how they could implement technology into how they communicate with their members.

Going forward, I would like to see the Blue & White Society gain more visibility within the university system. We are second to University Park in Blue & White Society membership and because we are technology-based students, I feel as though we have a lot to offer.

WE ARE!

Vice Presidential Candidate

Jenifer Sandonato

Academic Program: Public Administration

Accountability, and transparency are the fabric of what good governance should be to its citizenry. It is the responsibility of elected officials to represent their citizenry in an honest way while maintaining the interests of those represented. If elected Vice President for the Blue & White Society, I promise to provide the university community with responsible, accountable, and honest representation, seeking the greatest good for our Penn State community. Additionally, as a responsible representative of this Penn State government office, I am obliged to provide our Penn State community the best service in matters such as budgeting, policy, and as a liaison between the university community, the public, and other elected officials of the Blue & White Society.

My background as President of the Student Government Association (SGA) of my baccalaureate institution provided me with two years of experience with the tools to manage and maintain a good government exceptionally acceptable to my university peers and the public. During my time as President, I fulfilled my promise in developing a working model for the fiscal allocations of the SGA, additionally, creating a finalized copy of the SGA constitution still in use today. The help of elected members of the SGA was imperative. Collaboration is essential to any good government, association, society, or interpersonal relationship.

Please consider me for the position of Vice President of the Blue & White society. I have a proven track record of accountability, ability to work with others in a positive and progressive manor, and a willingness to provide service to the Penn State community.

Jenifer

Secretary Candidate

Naby Baig

Academic Program: Public Administration

Hello World Campus Students,

Please allow me to introduce myself. I am Naby Baig. I am enrolled in the Master of Public Administration program. I am running for the position of Secretary for the Blue & White Society and I would like your vote and support.

This is my second semester at Penn State World Campus and I have been part of the Blue & White Society from the very first semester. I enjoy the community the Blue & White Society has integrated into the online program, as well as the ease in which we can communicate and interact with one another. If chosen to be part of this honorary group, I would advocate for more activities to interact and meet one another, much like the mixers.

I am passionate about Penn State and feel that the Blue & White Society has made me feel like a true Nittany Lion and I would love to extend that feeling to all of you.

My Professional Background:

I work for the Broward Sheriff’s Office (BSO) as a state certified trainer in child abuse. I teach a three month training for newly hired investigators and have been working with BSO for seven years.

For fun, I enjoy spending time with my family and friends and trying not to think about any papers or reading!

I would be honored to be part of the Blue & White Society and represent you.

Director of Membership Candidates

Christopher L Camacho

Academic Program: iMBA

Hello Fellow Students,

My name is Christopher L Camacho and I am currently in my first year of the iMBA program. I have a vast array of experience that I would like to contribute to the Blue & White society in gaining additional members and building our network of colleagues even further. I enjoy collaboration and growth of my colleagues and fellow students. I have served as committee members for professional resource groups such as oxyGEN Chicago and founded a mentoring program for the group. I am confident that gaining the opportunity of serving on the Executive Board as the Director of Membership, we will see membership increases, yielding more networking opportunities for our fellow students. I have a vast array of experience managing, developing and planning as well as leading special projects and events to drive participation. I will do everything for our fellow students to drive membership awareness and collaboration to build out our network of connections to assist us all in our career progression and development. I am an excited and passionate leader that would be honored if you should afford me the opportunity to serve as your Director of Membership. Thank you!

Jessica Riviera

Academic Program: Labor Studies and Employment Relations

Hi! My name is Jessica Riviera. I am looking forward to obtaining my Bachelor of Science degree in Labor Studies and Employment Relations with a planned graduation date of Spring 2014. Since enrolling in Penn State World Campus last fall I have not been more proud or felt so connected to a university despite the literal distance. I want to be able to share my experience and ensure others experience the same connection, pride, and fulfillment I have felt since becoming a Penn Stater. The Blue & White Society World Campus chapter provides a great opportunity to be involved with, contribute to and enhance an already great Penn State, connecting students no matter the distance. Being a member of the Executive Board is a wonderful honor allowing us to continue the grand traditions set before us. It is my goal to bring leadership, organizational skills, and pure enthusiasm to the Director of Membership position, looking to obtain new members while sparking renewed interest in existing ones. It would be my great privilege to act as your Director of Membership and represent the Blue & White Society. I look forward to receiving your vote.

For the glory,

Jessica Riviera

Jessica Strunk

Academic Program: Labor Studies and Employment Relations

I am a student in the Labor Studies and Employment Relations Bachelor of Science program.

I would like to be considered for the Director of Membership position on the World Campus Blue & White Society Executive Board.

I have always been a ruthlessly organized person and I feel that I would be a very good fit for the Director of Membership. Because the Director of Membership does a lot of organizing and notifications, I know I would be great at the position because my life as a mother of young twins would not run as smoothly as it does without being as organized as I am. I am also very outspoken and extroverted, so I would be an excellent recruiter of new members. If I wasn't pursuing a Human Resources career, event planning would be my calling, as I meticulously plan and coordinate everything I do. My organizational skills and attention to detail would make me tailor made to be the Director of Membership.

Thank you for your time,

Jessica Strunk

Director of Communications Candidate

Kelly Holcombe

Academic Program: Business

My name is Kelly Holcombe, I am working on my bachelor's in Business and I chose the marketing and management option. I am hoping to have the opportunity to serve on the Executive Board as the Director of Communications. Since becoming a Penn State student online, I have been searching for every way possible to be connected to the University, its students, and alumni. I found the Blue & White Society a great way to do that. My very first meeting I was asking what can I do to help! I joined the activities committee in hopes to help bring us all together as one and feel as much of a part of Penn State as those on the brick and mortar campuses. Being a Penn State student is a great feeling and we should all experience it. I have experience in a leadership position from planning, organizing, and coordinating fund-raising events. I have had my hands in all aspects, from coming up with the ideas, marketing, organizing and delegating jobs to the volunteers, recruiting sponsors, and hosting the event. I feel I can be a great asset to the Blue and White Society and I am eager and excited to offer my skills and experience!