Vanessa Cruz

I am senior in Political Science with a double major in Economics and double minors in Spanish and Psychology. As this may indicate, I’ve fallen head over heels with DePaul faculty and programs. I’ve also gained perspective on DePaul’s student life by going on spring break Service Immersion Trips (to Kentucky & LA), serving on the Student Government Association, participating in Madrid’s study abroad program, receiving extensive training through the Office of Multicultural Student Affairs, and more. Being a student is one of my favorite occupations in the entire world! In fact, I intend to obtain a Ph.D. in political science. It is a great honor to represent various political and interdisciplinary views within the Political Science Department on your behalf. I especially want to assist in the hiring process of consistently fabulous political science faculty and enhancing the structure of our curriculum.

Sarah Gutierrez

Hello! I am a third-year political science major who is keenly aware of and sensitive to the ideas and concerns of the student body. As an Honors student, I am always actively engaged in the classroom and enjoy contributing my energy and enthusiasm to groups like Latina Women in Action (Mujeres Latinas En Accion). Last summer I participated in a study abroad trip to Hungary and Croatia in order to pursue my interest in post-Communist societies. My other academic interests include American foreign policy, First Amendment rights, and the history of the United States judiciary. I plan to study comparative law after finishing my undergrad degree. Since I believe that frank and honest communication between students and professors in an invaluable asset to DePaul University, I will commit to identifying the interests, concerns, and needs of the student body and to fully articulating these issues (without censorship) to department faculty. I already have a good working relationship with many of the professors in the department which will only add to my effectiveness as a student representative. Above all, I will help ensure that the student voice is not only maintained, but amplified and expanded in the realm of department affairs.

Erum Ibrahim (alternate)

I am pursuing a double major in political science and international studies.  I have been actively involved at DePaul and in the city over the years in several associations, student organizations, and youth groups, and frequently in leadership positions.  Among my work at DePaul, I am President for the Society for International Affairs for the 2008-2009 academic year, an Honors Program mentor, the Interfaith Council Representative for United Muslims Moving Ahead, and a member of Fr. Holtschneider's Free Speech and Expression Task Force.  The position of political science student rep requires a good deal of work and commitment.  Through my final year at DePaul next year, I will have maintained a great rapport with professors in the PSC Department and my fellow peers.  I am a dedicated and responsible student, and I possess the leadership abilities and experience necessary to be a political science student representative.

Brian Shevenaugh (alternate)

I believe that my academic and extracurricular experiences have prepared me to serve as a student representative during my fourth year at DePaul. I have demonstrated my ability to succeed academically by being nominated to Pi Sigma Alpha, the political science honor society, and by making the Dean’s List each quarter I have been in attendance. I have been consistently active in the Model United Nations club, where I have served as head delegate and am currently Treasurer. Studying abroad in Paris during the 2007 French presidential election allowed me to observe firsthand the functioning of a different political system. While abroad, I gained experience in academia by translating an article from French to English for a professor. I currently work for a non-profit organization that provides social services to survivors of torture. These experiences have helped me view the political arena through diverse perspectives and they will make me an effective advocate for your interests.

Max Solomon

Leadership through participation in any political or deliberative process has always been my passion, especially when such collective deliberations are focused on the goal of effecting positively rewarding changes for the human race. I am a strong advocate of the political process and I am committed to serving in all capacities possible within that realm.

I am a Cook County election judge; the former president of the Phi Theta Kappa chapter, and a student trustee candidate of South Suburban College (2006-2007). I am also a member of the Screen Actors Guild. I transferred to DePaul University last fall to continue to learn more about the science of politics. Being a student representative will surely give me yet another opportunity to serve my fellow students, the faculty , and staff of our department. I'll be happiest to do so.

Mara Suttmann

I am a third-year political science student at DePaul. I am also pursuing a degree in Islamic World Studies and hope to work towards a graduate degree in the field after my graduation from DePaul next year. My time spent studying abroad with faculty and students from the department last summer, volunteering for the American Friends Service Committee, as well as my research assistantship for the department this past school year, have given me the experience, drive, and insight to be a successful student representative. I can say, with full confidence, that I am not afraid to voice my own ideas, as well as the ideas of my fellow students, in order to make the changes that are best for the students in the Political Science Department. I thoroughly enjoy being an active participant and a leader in the classroom, and have an excellent working relationship with many of the faculty members. I have no doubt that these assets would translate well into a student representative position. I know many of the students in the Political Science Department personally and I look forward to the possibility of meeting more of my peers and representing the political science student body for the upcoming school year.