2005-2006 GPAC Elections

2005-2006 Candidate Bios

GPAC Awards Nominations

2004-2005 Officers

2005-2006 GPAC Election Results                                                         

March 29, 2005:

2005-2006 Candidate Bios

The following is a description of GPAC positions, and the candidate statements of individuals seeking your vote.  The GPAC Election opens on Wednesday, March 23, when the election ballot titled "GPAC Election Ballot" appears in the email inbox from which you registered.  The elections will close promptly on Friday, March 25, at 5:00 p.m., at this time you will no longer be able to access your online election ballot.

You may also download a copy of the Candidate Bios here.

This position is responsible for facilitating the creation of a mission statement, objectives and long-term goals for the year.  The President spends a great deal of his/her time on the phone, email and in meetings.  Tasks range from creating agendas to ordering food and updating the website.  This person must have at least 10 hours a week dedicated to GPAC business and be flexible enough to spend a few days a week on campus to meet with faculty, staff and students.

Candidate Statements for President:

Dallas Baker, MPA

My Fellow Students,

One of the greatest resources at the School of Policy, Planning and Development is our very own Graduate Policy Administration Community. Through the efforts of our active membership and student leaders we have become the premiere student organization at the University of Southern California. In running for the office of President it is my wish to honor this tradition of excellence by maintaining and building upon our present success.

If elected I will:

Pursue a permanent on-campus GPAC office

Seek alumni and grant funding to expand and enhance current programming

Institute a yearly survey to better gauge student interests

Create a student photo directory

Engage school administration to increase skills focused curriculum

Actively promote GPAC to increase membership and programming attendance

I thank you, my fellow students, for this opportunity to run for office and ask that you support me in the upcoming election.

Sincerely,

Dallas M. Baker

Doug Tripp, MPP

  Fellow SPPD Classmates:

It is with enthusiasm that I declare my candidacy for the position of President of The Graduate Policy and Administration Community (GPAC), our student association.  I am running for President because I am confident that GPAC can become an organization that further serves the academic, professional and social interests of SPPD students.  And I am confident that I can lead GPAC in this direction.  I envision an organization that will work closely with the Administration to provide students with more networking events and more high profile guest lecturers.  Understanding that SPPD students often assume internships and careers in the non-profit and public sector, I would like to focus fundraising activities on creating “scholarships” that supplement non-paying or low-paying career opportunities to further encourage students to take those meaningful positions in the aforementioned fields.  In addition to continuing the tradition of outstanding social events, I would also like to fuel the humanitarian interests of our classmates by creating community service opportunities. 

I recognize that I cannot do all of this alone and see an important aspect of my job as motivating my fellow classmates to join me in establishing a tradition of excellence, service and opportunities for SPPD for classes to come.

Acknowledging the excellent contribution made by our predecessors, I hope that you will allow me the opportunity to continue the transformation of GPAC into an organization and community, which you will be proud to call family.

This position is largely defined by the Vice President and the needs of the President. Over the past year, the Vice President has been responsible for fundraising and the creation, sales and distribution of GPAC Gear.  This person must be flexible to take on any role in the organization and dedicate a few hours each week to the promotion of GPAC events.  This position also oversees the organizational structure of GPAC at the various levels to ensure an effective organizational relationship.

Candidate Statements for Vice President:

Nisha Unadkat, MPP

Statement of Candidacy for GPAC Vice-President

I would be honored to serve as the next Vice-President of GPAC.  Having been involved this year has given me the opportunity to see what GPAC has already accomplished.  Now that the foundation for this organization is in place, I am eager to be part of its continued success. 

As a first year delegate to the MPP Committee, I have planned the upcoming blood drive, and I have been part of creating the MPP Curriculum forum.  These experiences combined with prior leadership positions have given me the interpersonal and organizational skills necessary to be the next Vice-President. 

My goal is to unify the graduate community and give voice to student’s needs.  I would like to see GPAC provide more ways for student involvement.  I also think it is important to provide more opportunities for interaction among degree programs so that we build a true community and learn from those around us.     

Rosaline Zylstra, MPA

I have had the privilege to be a part of GPAC this past year as a part of the MPA committee.  Amidst other things I have learned the importance of good leadership—something a school of public administration and policy should envelop in every way. If you were to elect me as your Vice President, I aim to represent your needs in the planning and facilitating of events and projects that fit your interests. Among other things, my initial goals include growing our internship database and welcoming more international-student participation in GPAC events.

Ryan Vaughan, MPP

Statement of Candidacy for Vice President of GPAC

My first year at SPPD has not even ended and I have already gained a great deal from my experiences here, both inside and outside of the classroom. As I look ahead to next year, I would welcome the opportunity to serve as GPAC Vice President, a position in which I would have the chance to help make our school even stronger.  As Vice President, I would work to further what I consider the two main functions of GPAC: 1) to serve as MPP and MPA students’ voice and advocate with the administration, faculty, and university community at large and 2) to enhance the SPPD experience by providing opportunities for social interaction, professional development, and further education.  In addition to advancing this mission, I would like to encourage a broader range of students to take advantage of what GPAC offers. 

Thanks for your time.  I would welcome your support!     

This position is responsible for producing all the GPAC related announcements and forwarding this information to the GPAC community.  The secretary also takes minutes at the GPAC Meeting of the Officers which are twice a month.  The secretary this year has also been responsible for running the GPAC election process.  This position does require weekly work as the secretary must be up to date each week on all the events of the GPAC committees and must disseminate this information on a weekly basis.

Candidate Statements for Secretary:

Jennifer Grizard, MPP

I am announcing my candidacy for Secretary because I am dedicated to GPAC's mission of building a community of leaders within SPPD and its vision of encouraging community, governance, and place.  My leadership experience as President of the Sacramento Anthropological Society, my non-profit work in Washington, D.C., and my experience as a volunteer on numerous political and public education campaigns have given me the necessary skill set to excel as your Secretary.  In addition to my expertise and enthusiasm, I believe strongly that effective communication and active membership participation will allow the GPAC leadership to tap into diverse ideas, perspectives, and solutions for our school, our university, and our communities.  I envision a GPAC where information flows both ways and the membership is engaged in making GP
AC an effective tool for positive change.  I hope to work with the Communications Committee to develop creative solutions to our information needs, including new communication and engagement strategies, to ensure that GPAC members reach their full potential at USC and beyond.  I look forward to serving as your next Secretary.  Thanks for your support!

This position is responsible for managing the financial resources available to GPAC members.  The Chief Financial Officer prepares budget with the President and Committee Chairs and Representatives and communicates financial and budgetary status.  Tasks range from filling out forms for fund requests to developing financial statements and policies. This person must have a few hours per week dedicated to GPAC business and be flexible enough to spend more time at the beginning of each semester.

Candidate Statements for Financial Officer:

Cheryl Fung, MPA

Statement of Candidacy

I will bring 5 years of financial and budget management experience and team collaboration skills to the chief financial officer position.  During my current employment, I develop budgets for and communicate the financials to administrators.  I have the ability to translate projects and activities into financial implications.  Also a member of the leadership team at Starr King-Edison Academy, I have experience in teamwork and project management, showing skills and ability to work with various personalities and tasks.  My goal is to promptly process fund applications to ensure proper funding of the GPAC sponsored events.  This requires good working relationship with GPSS and SPPD, which I am eager to build.  After speaking with the chief financial officer about the responsibilities and challenge, I have an understanding of the roles and responsibilities of this position.  I hope to have the opportunity to work with the team in delivering services to its members.

David Zandueta, MPA

Hi, My name is David Zandueta.

I am running for the position of Financial Officer in GPAC.
I currently am serving as a GPSS Financial Committee member.  As a financial committee member I recommend monetary allocations to various student groups across campus based on budget requests presented to GPSS.  I am very familiar with the various GPSS funds (discretionary, joint programming,
volunteer, etc) and the request process.
In addition, when I was an undergraduate I served as a treasurer in various student organizations assisting in their fund budgeting and accounting. I envision more for GPAC including the best use in allocation of funds for events that can benefit ALL students in the Public Administration and Public Policy programs as a whole.  We pay these programming fees and we should benefit from it.

I am trustworthy, dependable, have the students' best interest at heart.

Please vote for me, David Z

The Nonprofit Committee is responsible for programs that educate the SPPD on nonprofit related issues, provide valuable resources, and networking opportunities for those interested in the nonprofit sector.  Additionally the committee strives to build on the USC tradition of public service by providing multiple volunteer opportunities for SPPD to become involved in their committee.  This year the nonprofit committee has provided a nonprofit speaker series, symposium, and multiple public service events.  The Committee seeks to expand student awareness of the critical role nonprofit organizations play in strengthening communities and governance, and fulfills these goals through coordinating a Nonprofit Speaker Series and community service events.  The committee is also in the process of creating a nonprofit list serve that will keep interested SPPD students up to date on the current issues and events involving the nonprofit sector.

Candidate Statements for Nonprofit Committee:

Sara Mattingly, MPA

As a first-year delegate to the current Nonprofit Committee, my involvement is a great complement to my interest in nonprofit management.  I would like to increase my level of involvement as the next committee chair with the support of my co-chairs, Clarisse Young and Brianna Swartz.  If elected we will strive to fulfill the mission of “enhancing educational experiences and networking opportunities for students interested in the nonprofit and philanthropic sector”.  We will listen to and aim to serve the interests, needs, and concerns of SPPD students interested in nonprofits. Our programs will focus on professional development, networking events, community service activities, and information sharing for students pursuing careers in the nonprofit sector.  Ultimately we would like to have a role in making the nonprofit management track more substantial and attractive to future classes. 

The Social Committee provides the GPAC membership a wide array of social and leadership development events.  These events fall into three categories: social events, special events, and leadership development opportunities.  The social events provided this year include the GPAC Tailgates, Happy Hours, and the upcoming Pasadena Pub Day (PPD).  Special events have included the MPP Post-Lab Social, GPAC Luau, the upcoming Exposition Park Day, and the end-of-the-year awards banquet.  The Leadership events created have been the GPAC Leadership Series (a monthly event) and the committee’s contribution to the SPPD Networking Nights.

Candidate Statements for Social Committee:

Noah Berkowitz, MPA

I would like to build on the successful social events that were planned this past year. As the Social Chair of my fraternity, I learned the trials and tribulations that one must go through to plan social events. Outside of hazing the first year students, I would like to see that social events start later in the evening than the current happy hours. Happy hours are terrific, but it can be difficult to make it to these events. Another idea, which is not mine, is to have a social event with UCLA’s School of Public Affairs, or whatever they call it over there. I do not have an established social committee, but I am considering nominating Paul Wolfowitz. Partially because he is unqualified to run the World Bank, but mostly because his last name, like mine, ends in ‘owitz’. Finally, I promise to be more social than the other candidates.

Taryne Jayatilaka, MPA

Co-Chairs: Ashley Rudmann, MPP & David Kim, MPA

Hello SPPD – hear my plea!

My name is Taryne Jayatilaka and I wish to run for GPAC Social Chair.  I bring forth experience having served as the First Year Social Chair this past year; during which I focused on facilitating the GPAC Leadership Series and coordinating GPAC’s guest contribution to the SPPD/GPAC Networking Nights.

I have asked Ashley Rudmann and David Kim to join me as Co-Chairs.  Ashley also served this past year as a Social Committee First Year Delegate, during which she assisted in planning Happy Hours and the Pub Crawl.  David looks forward to hosting special events, such as, the MPP Post Lab Social, Annual Luau, and End-of-the-Year Banquet.  Additionally, as a committee we will look forward to providing fabulous tailgates during the upcoming football season.

Please vote for our committee, as we wish to serve you to the best of our abilities and welcome all helping hands.

~ Taryne Jayatilaka

This committee monitors the professional organizations such as IMCA, MMASC, ASPA, etc. for opportunities that may benefit the SPPD community.  This past year the committee organized the presence of the USC-SPPD at the IMCA conference in San Diego, which was a first; this was both an outstanding opportunity for our students and a way to gain recognition for the school.  Also this year’s committee oversaw the GPAC General Assembly at which the GPAC officers were installed.

Candidate Statements for Professional Development Committee:

Carl Alameda, MPA

Co-Chair: Angelo Reyes

We are running for Professional Development Committee, to make a significant contribution to the SPPD.  By beginning programs, including a GPAC Mock Interview Week, that will afford students the opportunity to interview for local government positions.  Additionally, we will establish the presence of the SPPD at local government conferences such as ICMA and MMASC.  This was begun last year by the Professional Development Committee; we believe the SPPD presence provides an invaluable opportunity for students and reflects highly on the SPPD. 

Angelo possesses extensive experience as a strategist and writer for national and local nonprofits, is actively involved in community service programs that educate and prepare students for success after graduation.

Carl, served last year, as Social Chair; overseeing the efforts of 9 motivated individuals.  Who hosted a wide array of events including: the MPP Post-Lab Social, Luau, Exposition Park Day, Happy Hours, Tailgates, contributed to growing the USC-SPPD Networking Nights, and took pride in initiating the GPAC Leadership Series.

This committee maintains the GPAC website and the GPAC blog site which is a major duty, and is one of the key communication components between the GPAC Officers and the remainder of the SPPD.  This committee works closely with the GPAC Secretary to disseminate information to the GPAC membership.

Candidate Statements for Communications Committee:

Rixen Wen, MPA

I always regard GPAC as a bridge between our students and our faculty and staff, a link between the classroom and outside world. Majority of us will finally become practitioners or public administrators after successfully accomplishing their studies here, so as one of them I won’t let any opportunity of suitable managerial practice elude me.

Today more and more students grow heavily dependent on website for message and network. For GPAC not only information collection and sort-out is important, but also its swift and smooth send-out and dissemination get equally significant. As a result careful maintenance of GPAC website is quite necessary.

If I can be entitled to safeguard the GPAC communication website I shall do my best, in full cooperation with other committee members, to keep the smooth running of the information system, so that our students could be timely informed and helped.   

This is a position created in GPAC to meet the needs of the growing organization in the area of marketing and fundraising.  Responsibilities include the creation of flyers and marketing materials for events as well as the design and purchase of promotional goods such as pens, mugs and tee-shirts.  This position is very demanding and requires the committee chair to submit purchase orders, buy and sell goods and provide GPAC events with prizes and gifts. 

Candidate Statements for Marketing and Fundraising Committee:

Dallas Baker, MPA

Monday, March 21, 2005

My Fellow Students,

We the students are the body, mind, and spirit of GPAC. It is we who volunteer our time and effort, we who generate new and exciting ideas, and we who give this organization purpose and focus. In this context, marketing and fundraising act as force multipliers allowing our investments of time, effort, and creativity to reach their fullest potential.

If elected Marketing/Fundraising Chair I will:

Actively promote GPAC to increase membership and program attendance

Pursue alumni and grant funding to increase and enhance current programming

I thank you for the opportunity to run for office and ask that you support me in this election.

Sincerely,

Dallas M. Baker

The MPA representative is the advocate of the SPPD-MPA program and its students.  This position typically will attend the meetings of the SPPD-MPA broad to represent the interests of students regarding matters of professors, MPA classes offered, and the overall direction of the MPA program.  This past year this position ran the PPD Peers Program, which matched incoming SPPD graduate students with a second year mentor to ease the transition into the program.

Candidate Statements for MPA Representative:

Dallas Baker, MPA

Monday, March 21, 2005

My Fellow Students,

We are fortunate to have at SPPD wonderful administrators, professors, and administrators. However, it is we the students who are the life blood of this fine institution. As such it is important that we be active participants in shaping the policies and practices that shape our education as well as the education of future generations.

If elected as MPA Student Representative I will:

Be an active voice for the students to the administration

Press for the inclusion of more skills based curriculum

Work for more disclosure in the grading process

I thank you for the opportunity to run for office and ask that you support me in this election.

Sincerely,

Dallas M. Baker

Jason Weiner, MPA

DECLARATION OF CANDIDACY FOR GPAC MPA REPRESENTATIVE

I am running for MPA Representative in order to represent and advance the concerns of my fellow students at SPPD, especially as GPAC expands on its successes and our school selects a new dean. My experience and my interests incorporate the MPA program’s twin missions in nonprofits and government. As MPA Representative and GPAC Board Member, my goals will be to broaden and deepen the networks of connections that will support us at SPPD and in our careers: among students in Los Angeles and Sacramento, with USC alumni and other professionals, and with the faculty and administration. Additionally, I will focus on improving the first-year experience by getting more information to students about their course options (including a guide to classes outside of SPPD) and enhancing the Peer Mentor program.

The MPP representative like the MPA representative also represents the interests of MPP students.  However, the SPPD doesn’t have an MPP advisory board in place, but the MPP representative still advocates the needs of MPP students to the facility of the SPPD and to the Officers of GPAC.

Candidate Statements for MPP Representative:

Thalia Polychronis, MPP

I declare my candidacy for MPP Representative because I am committed to the mission of GPAC within the SPPD community. As a member of the MPP Committee this past year I was dedicated to enhancing the presence of the MPP student body within the school and building on relationships between MPP students. As MPP Student Representative, I would work to strengthen the ties between the MPP students and faculty by building upon the Curriculum Forum feedback that the MPP Committee has been working on this year. Overall, I intend to focus on responding to the needs of the MPP students within the community as well as across degree programs in a manner that is constructive and conducive to the GPAC and greater GPSS goals.

The International Student representative represents the interests of international graduate students and identifies opportunities to encourage the participation of international students and provide events and celebrate the diversity of our graduate program.  Typically the international representative works closely with the Social Chair to implement these events.

Candidate Statements for International Student Representative:

Rixen Wen, MPA

I  Shall

As one of the most internationalized universities in USA, foreign students ought to have their representative in various organizations at campus. Once I become such a representative at GPAC I shall do my best so that:

1 Their cross-cultural adaptability will be facilitated

2 Their concern and anxiety will be paid attention to and eased

3 Their confidence will be built up

4 Their request and proposal will be seriously considered and more adopted

5 Their future career may be well planned

6 Their lives at SPPD will be more colorful and meaningful

Sharmita Saha, MPA

Hello SPPD classmates,

I would like to run for student representative in international committee in GPAC (Graduate Policy and Administration Community) in upcoming election. GPAC has already taken a leadership role in SPPD community and I would like enhance and extend that with your support.

SPPD has a unique identity that attracts people from all works of life. The international committee of GPAC is an extension of this academically and culturally vibrant tradition. I will work with my follow colleagues, friends and administration to make GPAC international committee an interesting and fun-filled place that truly represents the interest of the students.

I hope with your support I can make true contribution in continuing the great tradition of GPAC .

This position evolved out of the Alumni and Professional Development Committee from last year.  This person will be responsible for representing GPAC to the SPPD Alumni Association and for coordinating events with GPAC and SPPD Alumni.  This includes outreach, communication, marketing and event planning.

Candidate Statements for Alumni Student Representative:

Ashley Atkinson, MPA

In the coming year, the duties of the Alumni and Professional Development Committee will be divided, a change which will allow more focused efforts in both areas. I hope to expand the work that I have done as this year’s first-year delegate to that committee as next year’s Alumni Representative.

I feel there are many untapped opportunities for SPPD students to meet and learn from the network of alumni in Southern California and beyond. As Alumni Representative, I would develop strong ties with both the newly-formed SPPD Alumni Association and SPPD’s alumni relations staff in order to create more opportunities for students to meet and learn from alumni. I plan to work closely with the Professional Development Chair to better integrate alumni’s knowledge and resources into our SPPD experience.

The Sacramento student representative is the liaison between the Los Angeles GPAC members and the Sacramento students.  This position will assist in coordinating the attendance of Sacramento students at Los Angeles conferences, and the attendance of Los Angeles students at Sacramento events.  The Sacramento student will also act as the liaison for marketing SPPD gear to the Sacramento students.

Candidate Statements for Sacramento Representative:

Manuel Carmona, MPA

The distance between the main campus and the Capital Center can be a significant barrier for Sacramento students who want to be active members of the Trojan family.  In addition to providing SPPD Gear and serving as a liaison to the GPAC Executive Committee, the Sacramento Representative can help Sacramento students overcome the physical divide by coordinating events that connect them with students and resources from the main campus.  If elected, I plan to work with the Alumni & Professional Development and Social chairs to host mini-conferences and social events in Sacramento for all SPPD students.  In addition, I plan to request GPAC support for road trips to USC activities and sporting events.  I believe SPPD students living in the Sacramento area want to connect with other USC students.  I hope to foster this interaction and continue the great progress that has been made this year by GPAC!

Marc Engstrom, MPA

I would like to declare my candidacy for the Sacramento State Capital Center representative. I will strengthen the ties between Los Angeles and Sacramento. I want to make sure that more information provided and shared between LA students taking courses here, and Sacramento students attending the main campus. I want all students to be apprised of opportunities and options available to them, as both locations provide many.

Sincerely,

Marc Engstrom