Student leaders ready to hit the ground running

“I’m looking forward to next year,” says Danielle Leibowitz, who becomes UIC student trustee July 1.

Campaigning in student government elections is no easy task.

Now that the elections are over, Abhinav Reddy and Danielle Leibowitz are ready for the next challenge: tackling their new roles.

Reddy, elected president of UIC’s Undergraduate Student Government, and Leibowitz, UIC’s next student representative to the University of Illinois Board of Trustees, begin their yearlong terms July 1.

“I am excited to see where we can take USG in the next year,” said Reddy, a freshman in bioengineering. “I also know that I have a greater responsibility now that I will be taking on this role.”

Among Reddy’s goals: creating a stronger relationship between USG and students, with the help of a weekly newsletter and active participation on campus.

“While we work for the interest of the students, I feel that USG has often had a great disconnect with the student body,” he said.

“I’m excited to see where we can take USG next year,” says Abhinav Reddy, USG president.

Reddy is lobbying in Springfield for a bill that would provide housing grants to help homeless students who are enrolled in a university rent a residence near campus. He worked on the proposal with USG colleague Urooj Shuaib.

Leibowitz plans to promote the Student Success Plan, a campus-wide initiative that helps students advance through their undergraduate studies.

The plan identifies eight target areas that help students succeed, such as advising and first-year curriculum.

“Next year I just want to keep up with all these things that are going on and make sure I’m following along with the Student Success Plan,” said Leibowitz, a sophomore in the teaching of mathematics.

“Then I can contribute and voice my opinion as someone who is studying education.”

Leibowitz thinks her educational background will serve her well in her new role as UIC’s student trustee.

“Representing the perspective of an aspiring educator could be really beneficial,” Leibowitz said.

“I’m looking forward to next year.”