Fall 2024 SSGA Candidates
Gwendolyn Aaberg - Candidate for President, Secretary, Public Relations
I’d love to be a part of a group to help bring students together online and in person! I’m from a small rural village here in Alaska. I like to be outside on Honda and boat rides. I love practicing my native traditions like beading and skin sewing. I’m currently in the Aquaculture semester and loving it! I’m interested in running for president or secretary, I’m excited to be a part of a group to plan fun activities for everyone and improve the campus.
Hannah Bogdan - Candidate for VP, Public Relations, Representative
Hi everyone! My name is Hannah Bogdan! I was born and raised in the south side of Chicago, Illinois but have been exploring Alaska for the past 3 years! I am in the Aquaculture semester this fall and will be in the dive semester in the spring!! I am interested in joining student government to help bring change and more activities around campus! I’d love to create a food bank here for students/community since there is not one in town. I also would like to create opportunities for students to be able to gain new skills! This could be cooking, baking, fishing, tidepooling, kayaking, etc! I’d also love to try to get clubs started again! Many students are here for only a short time but it is important to create friendships and memories to last a lifetime! I’ll advocate for making students feel heard and valued, promoting chances for students to connect, and provide assistance to those in need. Since moving to Alaska, I have been able to experience so many things for the first time and it has brought me nothing but joy! I would love to create the same experience for the students here!
Jillian Burchfield - Candidate for President
Hi! I'm Jillian Burchfield, I'm currently taking classes here at UAS to get my associates in Applied Fisheries. I believe I would be a good fit for UAS Sitka student government president from my past experience in this role last year. I would love to continue being a voice for my fellow students, taking their ideas and issues into consideration and being able to set up events so everyone can enjoy their experience at UAS whether in person or online.
Tonya Dumville - Candidate for Treasurer
Hello everyone! I’m Tonya, and I’m thrilled to be running for Treasurer of the Sitka Student Government Association. Last year, I had an incredible time serving as your Public Relations Officer, and I’m excited to bring my experience and enthusiasm to this new role.
Why vote for me? With my background in student government, you can count on my dependability and creativity for creating effective plans—yes, I even enjoy working with spreadsheets!
A bit about me: I’m pursuing an Associate of Arts with a Pre-Radiologic Technology Qualifications Certificate. Born and raised in Sitka, I love staying active by going to the gym and going for walks. Thank you for your support and your vote!
Jordan Hawkswell - Candidate for President, VP, Secretary, Treasurer
Jordan is a student in the UAS Aquaculture Semester, studying mariculture with a special interest in oyster farming. Jordan is from Toronto, Canada and has lived on both the East and West Coast of Canada. She is excited about all things seafood and spending time in and on the ocean snorkeling, surfing, fishing, and boating. Jordan would like to be on SSGA to engage with her fellow students and help enhance student experiences at UAS through community and fun events that hopefully involve seafood, movies, and art.
Tristan Marin - Candidate for Secretary, Treasurer, Public Relations, Representative
Tristan Martin is a dedicated student from Goodnews Bay, Alaska, currently enrolled as a UAS Welding student and attending Mt. Edgecumbe High School (MEHS). Tristan has a diverse range of interests, including competing in the Native Youth Olympics and studying Aviation Ground School alongside his welding coursework. He also previously served as treasurer at Rocky Mountain High School, demonstrating his leadership and organizational skills. Tristan’s well-rounded background in academics, athletics, and leadership makes him a strong candidate for any position in the SSGA. His ability to balance multiple activities and represent the student body effectively ensures he will bring a thoughtful and dynamic approach to the role.
Gus Mork - Candidate for Secretary
Gus Mork is a dedicated student from Sitka, Alaska, currently enrolled as a UAS Welding student and attending Mt. Edgecumbe High School (MEHS). Gus is highly involved in both athletics and community service, playing basketball and football while also earning certifications as an EMT and ETT. During the summers, Gus works fishing and crabbing, reflecting his strong work ethic and connection to the local industries. In addition to his academic and athletic pursuits, Gus has contributed to his community through volunteering with Sitka Trail Works. He is also a proud big brother to Ray Mork, demonstrating his commitment to family and mentorship. Gus’s leadership, hard work, and community involvement make him an excellent candidate for Secretary in the SSGA, where he can effectively represent and advocate for student interests.
Hayden Naneng - Candidate for Treasurer, Public Relations
Hayden Naneng is an accomplished student from Bethel, Alaska, currently enrolled as a UAS Welding student and attending Mt. Edgecumbe High School (MEHS). She has demonstrated outstanding leadership throughout her academic career, serving on student council since the 6th grade and holding the position of student body president twice—once at MEHS and once at Bethel Regional High School.In addition to her leadership roles, Hayden is involved in wrestling, cheerleading, and serves as the e-board parliamentarian and social media coordinator, a position she has held for two years. She is also the Vice President of a Yupik dance group, showcasing her dedication to her cultural heritage. Hayden’s extensive leadership experience, commitment to both academics and extracurriculars, and ability to represent diverse student voices make her an excellent candidate for Treasurer in the SSGA. Her passion for student advocacy and community engagement ensures she will bring energy, dedication, and a fresh perspective to the role.
Eva Nay - Candidate for President
Eva Nay is a talented student from Dillingham, Alaska, currently enrolled as a UAS Welding student and attending Mt. Edgecumbe High School (MEHS). Eva is a self-starter with entrepreneurial experience, having successfully run her own business selling Musubi. Her technical skills extend to building computers, coding, and 3D modeling, showcasing her versatility and drive for innovation. In addition to her academic and technical pursuits, Eva is actively involved in the arts, participating in band and the National Honor Choir. She shines in debate through her participation in DDF (Drama, Debate, and Forensics), honing her skills in critical thinking and communication. Eva also embraces her cultural heritage as a member of a Native dance group representing Yupik and Inupiaq traditions, and she participates in the chess club, further demonstrating her diverse range of interests. Eva’s leadership, creativity, and cultural pride make her an outstanding candidate for President in the SSGA. Her ability to balance academics, entrepreneurship, and extracurriculars ensures she will bring a thoughtful, resourceful, and unique perspective to the student body.
Phoebe Pepper - Candidate for President, VP, Secretary, Treasurer
My name is Phoebe Pepper, I have lived in Sitka for 2 years and I am currently taking creative writing and ceramics. I’m interested in any position, but would most like the VP or President role. I’m interested in running so that I can have the resources to stage frequent community events that I find Sitka has a need for, such as, and especially, trash clean-up and similar environmental awareness & action events. I am a trans woman very interested in diversity and inclusion, and a strengthened sense of community within the educational space, so I would also be honored to use these positions to further discuss inclusion within the university, spread awareness, and host events. :)
Alex Smith - Candidate for Secretary
Hello my name is Alex Smith. I'm from Arkansas and am enrolled in the Aquaculture/Mariculture program. I am applying for the position of Secretary. I would like to participate in student government to push for student driven activities that would normally be too expensive for students, such as arranging for charters or kayaking trips.
Thomas Smith - Candidate for Secretary, Representative
Hi, my name is Thomas Smith and I am running for Secretary or Representative for University of Alaska: Sitka. I am a dedicated member to any organization I am a part of and a hard worker. I’m from Kenai, Alaska and my family is from Iliamna, Alaska. I grew up split between the two helping my grandparents for the summer since I was four years old. They’ve always taught me how to work for what I want and to share what I have gained with others. I want either of these positions to help the student body of UAS and promote healthy and strong habits in the classroom that will last past this year. I hope to gain your vote and I’m excited for the future of UAS regardless of the election results. Thank you!
Maelyn Westdahl - Candidate for Vice President
Maelyn Westdahl is a dedicated student from St. Mary’s, Alaska, and has been a part of the UAS Welding program for the past four years. She also attends Mt. Edgecumbe High School (MEHS) and is a proud member of the National Honor Society. Maelyn has actively contributed to her community by serving on the Native State Council (Elders and Youth), where she has demonstrated strong leadership and cultural pride. In addition to her academic achievements, Maelyn is an accomplished athlete, participating in sports like wrestling. Her ability to balance academics, athletics, and community service makes her an outstanding candidate for Vice President in the SSGA. Maelyn’s commitment to excellence, her involvement in both local and state-level initiatives, and her passion for representing student voices ensure she will bring a strong, thoughtful, and inclusive perspective to the role.