Executive Officers
Trevor Hunter, President & Siri Smillie, Vice President
Trevor and Siri are both seniors at The University of Montana looking to make UM a better place by increasing student involvement and ensuring that students’ voices are heard and their needs met. Trevor is studying Political Science and History and enjoys hiking and playing with his dog when he has free time. Siri likes to stay actively engaged in politics and she enjoys Griz games, good books, movies, and spending as much time outdoors as possible. She is also pursuing a degree in Political Science. Please stop by the ASUM Office, UC Suite 105, anytime to visit or offer suggestions.
You can also contact Trevor at 243-2038 or asum.president@mso.umt.edu and Siri at 243-2037 or asum.vicepres@mso.umt.edu.
Senators
Katie Singer
As an ASUM Senator I would hope to be able to create a better relationship between ASUM and the students and student groups that it is suppose to represent. It seems currently the main time ASUM meets with students is during budgeting in the spring. I really feel that open and continuous communication would make students feel more connected with ASUM and it would also help ASUM better provide for the needs of those students.
Committees: Board on Member Organizations (Chair), Sports Union, University council on Student Assault, Homepage Committee.
Contact: kathryn.singer@umontana.edu, 406-671-1936
Yan To Cheung
My name is Yan and I am from Hong Kong. I am a senior with a dual major in Accounting and Finance. I love to travel. My favorite sports are billiards, ping-pong, soccer, tennis, badminton, volleyball, bowling and snowboarding. Meanwhile, I serve as the President of the International Student Association and a member of Beta Alpha Psi. My goal on ASUM is to make your voices heard.
Committees: Board on Budget and Finance, Childcare Oversight, International Committee, Parking Appeals Committee.
Contact: yanto.cheung@umontana.edu, 406-396-4170.
Jon Dempersmier
Hi everyone! My name is Jon Dempersmier and I'm a senior chemistry major from Billings, MT. I wanted to get involved in ASUM to represent those who don't have a voice in student affairs. With that said, if you have any questions, thoughts, or feelings about any business going through ASUM, contact me and we'll talk about it.
Committees: Interview (Chair), Academic Standards and Curriculum Review, Commencement, Scholarship and Financial Aid.
Contact: jon.dempersmier@umontana.edu, 406-672-9956.
Andrew Dusek
Senator Andrew Dusek is a Junior at the University of Montana double majoring in journalism with a print journalism option and political science. Andrew hails from Havre, MT and is involved in many aspects of campus life. He serves as Vice President of Membership Development for the Sigma Phi Epsilon fraternity, and is a member of UM Advocates, the UM chapter of Mortar Board, Alpha Lambda Delta, the Davidson Honors College, and works for the Enrollment Services-Admissions office. He urges all students to get involved in campus life because it makes college more rewarding and gives students a voice.
Committees: Relations and Affairs (Chair), Publications Board, IT Committee, Student Computer Fee Committee.
Contact: andrew.dusek@umontana.edu, 406-945-7025.
Matthew Fennell
I’m a second term senator and a senior studying social work and art. I’m active around campus with organizations like: The UC Gallery, MontPIRG, the Multiple Edition (secret) Society, the Student Social Work Association, and Students for Economic and Social Justice. All of my time is spent either learning about how to save the world and then applying what I learn, or making art. Especially prints, about saving the world.
Committees: Relations and Affairs, Music Union, Housing Board (Chair), Diversity Advisory Council, University Council on Student Assault.
Contact: matthew.fennell@umontana.edu, 919-961-3379.
Tara Haupt
My name is Tara Haupt and I am a Senior this year at the University. I am double majoring in Education and Marketing. I was born in Billings and I truly love Montana. My interests are traveling, reading, and camping. I am the Vice President of Academic Excellence for Kappa Kappa Gamma. I also enjoy volunteering in the community. I am really looking forward to representing the students as a Senator this year!
Committees: Interview Committee, Commencement Committee, Faculty Library Committee.
Contact: tara.haupt@umontana.edu, 406-861-7537.
Adina Kaliyeva
My name is Adina Kaliyeva. I was born in Kazakhstan, which is located in Central Asia. Since I was five, I’ve been traveling around the world with my family. When I was fifteen years old, I graduated from high school and came to the University of Montana to pursue Bachelor’s Degree of Science in Finance. I am also doing a minor in Economics. As an active student on campus, I love advising my peers, planning events for the international students, and will definitely enjoy a year of serving the students of the University of Montana.
Committees: Relations and Affairs, Personnel Supervision, Day of Dialogue Steering Committee, Diversity Advisory Council, Intergrated Plant Management.
Contact: adina.kaliyeva@umontana.edu, 406-880-1911.
Mary Martin
I'm a sophomore studying Exercise Science, Pre-Physical Therapy and am also an honors college student. I'm from Billings, MT and graduated from Skyview High School with honors. I joined a sorority on campus to become more involved, and can't wait to help make a difference by being on Senate! I've taken dance for a number of years before college, and will continue to do so at UM. I'm an avid sports fan, have played numerous instruments, and was very involved in high school and did Student Council all four years there. I'm a good listener, responsible, and work well with everyone, so let me know what I can do for UM!
Committees: Interview, Childcare Oversight (Chair), Family Weekend, General Education.
Contact: mary.martin@umontana.edu
Emily May
Two principle issues concern me: (1) recycling; and (2) student safety. I want to expand and streamline UM’s recycling program. I think it is also important that we expand programs like the escort service and SARC. Also, I think almost every student wants and expects the same thing from the Legislature: affordable tuition. I want to help legislators understand that keeping tuition to a minimum doesn’t just help the proverbial “poor college student,” but insures the future of Montana’s work force and economy.
Committees: Interview, UC Board (Chair), Academic Court, University Athletic Community.
Contact: emily.may@umontana.edu, 406-250-1805.
Whitney Sjostrom
As an ASUM senator I hope to accomplish more student involvement. It is single -handedly the most important issue on campus. Without the students there is no University system. I think it is important to eliminate the bureaucracies and have students be more hands on and direct in what they want on campus. I plan on focusing on issues more closely related with day-to-day lives of the students. If students want better recycling facilities, political involvement, environment awareness programs, whatever! Then this is what ASUM should be concerning itself with. ASUM’s responsibility is to provide for the student body. I want to take on that responsibility, because happy students means better living for all.
Committees: Student Political Action, Faculty Library Committee, Student Copmuter Fee.
Contact: whitney.sjostrom@umontana.edu, 406.439.4773.
Aly Spear
I am a junior from the great Spokane, Washington. I’m majoring in Athletic Training, and eventually hope to be become a physical therapist, a certified masseuse, and a personal trainer. In my long years of schooling I pass the time by hanging out with my friends (especially my sorority girls), beading, scrapbooking, attempting to be artsy, playing intramural sports, working, volunteering and tutoring, and LAUGHING! I love Montana, and hope to help make a positive change in our school.
Committees: UC Board, Student Radio Station, Campus Recreation and Sports Committee.
Contact: alysha.spear@umontana.edu, 509-995-3308.
Bonggoch (Gail) Tangjaipak
As an ASUM senator I would like to get involved with ASUM transportation. My main concerns are parking on campus, extended bus schedule and a Sunday bus. I want to push for an increase in bus hours and space for students with parking permits. I would also like to work closely with getting students involved in student groups. UM campus has great student groups that need encouragement and promotion. I would like to push the budget increase for each student group so that they could promote their group and gain more student involvement.
Committees: Board on Member Organizations, Transportation Board, Gilkey Executive Education Building Committee, International Committee.
Contact: bonggoch.tangjaipak@umontana.edu, 406-880-1888.
John Wilke
With the costs of everything from food, gas, and energy skyrocketing, I think the need is greater than ever for the University to be a more sustainable place, both to save money and for the sake of the environment. To do this, I would support the Food Zoo and students to continue cutting down on food waste, back any necessary funding to continue and expand the U-Dash and Park-N-Ride bus systems, stand behind Governor Schweitzer’s request that all state agencies cut energy consumption by 20 percent in the next two years, and take advantage of the expiration of the University’s Coca-Cola contract to get more funding and enhance the on-campus recycling program. Outside of sustainability, I would like to continue and expand necessary funding to students groups, clubs, events and intramural sports, and lobby the state legislature for higher education funding.
Committees: Student Political Action, Transportation Board, Academic IT Committee, University Web Committee.
Contact: john.wilke@umontana.edu, 406-580-7267.
Daniel Zolnikov
I'm a senior, double majoring in Information Systems, Business Management and minoring in Political Science. I grew up in Roundup, in eastern Montana. I enjoy griz games, staying in shape (mostly by swimming), reading, getting involved locally (obviously) and being up to date with technology. I tend to have a good time when the opportunity presents itself as well. Don't be afraid to get in contact with any of us if an issue arises.
Committees: Student Political Action, IT (Chair), OneStop, Academic Court.
Contact: daniel.zolnikov@umontana.edu, 406-861-5210.
Miranda Leftridge
Hello! My name is Miranda Leftridge! I hail from the small coastal town of Eureka, California, but Montana is my second home and holds a tremendous place in my heart. I am a second year Ecology Major and I plan on saving animals in the future. I thoroughly enjoy communing with nature and appreciate everything it has to offer. I strongly believe in doing all I can to support and care for our planet. I am looking forward to this year in ASUM so I can help the University and it's students to achieve their potential.
Committees: Student Political Action, Transportation Board, Library and Archives Committee, Student Health Advisory Council.
Contact: miranda.leftridge@umontana.edu, 707-498-7220.
Svein Newman
Hola amigos! I’m a senior studying Political Science, with minors in Psychology and Women’s/Gender Studies. I was born in Norway, but essentially grew up in Billings, MT. This is my third year involved with ASUM. Aside from it, in my spare time, I’m on the debate team and a member of Students for Economic and Social Justice. I’m also increasingly involved with the UM Women’s Resource Center and the Community Dispute Resolution Center. If you ever want to find me, just look in the UC or library. I’m probably there. Random facts: I’m ordained to perform marriages and love banana cream pie. I also love my bicycle.
Committees: Relations and Affairs, Budget and Finance, Incentive Award Committee, Scholarship and Financial Aid.
Contact: svien.newman@umontana.edu, 406-855-8887.
Mary Kettering
I am a Sophomore majoring in History. I will be applying for the School of Education at the end of this year. I am also considering looking into teaching deaf students which would mean more school, so basically I am here until I decide what I am going to do...which may take a while. I grew up in the Chicagoland area, about 40 minutes from the city. However, my parents are from Anaconda and Lewistown/ Worden so all of my family lives in Montana which is esentially what brought me to the University of Montana. My Uncle actually works at the University. Apart from ASUM I am a member of the Griz track and field team as well as the cross country team. I also work on campus. If there are any issues or questions that you feel I can adress please contact me.
Committees: Sports Union (Chair), Housing Board, Campus Recreation and Sports Committee, Campus Safety.
Contact: mary.kettering@umontana.edu, 630-715-0284.
Lucas Hamilton
My goal as a senator is to make sure the student run agencies stay student run. The best educational opportunities available on this campus happen outside of the classroom and in student groups and organizations. The Montana Legislature in 2009 will almost assuredly produce some ridiculous bills aimed at damaging the integrity of higher education in this state. Two years ago, we had to kill that colossal waste of time known as the Academic Bill of Rights. Though I can’t stop them from trying to pull garbage like that, I’ll surely enjoy fighting it.
Committees: Interview Committee, Student Political Action, Scholarship and Financial Aid, General Education Committtee,
Contact: lucas.hamilton@umontana.edu, 406-945-2856.
Dan Stusek
I'm a 21 year old senior in political science with a minor in history. Born and raised in Billings, I moved to Missoula to go to the university. My hobbies include running, backpacking, Jesus Christ, and ESPN. I have long been involved with College Republicans on the local and state level and am running for the state legislature in the Rattlesnake area. I seek to bring diversity of thought to conversations and resolutions and would love to hear from students. Thank you for electing me. I am absolutely privileged to serve in this office.
Committees: Childcare Oversight, Housing Board, University Web Committee.
Contact: daniel.stusek@umontana.edu, 406-670-9528.
Tony Brockman
Senator Tony Brockman is a senior majoring in History and Political Science. Tony is from Kalispell, Montana and has been involved in a wide array of campus and community organizations. Tony has also worked on both state and National legislative issues, he knows the impact students can make on issues and encourages all students to become involved with issues they feel passionate about.
Committees: Board on Member Organizations, Personnel Supervision, Academic Standards and Curriculum Review Committee, Campus Recreation and Sports Committee.
Contact: antoine.brockman@umontana.edu, 406-471-1623.
Business Manager Alex Gosline:
Business Manager Gosline is a senior here at The University of Montana majoring in Finance and Economics. He became a member of the ASUM Senate in the spring of 2007 and voted into his current office the spring of 2008. He likes to define his seat on the senate as one "for the students". He is involved in many things around the campus, including The Advocates, The Undergraduate Peer Advising Program, many intramurals, Intervarsity, Catholic Campus Ministries and is also the founder and current President of the UM Men's Soccer Club. If you do not see him on campus, you can probably catch him working at Wells Fargo on Reserve St. or eating his favorite food at El Cazador. Business Manager Gosline is also an avid musician, and you should definitely check out a show with his latest band, "Twinkie and The Cream Fillers" when they play around Missoula.
If you would like to contact Business Manager Gosline, you may reach him by calling his ASUM office at 243-2704, or you may email him at asum.businessmgr@mso.umt.edu.
