Two of these students will make history as the first president and vice president of student government

Elections take place on Blackboard from April 19-21.

Shanelle Allen: running for VP of ASCOCC affairs

“We can and should strive to do more and work better”

Shanelle Allen, the current director of fiscal operations for ASCOCC, decided to rerun after encouragement from members of Student Life and friends.

“I thought I would be able to do more in the capacity of VP of Affairs than as treasurer,” Allen said.

Before working for ASCOCC, Allen owned two companies. She has also run a marketing department and served as a director of school relations for a non-profit agency for four years. She currently has an Associate of Arts in business administration and is pursuing COCC credits to transfer to Oregon State University as a pre-veterinary major.

“My academics and work experience combined make me the most viable and experienced candidate for the position,” Allen said.

Allen has several goals if elected, including expanding involvement in student government, offering more events, and training more students for leadership.

“So many students pay these fees but don’t use them for their benefit,” Allen said. “I would like to change that.”

Overall, her primary hope is to be a role model.

“I look forward to setting precedence and providing a good example and building block for future VPs to come,” Allen said.

Karl Dinkel: running for President

“I saw a need for change in the governance structure”

Through clipboarding and representing the student council in the Vote OR Vote campaign, Karl Dinkel gained interest in running for council.

“I saw a bit of disorientation at times,” Dinkel said. “Certain people taking advantage of their situations.”

Dinkel’s father was a Republican candidate in the 2010 U.S. Senate race and placed second in the primaries. That event kickstarted Dinkel’s interest in politics.

“I got a lot of political experience from going with [my dad], evaluating how he spoke, interacting with people in various situations,” Dinkel said.

Since then, the political science major has held roles in military leadership groups and veterans’ functions, including advocating or “acting like an ambassador” for children in veterans’ programs.

With a future goal of receiving a master’s in political theory as well as a law degree, Dinkel has interests in getting politically involved. For him, main pursuits with ASCOCC would include getting students more involved with the student council and campaigning for student interests like quality food, improved residence halls, and lowered tuition. Dinkel would also want to form a sustainable budget.

“I want to have a structured approach to government,” Dinkel said.

Susana Hernandez: running for President

“I believe that success is met when there are people working for the same goal and with the same amount of passion”

Though Susana Hernandez is not a current ASCOCC council member, she has already made her mark on the student council.

For the past six months, Hernandez served as assistant to Amber Ruedi, the current ASCOCC director of student affairs. She is also a member on COCC’s Sustainability and Diversity Committee.

Hernandez is active in several outlets. An ongoing community volunteer, Hernandez has helped with the Polar Plunge, Walk for MS and Meals for Miles, among others.

Hernandez has also helped with Team Landon, the Vote OR Vote campaigns, the Food Bank Campaign Drive and other college student outreach and initiation events.

If elected, Hernandez hopes to reach out to on-campus minorities.

“One of my goals … would be seeking more involvement of the Latino community with student government,” Hernandez said in her letter of interest for the ASCOCC presidency position.

Hernandez’ other goals included visiting local high schools as a representative of ASCOCC and COCC, developing a “yearly plan for campus initiatives” and advocating for student needs.

“I believe I am capable of contributing leadership and direction to the students and their successes at COCC,” Hernandez said.

Amber Ruedi: running for VP of ASCOCC affairs

“The students’ needs are my first priority”

As the current ASCOCC director of student affairs, Ruedi is running for a second year to “continue to help students at COCC reach their goals and dreams.”

Her experience predates her year of work at ASCOCC. Previously, Ruedi owned and operated two businesses. She has also worked as an executive assistant for 10 years, dealing directly with Human Resources during two of those years. But according to her, her year as a student council member is the main reason she applied.

“Being the Director of Student Affairs and a member of ASCOCC has helped educate me on so many levels,” Ruedi said.

Ruedi is an active member of the community, volunteering “for almost every event.”

If she wins the vote, her hope is to “keep bringing awareness to diversity and harassment so all students, staff and faculty will feel safe and welcomed.”

Previously, Ruedi helped put together student and staff awareness trainings and a campus climate survey under the Diversity Committee. According to her, that type of innovation should continue.

“I would like to keep on this path because I feel that it is beneficial to everyone at COCC and beyond,” Ruedi said.

Nick Wright: running for President

“I want one hundred percent from all my teammates and at least two hundred percent from myself”

Nick Wright believes he has “always been good at leading people and creating a strong sense of teamwork,” according to his letter of intent for the ASCOCC presidency position.

Wright, who previously served in high school student government, managed four people at his previous position at a cabinet shop, giving him skills to “become a better leader and learn to manage others in completing a task.”

If appointed to the presidency position, Wright would focus on making sure members fulfilled their appointed tasks, “bringing everyone together” and “creating a strong work ethic.”

Wright is also interested in spearheading efforts to gain new student interest to the campus. With the new residence hall being built on the Bend campus, Wright would like to “start building the reputation of holding fun events” to attract outside attention.

Overall, if chosen, Wright believes collaboration is the quintessential element for the student council’s success.

“Once [council members] are together as one team, we will be able to accomplish many great things,” Wright said.

Important dates

May 19-21: ASCOCC elections for president and VP of ASCOCC affairs take place on Blackboard

May 20: Applications for appointed officers due

June 6: Appointment committee selections released

June 9: President Middleton confirms new council

Junnelle Hogen | The Broadside
(Contact: [email protected])