Union Board director spots finalized today

Sophomore Michael Zak was on his way to the library on Nov. 18 when he received a call from a current Union Board director.

He said he was thrilled to hear from Union Board Concerts Director and Election Commissioner Asher Wittenberg that he had been selected to be a member of the 105th Union Board. 

Eight candidates were chosen to become directors of next year’s committees by a popular vote of the IU student body that day, based on platforms released to students.   

The remaining eight directors will be chosen internally through an interview process. A panel of non-returning Union Board members and supervisors will conduct the interviews. The 105th Union Board will be finalized today.

“Everybody did their best job possible trying to get elected,” new Union Board member and IU junior Victoria Stevens said. “I kind of went hands-on, brought my laptop around and just did a lot of work on social media trying to get people to vote for me.”

Candidates did not run to be a specific committee director, but to serve on the board in general. The board will choose director and executive positions for the 2014 year once all members have been selected.   

“I’ve been on concerts for the last year and a half, and it’s obviously something I have a lot of fun with,” Stevens said. “I think it would be awesome to be able to do concerts.”
Stevens said she would be happy taking charge of a brand new committee, as well.
Students also voted and passed a motion to make amendments to the Constitution regarding word choice.

IU sophomore and member of the 105th Union Board Jason Gross said he and the other members of the board are eager to get started.

“I want to make people aware that Union Board does a lot more than the Little 5 show,” Gross said. “I want to involve different types of activities that will involve a lot of people like ‘water balloon fight for charity’ or a paint party.”

Some students like freshman Paul Yoon have never stepped foot in the Union Board office before.

Yoon ran on the platform that his enthusiasm and “good-lookingedness” will help charge Union Board with energy.

“I honestly would not have been successful without the loving support of my friends, but being moderately good looking helped too,” Yoon said.

Current Fun and Entertainment Director Jacqueline Bales was reelected for a director position for the 2014 year along with the current Service Director, Lexy Parrill.

“I learned a lot doing service, and it’s a great committee, and I would be more than willing to do it again. But I really feel like changing it up and getting a new position would really offer me a great opportunity to grow as an individual,” Parrill said.

Freshman DeAnthony Nelson said he is confident that the 105th Union Board will be successful as student representatives. 

“If a challenge appears I have no doubt that we will be able to overcome any obstacles,” Nelson said.

Follow reporter Torie Schumacher on Twitter @shoe_torie.