Student Philanthropy Council
Nada Al-Hanooti
Class Standing: Senior
Hometown: Dearborn
Majors: Political Science and Journalism
Minor: Women and Gender Studies
Other Activities/Organizations: Vice Chair for the Association for Diversity and Unity and Political Science Association
Why did you join the Student Philanthropy Council?
I want to be a part of the change on campus.
Suhaib Al-Hanooti
Class Standing: Senior
Hometown: Dearborn
Major: Public Relations
Minor: Management
Other Activities/Organizations: Muslim Student Association and Islamic Relief USA
Why did you join the Student Philanthropy Council?
I want to bring my knowledge and work to the council, dedicating it to serve the students and university. I want to help bring resources to the university that will open up more doors of opportunities to the student body.
Aayat Ali
Class Standing: Junior
Hometown: Dearborn Heights
Major: Urban and Regional Studies
Minor: Marketing
Other Activities/Organizations: Alternative Spring Break Coordinator, Women in Learning and Leadership, The CIViC, Association for Diversity and Unity, Hijabi Monologues Coordinator and 2012 UM-Dearborn Difference Maker.
Why did you join the Student Philanthropy Council?
So I can make a difference on my campus/community through my time. I think that philanthropy is what makes the world go round.
Aml Altahmi
Class Standing: Freshman
Hometown: Dearborn
Major: Marketing
Minor: Sociology
Other Activities/Organizations: Secretary of the Organization for Interfaith Coexistance and Muslim Student Association.
Why did you join the Student Philanthropy Council?
It gives me a greater opportunity to dedicate my time to increasing awareness of philanthropy and making positive changes, not only on our campus, but within the surrounding community as well.
Uzma Anwar
Class Standing: Senior
Hometown: Canton
Major: Behavioral Sciences
Minor: Biology
Other Activities/Organizations: Vice President of the Black Student Union, Alliance for Disability Awareness Event Coordinator, Alternative Spring Break and Chair for the Veterans' Benefit Dinner.
Why did you join the Student Philanthropy Council?
I want to encourage students to get further involved with their community and campus life by giving back. I want to a make a change in the perception students have of our campus, and to raise awareness about the philanthropy that takes place on our campus.
Umachandar Balakumar
Class Standing: Junior
Hometown: Ann Arbor
Major: Psychology (Pre-Med)
Minor: Philosophy
Other Activities/Organizations: President of the Indian American Student Association, Director of Inclusion and Diversity for the Student Leadership Council, Supplemental Instruction Leader for the Behavioral Sciences Department, Director of Affairs for OM, Tennis Team, Blueprints Leadership Program, and Research Assistant for the Behavioral Sciences Lab.
Why did you join the Student Philanthropy Council?
I'm always seeking to take part in programs that allow me to have a positive influence on the campus community. I joined the council to help show the intensity and determination of UM-Dearborn students. I want to serve as a leader for meaningful, positive and united change.
Kris Bjornbak
Class Standing: Senior
Hometown: Livonia
Major: Anthropology
Other Activities/Organizations: Chair of GLOBE, Alliance for Disability Awareness, Association for Diversity and Unity, student advisor for Association of Student Anthropologists, Organization for Interfaith Coexistence, Omani Student Association and Chinese Scholar and Student Association, 2012 Distinguished Student Leader, and 2012 UM-Dearborn Difference Maker.
Why did you join the Student Philanthropy Council?
I feel that it is important to not only give back to the University, but to the community as well. In addition, setting an example of a philanthropic lifestyle will encourage others to do the same.
Nancy Elanjithara
Class Standing: Sophomore
Hometown: Troy
Major: English
Other Activities/Organizations: Vice Chair of GLOBE, Treasurer of Michigan Urban Farming Initiative, Indian American Student Association, and MPressions recruitment assistant.
Why did you join the Student Philanthropy Council?
Through my wonderful experience here, I have grown to love and have great pride in being part of UM-Dearborn. This council gives me the opportunity to integrate myself further into the campus community, to give back, and to hopefully make a difference.
Hanan Hashem
Class Standing: Senior
Hometown: Hamtramck
Major: Psychology
Minor: Philosophy
Other Activities/Organizations: President of the Organization for Interfaith Coexistence, Vice President of the Psychology Club, Vice President of Psi Chi and Director of Advertising and Marketing for the Muslim Student Association.
Why did you join the Student Philanthropy Council?
It seems like a great opportunity to give back to campus and our community.
Iffa Kazi
Class Standing: Senior
Hometown: Canton
Major: Economics
Other Activities/Organizations: Association for Diversity and Unity, Campus Video Network, Muslim Student Association and 2012 UM-Dearborn Difference Maker.
Why did you join the Student Philanthropy Council?
I want to help build the foundation of giving that will push the University prestige and our school spirit. I look forward to workng with my peers to accomplish philanthropic acts on campus and engage the student body.
Amanda Lewandowski
Class Standing: Senior
Hometown: Allen Park
Major: Secondary Education-English
Minors: Math and Communications
Other Activities/Organizations: Golden Key International Honour Society, Student Activities Board, Student Michigan Education Association, UC Ambassador Team Leader, and 2010 UM-Dearborn Difference Maker.
Why did you join the Student Philanthropy Council?
I think it is important to give back to the university. I'm excited to make a positive impact on the University through SPC.
Hana Mattar
Class Standing: Sophomore
Hometown: Cairo, Egypt
Major: Psychology
Other Activities/Organizations: Campus Video Network, Association for Diversity and Unity, and Muslim Student Association.
Why did you join the Student Philanthropy Council?
I've always loved helping people out and I thought this would be a great way to give back.
Rachel Michelsen
Class Standing: Sophomore
Hometown: Northville
Major: Psychology
Other Activities/Organizations: Director of Internal Affairs for Association for Diversity and Unity and Junior Officer for Campus Video Network.
Why did you join the Student Philanthropy Council?
I enjoyed helping out with the council's events before. It is an organization whose purpose I like.
Jillian Out
Class Standing: Junior
Hometown: Brownstown Township
Major: Psychology
Minor: Criminal Justice Studies
Other Activities/Organizations: Admissions and Orientation Student Associate and Michigan Campus Compact college volunteer.
Why did you join the Student Philanthropy Council?
For the experience of giving back to the commuity and university that has given me so many opportunities.
Lauren Pauzus
Class Standing: Senior
Hometown: Livonia
Major: Political Science
Minors: Philosophy and Applied Statistics
Other Activities/Organizations: Vice President of the Panhellenic Council and Phi Mu Fraternity.
Why did you join the Student Philanthropy Council?
Through my time on campus, it has become increasingly more important to me that I become involved in organizations that work to improve life for students, celebrate the faculty, staff, alumni and administration, and support local initiatives. This council does all that and more.
Rima Rida
Class Standing: Junior
Hometown: Dearborn Heights
Major: Biology
Minor: Psychology
Other Activities/Organizations: President of the American Red Cross, Student Government Senator, Chairwoman of the Student and Academic Affairs Committee, Stewards of Sustainability, Academic Outreach Committee Pre-Med Chair and Event Coordinator for the Homecoming Committee.
Why did you join the Student Philanthropy Council?
I wanted to make an impact on campus in a way that went beyond what I had normally been doing. This group works very closely with Alumni Relations, which led me to realize the great impacts our alumni make in contributing to the vitality of the university.
Gerard Roberson
Class Standing: Junior
Hometown: Detroit
Major: Urban and Regional Studies
Minor: Hispanic Studies
Other Activities/Organizations: President of the Black Student Union, Student Activities Board, Student Organization Advisory Council, Organization for Interfaith Coexistence, Alliance for Disability Awareness and Association for Diversity and Unity.
Why did you join the Student Philanthropy Council?
I wanted to join a group of like-minded individuals who do not mind showing students that regardless of how busy you are, it is important to give back. This council represents a small part of the unity on this campus, while also taking time to help our fellow men and women.
Rob Vazquez
Class Standing: Senior
Hometown: Brownstown
Major: Liberal Studies
Other Activities/Organizations: Founder and President of The Collegiate Healthy Living Association, Blueprints Leadership Program, steering committee member of MetroScholars and Student Government Senator.
Why did you join the Student Philanthropy Council?
I feel that all students here on campus have the power to positively impact the lives of each other. By supporting campus philanthropy, we are securing a better future for ourselves and the next generation of students.
Anthony Wagner
Class Standing: Senior
Hometown: Dearborn
Major: Liberal Studies
Other Activities/Organizations: Chair of PRIDE, Director of Inclusion for Student Government, Ex-Officio for GLOBE, and Golden Key International Honour Society.
Why did you join the Student Philanthropy Council?
I want to see SPC become a powerhouse on campus. I aim to see this group raise more money each year, breaking records. I want to see this campus recognize SPC as a group whose involvement is absolutely crucial for the futue success of students and student life.