Student Activities
Student SenateThe Student Senate of Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota is the official representative and voice of the undergraduate student body.
Our mission is to empower students, enhance the quality of life on campus, and increase communication between students and administration, faculty, and staff. The Student Senate will represent the student body by abiding by the core Lasallian principles: the Student Senate will be of service to others, it will respect all, it will advocate for quality education, and it will model sincere inclusivity.
Executive Board Members
Maggie Newhouse
President
Previous Positions: At-Large Representative, Vice President of Campus Affairs
About
I am a junior, double majoring in Health Humanities and Spanish, with a minor in Healthcare Management. Along with Senate, I am a New Student Orientation leader, involved in Future Health Professions Club, a member of Zeta Delta Honor society, a part of the Lasallian Honors Program and I play on the women’s basketball team. I am also a student work in the Executive Offices on campus. I joined Senate because I want to advocate for the needs of the entire student body. I enjoy getting to work with so many students, faculty, and staff, and working to make the campus an even better place.
Fun fact: I like pineapple on pizza.
Joel Tranel
Vice President of Financial Affairs
Previous Positions: Sophomore Class Officer
About
Sam Frick
Vice President of Academic Affairs
Previous Positions: Gilmore Hall Representative
About
Jack Campion
Vice President of Public Affairs
About
Nick Kiemel
Vice President of Campus Affairs
About
I am involved in Men’s Hockey, Phi Mu Alpha, and am a tutor for business, psychology and theology classes on campus. I decided to join the senate because I love being a part of this community. My goal is to help students and faculty’s voices be heard for capital improvement projects. I also joined student senate because I wanted to be more involved with what is going on around campus.
Fun Fact: I am a twin
Paige Morris
Vice President of Student Affairs
Previous Positions: Sophomore Class Officer
About
Noah Kiemel
Vice President of Media and Communications
Previous Positions: St. Yon’s Hall Representative
About
I am on the Men’s Hockey Team, a member of Men’s Hockey Team Chapel, Finance Committee, and currently hold the VP of Social Media and Communications position. I wanted to join The Student Senate so that I could find another way to get involved on campus and make an impact with my peers. I also wanted to see what goes on behind the scenes with students and the operations of the University.
Fun Fact: I have a twin brother, but my younger brother who is 18 looks more like my twin than my actual twin does.
Leah Parker
Vice President of Multicultural Affairs
Previous Positions: Brother William Hall Representative
About
Fun fact: I am a first degree black belt in Karate
Maddi Clark
Vice President of Administrative Affairs
Previous Positions: LaSalle Hall Representative
About
Besides Senate I am the Vice President of Colleges Against Cancer & part of Green Bandana Club. I also volunteer at Mayo Clinic. I joined Senate because it is a great opportunity to get involved on campus. Having the ability to understand what goes on, helps me stay connected and involved with activities. Senate has allowed me to meet new people and connect with different clubs on and around campus. My increased involvement with the student body, has lead me to create great times and memories with the Saint Mary’s community.
Fun Fact: I was the honorary captain at a Minnesota Twins game last year.
2024-2025 Vice President Elects
- Vice President of Financial Affairs: Joel Tranel
- Vice President of Academic Affairs: Noah Lahner
- Vice President of Public Affairs: Caden Rodning
- Vice President of Student Affairs: Alison French
- Vice President of Campus Affairs: Mario Gomze Rodriguez
- Vice President of Media and Communications: Maeve Cannon
- Vice President of Multicultural Affairs: Shania Vanlewin
- Vice President of Administrative Affairs: Lizzie Pike
Class Officers
Teagan Phillips
Sophomore Class Officer
About
Other than Student Senate I am involved in Green Bandana Club, Women’s Hockey, and Student-Athlete Advisory Committee as the Women’s Hockey Representative. I decided to join Student Senate because I had teammates who were on it during my Freshman year and they all talked about how much they loved it. This year, the Senate was looking for one more Sophomore class officer and I decided to take the role because I wanted to learn about important activities on campus and be a voice for the Sophomore class. I like that we get information to pass on to the rest of the university.
Fun Fact: I play on the Women’s Hockey team
Melanie Winzenburg
Sophomore Class Officer
Previous Positions: Freshmen Representative
About
Emma Mara
Junior Class Officer
About
Caden Rodning
Junior Class Officer
About
Abby Nosbisch
Senior Class Officer
About
Owen Ziegler
Senior Class Officer
About
I am a RA, Intentional Acts of Kindness, Treasurer of SAAC, and a member of the men’s basketball team. I joined the Senate because it is a great opportunity to advocate for my Senior Class. Also, I have a voice that can help our campus community. This is a great opportunity for me to step up and help the campus in a positive way.
Fun Fact: I have two middle names.
Hall Representatives
Gabe Potyk
Brother Leopold/Residencia Santiago Miller Representative
About
I chose to be on the Senate because I wanted another way to be involved on campus. It gives me a platform to actively contribute to campus affairs, voice my opinions, and participate in decision-making processes that directly affect the student body. Being part of the Senate allows me to advocate for student interests, engage in campus improvements, and foster a stronger sense of community. My decision reflects my commitment to making a positive impact and being a proactive member of the campus community.
Fun Fact: I can play the guitar
Alison French
Saint Yon’s/Gilmore/Hillside Representative
About
I am on the fast pitch softball team here on campus along with being involved in a few clubs like green bandana, letters of love, and SAC. I decided to join Student Senate so I could be more of a help for the student body. Senate is a good opportunity to learn how to lead and be a great representation for the university and community. It is also teaching me skills that will benefit my leadership opportunities as a PA later in life.
Fun Fact: I love exploring and trying new things!
Sidney Polzin
Saint Yon’s/Gilmore/Hillside Representative
About
I play on Saint Mary’s Women’s Hockey team and I am involved in the Green Bandana club and SAAC. I love going to SMU and think that this University is special. I joined Student Senate so that I could be a voice representing students on campus. I like being involved with what is going on with the school and I want to be a part of the decisions that affect everyone.
Fun fact: My favorite movie is “Shrek 2”
Abbie Stigler
Brother Leopold/Residencia Santiago Miller Representative
Emma Gerdes
Brother William/Bishops/Saint Joseph’s Representative
About
I am also on the Track team where I run short sprints (60-200m). I joined the Senate to help make the school a better place by becoming a voice for the other freshmen. I also joined to meet new people and form connections with people around campus. I’ve greatly enjoyed being a part of the Senate this year and knowing everything we have done to help better the school and its community.
Fun Fact: I had braces for 7 years and now want to be an orthodontist
Mallory Von Tersch
Skemp/Heffron/Lasalle Representative
About
I am on the women’s hockey team. This is my first year on Senate, and I wanted to represent the student body in making decisions. I also want to improve campus life for all students here.
Fun Fact: I can solve 13 different kinds of Rubik’s cubes
At-Large Representatives
Connor Close
At-Large Representative
About
Elizabeth Pike
At-Large Representative
About
I am involved on the softball team, yoga club, and work in the Admissions Office. I joined Student Senate because I wanted to get involved more on campus. Also, knowing more about the Winona community and behind the scenes of Student Senate was intriguing to me to get involved. It truly is an amazing experience and encourage everyone to try and get involved on campus during your four years in college!
IHM Representative and International Student Representative
Jacob Fiala
IHM Representative
About
Mario Rodriguez Gomez
International Student Representative
About
In addition to Senate, I’m also a Resident Assistant which gives me a direct connection with students and their challenges. This role inspired me to join the Senate, particularly as the International Representative, to advocate for the needs and concerns of international students, contribute to improving the campus community, and have a positive influence over my peers.
Fun Fact: All of my dreams/nightmares are lucid
Testimonials
Why did I choose student senate? Fantastic question, aside from getting to work with the fantastic Mrs. Ann Merchlewitz, it was to make an impact. Student senate provides us with the opportunity to sit in and participate in some of the most influential upgrades and decisions that affect our daily lives as students at this University. It has provided me with a unique experience to interact with other students, the team atmosphere really strengthens what it means to be a part of the Cardinal family. Student senate above all else is for us as students, it is for improving student life and ensuring that everybody has a voice here on campus. It has been exciting to see the improvements and I can’t wait to be a part of more in the future!
Resolutions
Minutes
Spring 2024
- 1_9_2024
- 1_16_2024
- 1_23_2024
- 1_30_2024
- 2_6_2024
- 2_13_2024
- 2_20_2024
- 2_27_2024
- 3_12_2024
- 3_19_2024
- 3_26_2024
- 4_2_2024
- 4_9_2024
- 4_16_2024
- 4_23_2024
Fall 2023
- 9_19_2023
- 9_26_2023
- 10_3_2023
- 10_10_2023
- 10_22_2023
- 10_31_2023
- 11_7_2023
- 11_14_2023
- 11_28_2023
- 12_5_2023
- 12_12_2023
Spring 2023
Fall 2022
Commitments
- Yearly: Attend “Day at the Capitol”, Highway Clean-Up and the Senate Banquet
- Weekly: Senate Meetings Tuesday Nights at 7 PM in Salvi Hall
- Monthly: Potentially 1-3 meetings for your senate committee
- Daily: Listen and document concerns from your peers.
Club Budget Info
To know more about Club Budgets, click the link below!