If you’ve been around the International Affairs Building recently, you’ll have noticed the massive amounts of campaigning going on.   Each year, the SIPA Student Association (SIPASA) plays a huge role in the experience of some 500+ graduate students across the MPA and MIA degrees.   It all comes to a head tomorrow, when first year MIA and MPA students head to the 4th floor to submit their ballots on the new SIPASA board.   Polls close at 4pm and results will be announced at 6pm on the 6th floor.

We’ve attached a copy of the candidates’ speeches below:

Position: MIA President

Candidate Name: Saptarsi Bandyopadhyay (sb3095)

I’d like to convey my intention of running for MIA president for class of 2011. I feel that it would be a great experience for myself to work as a conduit between the facult / OSA and the student body, while also developing my leadership, organizational, and social skills. The organization has a done a great job in familiarizing students with the program and I’d love to expand on the work SIPASA has done up until now.

I enjoy trying to assist others with alleviating potential problems and this is what I hope to do if I am elected president. It would be a great honor to represent the student body in conveying any potential issues to dean’s office and/or the faculty in general.

Overall, improving upon the already good student life will be important and ensuring cohesion between both the faculty and the student body will be essential in maintaining SIPA’s prestige.

Position: MIA President

Candidate Name:  Karina Chez (kmc2173)

We are all leaders. Different goals and passions drive us, but we have more in common than we think. We need to recognize our collective potential and work together to improve our school.

What’s on our minds right now? Saving money, expanding our network, finding a great job after graduation, and enjoying our time here. After listening to many of you, it seems some of the areas where there is room for improvement include:

Support:

Financial: We support many nearby businesses and we should get some support back– more student discounts and promotions to help alleviate our budget.
Academic: The 200 Econ. student to 2 tutors ratio is a scary demand/supply dynamic!

Social: Expanding on the types of events/activities, so that they may fit a broader set of interests—concerts, shows, theatre (after all, we are in NYC!).

Interaction: Greater interaction among concentrations, schools at Columbia and other Ivy Leagues– joint collaboration on common interest groups. This relationship will allow us to tap into other network pools, creating a robust network that will last throughout our careers.

Participation: Incentives for you to voice your needs and share your ideas.

Action: Working together leads to action.

I will LISTEN, UNDERSTAND, and DEFEND your needs, in order to get them addressed effectively. My entrepreneurial background and commitment to you give me the confidence to run for this position, knowing that I can make my fellow SIPA students proud.

Having a Chinese father and Spanish mother, having been born and raised in Latin America, and having lived in the Middle East for the past few years, I feel very at home among SIPA’s diverse student body.

Your voice will define our ongoing plan and I hope to have the opportunity to serve all of you.

And let’s have some fun while we are at it!

Position: MIA President

Candidate Name: Donald Curry (djc2159)

It has been joyful getting to know you over the past few weeks. I am an EE concentrator running for MIA president because I have a deep background in student government, and an integrated platform focusing on the issues most important to MIA students. They are: academic and financial support, finding internships and jobs, maximizing networking opportunities, and maintaining a positive relationship with the SIPA administration. I am humbled to ask for you vote, and excited to achieve goals together.

I believe in advocating policies that enhance student learning and life, and I look forward to learning more about your interests. Here are the issues I think are most important:

• Improvements to the IT infrastructure in the SIPA building (printers, etc).
• Effective measurement of student opinion.
• An open town-hall style student leadership referendum (or retreat) to identify and formulate solutions to issues important to SIPA students.
• Increased alumni participation in career recruitment and Career Services operations – and cross-linkage with other schools at Columbia.

I learned about leadership in my previous positions as student body president at Rutgers University, and as director of a tsunami relief program in the hardest-hit area of Thailand. At SIPA, I recently organized an energy concentration study group with 48 people to enhance learning and prepare for the exams. And, I will continue to work with OCS to increase the participation of SIPA alumni in the recruiting process.

Because so many of us at SIPA share a passion for public service, I would certainly love the opportunity to learn more about your interests and brainstorm creative and collaborative solutions.   If you grant me the opportunity to be of maximum service to the SIPA community, I will continue my efforts in public service and navigate the bureaucracies to fight for your interests.

Position: MIA President

Candidate Name: Richard Parker (rmp2149)

My name is Richard Maurice Parker. I am a first year MIA/ISP student. I hail from a small town called Brooklyn N.Y.

I won’t bore you with trite anecdotes about past leadership roles that qualify me for this position. Quite frankly, they’re unimportant. We all go to SIPA. We are all leaders! We all have resumes loaded with experiences that make students at Fletcher, SAIS, Kennedy and Wilson fear competing with us in 2011.

Everyone running for this position is a leader and can undoubtedly lead this class effectively. What sets me apart from them is my desire to SERVE. I want to serve you as MIA president. Serving others is what I do & its who I am. As MIA president I promise to be accessible and responsive. You talk, I listen. You ask I answer. It may not be what you want to hear, but it will be an answer nonetheless.

A wise poet named “Biggie Smalls” once said, “Spread Love, its the BROOKLYN Way” As MIA president I intend to spread love because thats the SIPA way. But before I spread love to you, you have to spread love to me. So on election day spread the love and vote for Rich Parker.

Position: MIA President

Candidate Statement: Cody Pope (ctp2111)

My, fellow SIPA students, I, Cody Pope, am here to announce my intend to run for MIA president of the SIPASA organization. As your SIPASA representative some of my presidential ambitions include:

Strengthening communications between the administration and the students. Whenever student concerns come up, I hope to be the face of the student body. To this end, I’ll be willing to approach deans and administrative units with all student concerns.

Initiating advancement in curricular offerings when students desire change. Already, I have been actively involved in creating a new conflict resolution specialization — with the help, of course, of my fellow CICR-interested students. With the newly created and reworked curriculum, the administration seems willing and ready to consider student recommendations.

And finally, assisting the SIPASA social chair throw the best parties on campus. Because, we all know that, aside from our great curricular offerings, students comes to SIPA over other schools because of our legendary parties. So, I plan to help the SIPASA social chair with all his or her party needs!

So, vote for me, Cody Pope!

Position: MPA President

Candidate Name: Joseph C. Musso (jm3357)

Among the issues that I would address as President, I feel that information needs to be readily available and accessible to the student body.  This includes information on fellowships, conference opportunities, relevant classes; it should all be centralized in a way that it can actually be used.

Second, I feel strongly that SIPASA needs to take a stronger and more public role in advocating for the MPA and MIA classes, and not just the party organizing role it’s most well known for.  It should serve as a conduit to bring student concerns to the administration.  These concerns range from registration issues to student service issues, including the several people who have expressed a desire for a coffee machine upstairs on 6.  As simple as this concern is, it should be SIPASA’s role to address the issue and bring guide it towards a positive result.

Even though I’m suggesting here that SIPASA should move away from the idea of being party central, I also see an important need to promote social cohesion and networking, which I see as essential to developing a career in public or international affairs.  Orientation and the monthly happy hours are both responsibilities the president should support the social chair in performing.

I believe in bringing speakers who more accurately represent our student body’s interests, which, particularly in the MPA component, are as diverse as they are working towards one common goal: the building of equality.  SIPASA should support groups who are working towards bettering SIPA, creating a more positive and educational experience, and benefiting the community as a whole.

SIPA is a professional school, and it deserves professional leadership.  The president needs to be focused, hard working, and dedicated to the goal of improving the students’ lives, not just to making SIPA more fun.

Position: MPA President

Candidate Name: Lauren Quillian (lq2125)

As a candidate for MPA President, I propose a SIPASA that supports and improves the full nature of student life.  Currently, SIPASA plans fun parties, but we came to SIPA for many reasons – research, academic excellence, professional development, skill improvement, and interaction with key thinkers in our field, to name a few- and SIPASA should support these varied interests.

First, I hope to make SIPASA more visible so that students always know where to voice opinions about every aspect of SIPA. Want more ideas to leverage your MPA?  Want to make suggestions to improve your classes?  The President is the gateway to improve those important issues that make or break your SIPA experience.  I will focus on these issues, and ensure support is easily available.  One specific improvement is very simple: the creation of a suggestion box where students can voice constructive criticism.

Secondly, I propose a SIPASA that fosters a deeper student community.  Personally, my favorite days at school are when I talk to a lot of people I know.  Unfortunately, with such a large student body this is not always possible, but the President can help create more opportunities for personal interaction so that everyone has more meaningful conversations with more people, more of the time.  To achieve this, SIPASA can plan brownbag lunches, intramural teams, and casual, affordable gatherings.

Prior to SIPA, I worked on international development projects in civil-military affairs, governance, and crisis mitigation in both Africa and Latin America.  I have also worked in the non-profit sector, administering a corporate social responsibility program. Further, I have experience living abroad in Chile and Equatorial Guinea. In addition to matching a variety of student interests, my background has afforded me the leadership and organizational skills to support the SIPA student body in the coming year.

Position: MPA DP President

Candidate Name: Eric Couper (eac2185)

You:I appreciate the time you take to consider this and other candidates’ platforms.  Whether or not I win, I look forward to working with each of you throughout the next 19 months and beyond.  Your enthusiastic spirit of cooperation is the primary reason I chose to run. My approach. By now, I hope you have a good sense of my personality and leadership style.  All SIPA students are organized, motivated people.  Undoubtedly the other candidates will be as well.  To set me apart, here are the principles that I subscribe to… as a person and as a leader.

·         Listen. Presidents must first listen and internalize. Leaders that don’t can lead well, but often in the wrong direction.

·         Collaborate. Presidents must collaborate.  Effectively working together is the ONLY way to maximize accomplishments.

·         Deliberate. Different ideas need to be heard in an intelligent way.  They deserve that opportunity.

·         Plan and set deadlines. Great ideas need great plans of action, deadlines, and accountability. Presidents help make that happen.

My visionOur program lends itself toward strong internal relationships.  Yet, we recognize the value in interacting and engaging with all of our SIPA classmates.  As president I will promote both components.  SIPASA has made great steps to involve us at the highest levels.  I would ensure that we take advantage of the opportunity, both in what we offer and what we gain.

Me Previously, I acted as a SG VP for Public Affairs serving 5,000 students.  I also was President of a residential community of 250.  In that capacity I ran regular meetings discussing the progress of 8 committees and actively listened to the needs of the community.  I have also hosted a national conference.  These experiences have helped me hone the skills I need to serve you well.

Position: MPA DP President

Candidate Name:  Allison Greenberg (ag2948)

I am submitting my name for the DP President position because I am interested in all of the MDP project initiatives that are happening and think that I could do a lot in a position that organizes and promotes them.  I have a ton of ideas in terms of marketing ourselves, creating long lasting structures and organizations, organizing events, and in just making sure that we take advantage of every opportunity that we could possibly have- in the most effective way possible. I have a solid background in terms implementation and would be an advocate for the projects that the program decides to take on.

As such a new program, I also consider this job to be the most important in terms of making sure that we are aware of all of the opportunities that are not only presented to us explicitly, but also the ones that we have to take initiative on.  I have a good eye for finding and realizing such opportunities. Half of our battle will be in just knowing what we can and need to do and setting up the design to get it done; not only for ourselves- but also for future classes.  We have the chance to set an example and shape a dialogue within SIPA, Columbia University, the Global MDP Community, and the development industry at large;  I have a diverse background from which to approach all of these arenas and am excited by the prospect of establishing the SIPA MDP program within each of them.

Position: MPA DP President

Candidate Name: Ashley Henderson (aeh2158)

Both my experience and leadership skills make me an ideal candidate for MDP class president. Before coming to SIPA, I was a student government representative and the Key club president in high school; two experiences in which I served as a liaison between the faculty and students. More recently, I directed Community in Action, a small NGO in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. I currently serve on the boards of Community in Action and the David Kogan Foundation, also based out of Rio. All my leadership experience has served to hone my communication and organizational skills and strengthen my commitment to public service.

Here at SIPA, I have already taken steps to familiarize myself with the objectives and responsibilities of SIPASA.  Through contact with the current leadership, I have a firm understanding of SIPASA’s role in planning SIPA events and advocating for the student body. As a member of the first class of MDP students, I would be proud to serve as the voice of a new program at a definitive time.

Position: MPA DP President

Candidate Name: Annie Poveda-Garces (ap2817)

First, I would like to thank all current SIPASA members who have done a tremendous job enhancing in a democratic spirit the representation of all SIPA programs within SIPASA. In this sense, I’d like to sincerely thank the Executive Board for helping us the MDPs in creating the MDP President position. Given that we’re the first generation of MDPs at Columbia University and SIPA, this initial representation in SIPASA created by you all plays a crucial role in the integration of MDP students with other MIA, MPA, ESP, and PEPM students, and also with the administrative offices. Thank you for the opportunity, your effort and hard work.

I am running for MDP President because I would love to represent my class in SIPASA serving both at the executive board and the general board. I have been following closely SIPASA events and Bylaws since the beginning of the school year, and after understanding the role of SIPASA and the MDP President I am certain that my ideas, skills, and background will both serve the MDP class well in representing them at SIPASA, as well as my leadership will ultimately add value to SIPA.

If given this opportunity, I will adhere to the SIPASA protocols and commit to the MDP President responsibilities as described in the Bylaws. In addition, and after receiving valuable insight from SIPA Deans and current SIPASA members while voicing all the MDPs’ concerns, and in proper use of the existing SIPASA Bylaws and the capacity as MDP President, once in office I will work in creating the other four positions for the MDP similar to the MIAs and MPAs within the SIPASA General Board:

MDP Internal Affairs

MDP Student Outreach

MDP Alumni and OCS

MDP Social Chair

Given that we’re the first generation of MDPs, we play a crucial role in creating those other four positions in the SIPASA General Board for our degree’s future generations. Thus, my goal while in office will be to collaborate with the other Board members to continue the democratic effort started in SIPASA this year creating the MDP President position, and further this effort creating for the MDP an identical, parallel governing structure vis-à-vis the other two-year, full-time SIPA programs, the MIA and MPA.

This way, next Fall when the second generation of MDPs arrives, we all first and second year MDPs would have a first-time opportunity to elect our MDP representatives for the SIPASA Governing Board in an equal, balanced representation at SIPASA vis-à-vis the MIAs and MPAs.

I look forward to running a campaign in a democratic spirit that seeks balanced representation, innovation and leadership for the continuous improvement of SIPA and SIPASA.

Position: Vice President

Candidate Name: Sheena Jones (sgj2110)

I’m an MIA student, concentrating in Human Rights and I am running for SIPASA Vice President.  My experience with student government started as an undergraduate, where I served as the Secretary for the Alpha Gamma Sigma Honor Society.  In this position, I coordinated volunteer and social activities, working with both students and school administrators.  I enjoyed the level of involvement with the school this position afforded me, and I hope to accomplish the same as Vice President of SIPASA.  Furthermore, my responsibilities in my former position as Secretary for the Honor Society were very similar to the responsibilities I would have as SIPASA Vice President: fundraising, acting as recorder at Board Meetings, in addition to coordinating student activities.

From a more personal standpoint, I must say that I’m amazed on a daily basis by all of you, the student body.  The diversity of things you’ve accomplished, the places you’ve lived and worked and the languages you speak all continue to fascinate me.  Naturally, you all have great ideas of activities and events you would like to see happen at SIPA.  As SIPASA Vice President I would like to bring these ideas to fruition and, in turn, get to know all of you better.  Finally, I would like to remedy student body concerns and help improve life at SIPA, so that it continues to be the best school for students of international studies!  Thank you for your acceptance of my candidacy.

Position: Vice President

Candidate Name: Bethany Young (bay2103)

The role of Vice President is a brand new position on the SIPASA board and I believe it is a position that has tremendous potential to improve the work of the board as well as enhance the leadership of SIPA. I will not make any lofty campaign promises that are impossible to keep, rather if honored with this position I have a few simple goals: to act as a liaison between the student body and the board, to ensure that the board works efficiently and that each board member performs the duties that you have elected him to do and to continue to the development of the bylaws which the previous board has worked so diligently to improve. My two years as President of the Johns Hopkins University Caribbean Cultural Society, where I helped a small group move from relatively obscurity on campus to becoming a well known cultural organization, will certainly help me in these tasks. Above all I want the SIPA community to know that there is nobody who has more enthusiasm and dedication for this particular position than I do.

Position: Treasurer

Derek O’Halloran (do2233)

I’ve had a great time in my first few months at SIPA and I’m sure I am not alone. A lot of this has been down to SIPASA and the organisations and events that the students arrange on an ongoing basis. I guess this doesn’t happen by itself and I would be happy to support the ongoing development of the student environment at SIPA.

In terms of election promises, I thought of promising more free beer for everyone. But in the week where Conceptual Foundations covered Latin America, such populism might be transparent.

I also thought we could arrange for West Wing music to be played every morning when we arrive, and secret service-looking guys at the doors, to remind of the critical nature of the work we are doing here (ie. working out the MRS of an extra cup of coffee in the 6^th floor café). But we all arrive at different times so that might be tricky logistically.

Let’s just leave it that I’ll do my best to learn from the 2^nd years and take as much input from current first years to make sure next year is just as great for all the new kids (and us) then.

Position: SIPA Senator

Candidate Name: Avi Dorfman (aad2150)

I’ve had the chance to meet many of you in the past two months: in class, hanging out in the lounges, or at social events and, frankly, it’s been these many interactions and conversations that have inspired me to run for senate. I’ve gone to school in three countries now, but have never been surrounded by such a unique group of peers. Your diverse views, backgrounds, and goals; interests, personalities, and nationalities are simply a pleasure. Such a pleasure that I want to give something back.

University senator is a position that represents all students at SIPA, regardless of degree program or concentration, to the university, on such important issues as academic reform, budget allocation, and the highly controversial Manhattanville campus.  I am a strong fit for this role because I have a serious concern for your rights and the many viewpoints you hold. I think I am good at listening to a wide array of stances on issues and synthesizing them in a way that creates compromise and consensus.

I have a lot of experience with student leadership. In high school, I founded my school’s alumni relations committee, which still today actively brings students and graduates together for purposes of employment and educational advancement. During college, I spearheaded the development of a number of new, interdisciplinary programs, and was a faculty-appointed peer advisor for younger students.  Here at SIPA, I’ve already been working with several students and the administration to develop new classes that have practical implications for our careers, as well as to rectify some difficult final exam conflicts among the core requirements. Both are issues that affect a large number of us, and this is just the beginning of what we can accomplish……

Those of you who have met me probably know that I never hesitate to speak out.  If elected, my commitment to you is honesty, transparency, and most importantly, representation of your diverse interests to the university community.

Position: Senator

Candidate Name: Ryan McElveen (rm2837)

As we enter an age of unrestrained social networking and new media, we—the leaders of the future—must stay grounded in print media. That is why I am going to work to bring copies of The New York Times to the International Affairs building.

Most SIPA students probably do not realize that they have access to free New York Times newspapers. As students of public and international affairs, we have the most to gain from newspapers, yet we are forced to walk across campus to Lerner to get them.

Of course, in order to bring newspapers to our building, they have to be placed in an area that only card-carrying Columbia students can access. I suggest Lehman Library.

The 21^st century SIPA student understands that print media is not just the past—it is the future. This is why, as SIPA senator, I will ensure that all students have access to that future.

Position: Senator

Candidate Name: Scott Saverance (kss2133)

SIPA has no greater asset than its membership in the Columbia community. Each of us can take pride in the name we bear and the contribution we make to its significance. Our goals are realized and our experience enriched because we reach beyond the bounds of our school and find others across the university who are also looking for answers.

I want to strengthen and protect those bonds as the SIPA student body representative to the CU Senate. I want to find new ways to ensure SIPA students can leverage the myriad resources available across Columbia. I want to help make every effort at collaboration across schools, student groups and areas of study a success. I want to make sure we remain aware of and involved in every issue and decision affecting SIPA and our community. Above all, I want to ensure that SIPA’s interests are always represented and the Columbia community always hears SIPA’s voice. Our engagement with the university will define the remainder our time here; I want to help make sure we all get the most out of the Columbia name.

Position: Publicity

Candidate Name: Neha Kumar (kn2382)

My name is Neha Kumar and I am running for SIPASA Class of 2011 Publicity Chair in the upcoming elections.

I believe I have the right aptitude, strong dedication and relentless energy for this position.

Remember the first couple of weeks of school where many of us felt lost and overwhelmed in a sea of events and didn’t know where to go looking for information?

To address that scenario, I would like to do the following…

Make the SIPASA website your homepage (by choice, of course)

Your one-stop guide to information about the Board, Social Activities, Academic Events (in a weekly calendar format that can be downloaded and added to your personal calendars).

Work with the Academic and Social Chairs and Student Groups to provide more cohesive coverage of the ‘what-not-to-miss’ goings-on at SIPA.

Suggestion box so you can share your ideas, comments, critiques, anything!

…and why I think you should trust me with the job:

I understand that my value-add to you comes from listening and learning from you

I know what it takes and am willing to put in that effort

My previous experiences in being the voice for/of my class

Student representative for my undergraduate class

Faculty representative (coordinating course content & learning methods between my faculty and undergraduate class)

Because I can talk as well (if not better) as I can listen

Because I come from a country where we like to believe that 1 billion voices can and should be heard

Position: MIA Social Chair

Candidate Name: Ethan Arrow (eca2111)

I’m really excited to be your SIPASA Social Chair for the 2010-2011 academic year. If you attended the speeches last week you might have gathered that this was somewhat a spontaneous decision and, yes, I’m running unopposed. Do not be mistaken, however. Chelsea and I are more than committed to planning some of the best social events, mixers and dance parties that will raise the standards for SIPA classes to come.

Better music? Venues outside of Midtown? Invitations to other Columbia professional schools? Parties for a cause? We want to hear your comments and suggestions so we can deliver social events that match your tastes. We know first-hand how intense life at SIPA can be and how important it is to unwind, let loose and discuss things other than conceptual foundations. So stay tuned, get involved and get ready for a rockin’ 2010-2011.

Position:  MPA Social Chair

Candidate Statement: Chelsea Stone (cns2115)

I am committed to planning great events that bring SIPA students together.

If you have any event ideas please contact me at cns2115@columbia.edu.

We want to have great events, so dream big, let me know your ideas, and Ethan and I will work hard to plan the best events for you.

Get ready to bond with your fellow SIPA students.

Yes, my mission is to convert all of you into social butterflies.

Thanks for your support!

Position: MIA Student Outreach Chair

Candidate Name: Melissa Zaccagnino (mjz2109)

Hi, my name is Melissa Zaccagnino and I want to be your MIA Student Outreach Chair.  Just a bit about my background, I’ve worked in finance for the last several years.  I enrolled in SIPA to focus on emerging markets and economic development.  I was actively involved in student government as an undergraduate and have held leadership rolesin several charitable organizations during my professional life.

I think that this year, particularly with the curriculum changes, it is crucial to have an Outreach Chair who will gather student feedback and effectively communicate with the administration.  And I believe I am that person.  Another important duty of the Outreach Chair is coordinating orientation.  I am organized and sociable, which are key qualities to create a welcoming and fun first experience for new SIPA students.  The Student Outreach Chair is also a member of the SIPASA general board.  I think this role is just as important and, if elected, I am committed to working with my fellow SIPASA members and ready to assist where I can.  The class of 2011 is an impressive bunch and many of you have already shown your commitment to making SIPA an even better place.  I am eager to be your partner and advocate in helping to create positive change for our class and future SIPA graduates.  Thanks for your time.  Vote Melissa Zaccagnino for MIA

Student Outreach Chair!

Position: MPA Student Outreach Chair

Candidate Name: Ayelet Haran (akh2122)

My name is Ayelet Haran and I am running for the Student Outreach Chair for SIPASA 2010. I am a first-year student in the IFEP concentration (economic policy track), focusing on trade. Before SIPA I endured a long journey that included serving in the Israeli military, starring as a waitress/hostess/dance student in San Francisco, and selling wine and alcohol to bars and restaurants in Tel Aviv, among others. Most recently I completed my undergraduate degree at the City College of New York, where I ran a student club and the newspaper, and worked in affordable-housing consulting. I believe I would serve as a wonderful Outreach Chair, not least because I am fresh out of college and remember how to communicate with professors and administrators. Some of the issues that I would like to address as a board member:

Clarifying the differences between different sections of the same class (a.k.a statistics) and what the advantages of each professor are.

Making sure the class curve does not negatively affect good students.Replacing the chairs in the Lehman Library.

I would also love to hear your thoughts and concerns, which I will surely voice to the administration. Hope to see you all at the polls!