What’s it like being a director for Union Board? Get to learn who the 2021 Union Board of Directors are, what they love, and what they plan on doing to serve the IU community.
Sadia Habib
2021 Role on Union Board: President
Major(s): Finance, Business Analytics
School Year: Junior
How did you get involved in Union Board?
I was enticed by the food while walking past a random room in the IMU. It turned out there was a call-out meeting for the Board; now here I am three years later! On a more serious note, I started off my college career knowing I wanted to be very involved on campus and Union Board has been one of my outlets to do just that.
Prior to this year, have you been involved with Union Board?
This is my third year as a director. I started out as a freshman!
What are your goals as a Union Board Director in 2021?
My goals are to build the Union Board to be a community of care, understanding, and strong bonds; to ensure that other directors are able to achieve their goals and get the support they require; and, most of all, to work on initiatives that create an equitable, comforting and fun place for the students on campus and within the IMU.
What is one of your favorite memories that involves Union Board?
One of my favorite memories is staying up late at night playing games in the Bradford Woods manor with other directors. Undoubtedly the best way to get to know each other.
What is your favorite ice cream flavor?
Cookie dough.
What is your favorite band/group?
Hollow Coves.
What’s your favorite thing about Bloomington?
The limestone buildings.
What’s your favorite space in the IMU and why?
My favorite space most definitely has to be the Centennial patio!
Logan Mulvaney
2021 Role on Union Board: Vice President of Marketing
Major(s): Accounting, Finance
School Year: Junior
How did you get involved in the Union Board?
Sometime during my sophomore year, I had a thought that hosting movies on campus for students could be a great way to get people together. After a bit of research, I found out that there was already something put on by Union Board that I wasn’t even aware of, which led me to join the films committee about a year and a half ago.
Prior to this year, have you been involved with Union Board?
I started out as a Films Committee member for a few months before taking the Films’ lead marketing position for about seven months. An opening on the Board allowed me to become the director of Films for the last three months of 2020.
What are your goals as a Union Board Director in 2021?
My main goal as VP of Marketing is to bring more awareness to the organization and how we provide for the student body. With my roles in Films, the work I was doing went beyond marketing our individual movies, it was about building a recognizable brand that people loved and talked about. I plan to bring that same mindset to marketing the organization as a whole.
What is one of your favorite memories that involves Union Board?
Back when I was the Films marketing lead, I had put together a poll to gauge what our audience wanted to see the most. One of the top picks from the poll was Mean Girls, and when we brought that movie to campus, we filled the Amphitheater to its social-distancing capacity and even had to turn dozens away. While I didn’t like sending people home, it was a great feeling to know that my work had, in part, made this successful event possible.
What is your favorite ice cream flavor?
Cookies n’ cream or cookie dough.
What is your favorite band/group?
This changes frequently, but probably ELO or Kanye West.
What’s your favorite thing about Bloomington?
IU Basketball games (pre-COVID).
What’s your favorite space in the IMU and why?
The Whittenberger Auditorium because it’s fully equipped with professional cinema equipment, which makes the movie experience A1 (shoutout UB Films).
Diptanshu Rao
2021 Role on Union Board: Vice President of Finance
Major(s): Finance, Accounting & Real Estate
Minor(s): Japanese
School Year: Sophomore
How did you get involved in Union Board?
During my spring semester freshman year, I was speaking to my friend about how I wanted to apply all I was learning during my time at university to make some tangible impact. He just happened to be a UB director and told me about how incredible his experience was, working alongside amazing individuals for a cause so massive. Seeing just how he lit up about the organization spoke volumes as to the mission it stood for. I found myself just captivated by their passion. I had never seen such intense love towards an overarching goal during my time at IU and realized there would really be no better place for me to truly support this student body and all that it represents.
Prior to this year, have you been involved with Union Board?
I initially just wanted to find some way to get involved and learn more about the organization. Prior to this year, I had the opportunity to be the Director of Finance for Summer Board and helped program events for the IU community during the past summer.
What are your goals as a Union Board Director in 2021?
Going into 2021, I want to integrate the finance committee and logistics associated with budgetary affairs into the day-to-day for the Board. By improving the accessibility of finance within the Board, I hope to give directors the tools needed to put up the much-needed fantastic programming they’re so good at.
What is one of your favorite memories that involves Union Board?
It gets tough to just choose one, but one that particularly stands out is when two fellow directors and I decided to get better acquainted with each other and met up at McNutt. We ended up talking and just having a fantastic time until 4 AM. It was one of my favorite evenings during this winter break and was a great start to my journey in Union Board.
What is your favorite ice cream flavor?
Bubble Gum or Mint Chocolate Chip.
What is your favorite band/group?
Queen.
What’s your favorite thing about Bloomington?
The calmness that washes over B-Town at night makes for some of the best late-night walks!
What’s your favorite space in the IMU and why?
I would have to say Bowling & Billiards. Some of my favorite memories as a freshman were coming to Late Nite with my friends and being miserably bad at pool. I remember spending hours on end every week trying to hone my skills and am happy to report that I am still very much an amateur. But that space in the IMU represents a place where I formed strong bonds, experienced new things; even today, it holds a very special place in my heart.
Autumn Springer
2021 Role on Union Board: Vice President of Internal Affairs
Major(s): Hospitality
Minor(s): Business
School Year: Sophomore
How did you get involved in Union Board?
I met people in high school who knew that I liked planning events and business, and I met Atticus Westerfeld, who was a Dean at my high school, and I met David Smiley a few months before choosing IU. Also Sadia the present president was my RA and got me involved. It was meant to be.
Prior to this year, have you been involved with Union Board?
I was a CM on lectures, then co-Director of Spirits and Traditions.
What are your goals as a Union Board Director in 2021?
Get awards for directors (best directors, AD/ML, committee members); build stronger relationships with cultural centers (liaisons); fix some bylaws; be more proactive about brand awareness; recruit more members from minority backgrounds; support directors in any and every way, including working on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion trainings for directors; and be a role model overall.
What is one of your favorite memories that involves Union Board?
Films are always a favorite! Any UB/Late Nite event are always favorites too. Silent Disco, Bouncy House, Hunkleberry Funk, etc.
What is your favorite ice cream flavor?
Cookies ‘n Cream.
What is your favorite band/group?
Not a band person but probably The Bomb Digz.
What’s your favorite thing about Bloomington?
My friends!
What’s your favorite space in the IMU and why?
Definitely the UB office. Love seeing everyone and making conversation.
Aanjaneya Bagri
2021 Role on Union Board: Director of Global Connections
Major(s): Marketing
Minor(s): Japanese
School Year: Senior
How did you get involved in Union Board?
I was introduced by the former VP of Marketing and joined during Fall 2020.
Prior to this year, have you been involved with Union Board?
Yes, during the Fall 2020 semester.
What are your goals as a Union Board Director in 2021?
Meet more people, have more collaborations, make people more aware of UB, have fun, and form my legendary committee.
What is one of your favorite memories that involves Union Board?
Becoming a director for sure.
What is your favorite ice cream flavor?
Mint Milk Chocolate.
What is your favorite band/group?
Blackpink.
What’s your favorite thing about Bloomington?
The diversity.
What’s your favorite space in the IMU and why?
I love the UB office because I get to meet my directors. Also the west wing lounge because it is warm and comfy.
Uma Nateson
2021 Role on Union Board: Director of Lectures
Major(s): Economic Consulting, Public Policy Analysis
Minor(s): English
School Year: Sophomore
How did you get involved in Union Board?
I wanted to make a lasting impact on the campus and attended the call-out meeting for potential directors on a whim. The Board’s mission appealed to me and I got involved immediately.
Prior to this year, have you been involved with Union Board?
I haven’t been.
What are your goals as a Union Board Director in 2021?
To plan events that bring people genuine joy during a difficult time.
What is one of your favorite memories that involves Union Board?
Bonding with my fellow directors during our retreat and meeting mentors on the advising staff.
What is your favorite ice cream flavor?
Key lime pie.
What is your favorite band/group?
Kanye West (shameful, I know), Kacey Musgraves, and Frank Ocean.
What’s your favorite thing about Bloomington?
Sunsets by Sample Gates, 3rd Street restaurants, and the gorgeous campus architecture.
What’s your favorite space in the IMU and why?
The fireplace. I love to sit by it with Sugar & Spice hot chocolate and unwind/do some homework.
Shrey Chawla
2021 Role on Union Board: Director of Films
Major(s): Finance, Business Analytics
School Year: Freshman
How did you get involved in Union Board?
I went to watch Kill Bill Vol. I with my friends at the start of the first semester. At the check-in table in front of the Whittenberg Auditorium, I met Shelby, a wonderful graduate assistant for Union Board. I asked her who ran the event, and she gave me a run down of Union Board and how the films series is the longest running college films series of all time. The minute I got home that night, I saw an email from Shelby that connected me to folks from UB, and I was added to the Slack channels shortly after. The next week there was a message in the board-wide channel stating that director applications were open. I was already really excited about working with UB as a committee member, so to have the opportunity to work as a director is really exciting. That’s why I’m here!
Prior to this year, have you been involved with Union Board?
I haven’t been!
What are your goals as a Union Board Director in 2021?
To increase representation in our programming and in the IMU, to maintain a set standard of quality in my personal programs, to have a uniform brand image, and to provide fun and joy.
What is one of your favorite memories that involves Union Board?
My first movie screening last week would have to be my favorite memory. The nerves prior to entering the unknown were immediately replaced by happiness in seeing the event run smoothly, and seeing students at IU enjoying the movie (Get Out).
What is your favorite ice cream flavor?
Mint Chocolate Chip.
What is your favorite band/group?
Outkast.
What’s your favorite thing about Bloomington?
That I live in the tallest building in the city (Eigenmann Hall).
What’s your favorite space in the IMU and why?
The Whittenberger Auditorium, because it shows the best curated films series in the entire world.
Reilly Woehler
2021 Role on Union Board: Director of Films
Major(s): International Studies, Germanic Studies
Minor(s): History of Rock n’ Roll Certificate
School Year: Junior
How did you get involved in Union Board?
My best friend was a part of Union Board for a year; when I got to IU, she introduced me to [Union Board] and everyone she had met. From then on, I have been a part of the organization and have loved getting to know everyone that I have gotten the opportunity to work with.
Prior to this year, have you been involved with Union Board?
Since joining in 2018, I have been on the Lectures committee as marketing lead and assistant director.
What are your goals as a Union Board Director in 2021?
My goals for this year are to provide educating and engaging opportunities to IU students, as well as fun and creative outlets for community building. I hope to connect students no matter where home is, and create spaces of shared joy and knowledge. Most of all, I hope to make an impact on the Union and carry on its legacy.
What is one of your favorite memories that involves Union Board?
One of my favorite memories from Union Board is the Lectures meetings before we had an event. The feeling of excitement from everyone on the committee knowing that our hard work was about to pay off is something I will always remember! Some of my best friends were on that committee with me, and we always laughed a lot and had so much fun together (Shoutout: Olivia, Ethan, Ameena, and Mac).
What is your favorite ice cream flavor?
Cherry Basil Coconut.
What is your favorite band/group?
The Beatles.
What’s your favorite thing about Bloomington?
IU.
What’s your favorite space in the IMU and why?
My favorite place in the Union is the fireside room because it is so cozy and the perfect place for naps!
Madison Cox
2021 Role on Union Board: Director of Canvas Creative Arts
Major(s): English, Journalism
School Year: Sophomore
How did you get involved in Union Board?
When I first started at IU, I was searching up and down campus for different arts opportunities similar to the ones I had in high school — readings, showcases, other arts events. One day I was walking through the IMU when I saw a flyer for a CANVAS Poetry Jam, and I knew then that I wanted to be one of the people who made those happen and provide IU students with the same arts experiences I was fortunate enough to have in high school.
Prior to this year, have you been involved with Union Board?
Prior to being on board, I frequently attended various UB events and was always so in awe of the events the board was able to put on for students.
What are your goals as a Union Board Director in 2021?
My goal as a director is to increase accessibility to arts programming. Art has been so vital to my education and who I am today, and I want to give that back to the student body, whether a person considers themselves an artist or not.
What is one of your favorite memories that involves Union Board?
My favorite memory has to be attending my first CANVAS Poetry Jam. Walking into the room and standing up on stage reading my works felt so much like doing the very same thing in high school where I first felt so assured in my love for writing, and it really solidified IU and the Union as a home and creative space for me.
What is your favorite ice cream flavor?
Cookie dough!
What is your favorite band/group?
Bleachers.
What’s your favorite thing about Bloomington?
The antique stores!
What’s your favorite space in the IMU and why?
The UB office, hands down. It’s a really great place that I can go to get work done or hang out with my fellow directors, or just to get out of my apartment for a little while. I especially love how close it is to Starbucks and the IMU dining area.
Kat Ellingson
2021 Role on Union Board: Director of Canvas Creative Arts
Major(s): Law and Public Policy, History
Minor(s): Art History
School Year: Sophomore
How did you get involved in Union Board?
I got involved with Union Board as a freshman while looking for a place to call home! My best friend that was on the Board, Sonia Nussbaum, brought me to the involvement fair and that was when I was hooked! I joined the Canvas Creative Arts committee and became the Director of Canvas as a freshman a few months later.
Prior to this year, have you been involved with Union Board?
I joined the Canvas Committee my freshman year and am in my second term on the Board!
What are your goals as a Union Board Director in 2021?
I want to work with Union Board and the Indiana Memorial Union to bring accessible and equitable arts experiences to the student body and the physical space of the Union.
What is one of your favorite memories that involves Union Board?
Last year before we went online, Sahil, the films director on 111, and I made Orgbegedon happen. We filled tubs with thousands of Orbeez and put them everywhere in the President of Union Board’s desk and office. Best prank EVER!
What is your favorite ice cream flavor?
I love to try them all, but a personal fave is coffee.
What is your favorite band/group?
Fleetwood Mac.
What’s your favorite thing about Bloomington?
I love living in the same town as all my friends; in a college town like Bloomington there are always fun new things to try!
What’s your favorite space in the IMU and why?
My favorite space in the IMU is the study space outside the Starbucks. I always run into someone I know and get to have a great conversation while waiting for my coffee or getting work done.
Mercedes Maldonado
2021 Role on Union Board: Co-Director of Live from Bloomington
Major(s): Accounting, Finance
Minor(s): Arts Management
School Year: Sophomore
How did you get involved in Union Board?
I went to a Union Board Call-Out meeting in January of 2020 because my friend (and fellow director) Autumn Stringer had told me about it. I decided that I wanted to be involved with the music committees which included Concerts and Live From Bloomington at the time. I became a Marketing Lead for Live From Bloomington and have been working on Union Board ever since.
Prior to this year, have you been involved with Union Board?
Yes, I was a Marketing Lead for the Live From Bloomington Committee on the last board.
What are your goals as a Union Board Director in 2021?
I want to put on events that make students happy and give them an opportunity to have memorable experiences in the midst of a global pandemic. I want all students to be able to find an event or committee that interests and inspires them and I want them to feel involved on those committees.
What is one of your favorite memories that involves Union Board?
In August of 2019, I went to Union Board’s annual block party concert. I was a freshman on campus for the first time and it was such a fun night. It was a great start to the year and I hope to give other students experiences like mine.
What is your favorite ice cream flavor?
Mint Chocolate Chip.
What is your favorite band/group?
Harry Styles.
What’s your favorite thing about Bloomington?
I love walking through IU’s campus.
What’s your favorite space in the IMU and why?
I love the IU Union Board office. It has comfortable couches and I see it as a welcoming space. I’ve spent lots of time there even before I was a director. I feel it’s important for students to know that they can use the space to study or do work even if they are not involved with Union Board.
Anthony Morales
2021 Role on Union Board: Director of Social Impact
Major(s): Psychology, B.S.
Minor(s): Clinical Psychological Science Certificate, Counseling
School Year: Junior
How did you get involved in Union Board?
I became aware of Union Board through my resident assistant at Forest Residence Hall, Sohile Ali. He introduced me to the organization and invited me to attend several of their events, including Late Nite. Given the fact I knew absolutely no one on the board, I was apprehensive about attending at first. However, Sohile encouraged me to come and I finally decided to see what Union Board was all about.
Prior to this year, have you been involved with Union Board?
After being introduced to Union Board, I quickly became involved as a Marketing committee member. Although I enjoyed being a photographer at some of the programs, I had an intrinsic ambition to achieve more. I no longer wanted to photograph the events – I wanted to plan them. I saw an application to be a director for the fall, and I knew this was the leadership role I needed to create change. I applied and became the Director of Social Impact on the 111th Board. I have remained in this role for the 112th Board and am excited to continue the work our committee has accomplished.
What are your goals as a Union Board Director in 2021?
As a first-generation Latino student, my personal missions and goals directly align with those of Union Board. Specifically, I hope to provide the support and resources that affirm the experiences of students from underrepresented communities. I want to continue to highlight the social issues that are not only affecting students here in Bloomington, but also those around the world. As Director of Social Impact, I hope to facilitate crucial conversations on intersectionality, mental health, and disparities affecting our IU community.
What is one of your favorite memories that involves Union Board?
One of my favorite memories was a small prank several UB directors played on our President of the 111th board. Two directors had the funny idea to fill his desk was filled with tiny Orbeez so that when he opened it, tiny water beads would go everywhere. It was a success and a memory that I think back on for a good laugh!
What is your favorite ice cream flavor?
I don’t like ice cream that much….but strawberry?
What is your favorite band/group?
U2, Bee Gees, and The Rolling Stones!
What’s your favorite thing about Bloomington?
The beautiful trees during fall!
What’s your favorite space in the IMU and why?
The Bryan Room. Although it is a beast to get to, this quiet nestled space on top of the Union offers unbelievable views of campus and with grand windows. The room’s interior design and wood paneling remind me of luxurious European castles. It makes you feel like your somewhere special.
Sonia Nussbaum
2021 Role on Union Board: Director of Spirits and Traditions
Major(s): Nonprofit Management and Leadership
Minor(s): Sociology, Community Development and Urban Planning
School Year: Sophomore
How did you get involved in Union Board?
I would be remised not to mention my mother and her Union Board friends/”aunts and uncles.” I went to a call out meeting for Union Board my freshman year because of them, but I stayed because of the fun and important events that Union Board puts on and the incredible people that are part of the board.
Prior to this year, have you been involved with Union Board?
I was a committee member on Lectures and Marketing Lead for Social Impact.
What are your goals as a Union Board Director in 2021?
To plan and create programming that best supports the needs of the students in COVID-safe ways. Now more than ever people are needing human connection, so coming up with safe ways to do that will be important!
What is one of your favorite memories that involves Union Board?
Hanging out in the office with other directors and members.
What is your favorite ice cream flavor?
Ben and Jerry’s Chunky Monkey.
What is your favorite band/group?
Anything my friends put on in the car.
What’s your favorite thing about Bloomington?
The people!
What’s your favorite space in the IMU and why?
Sugar and Spice and The Globe – best food on campus, and you will always run into someone you know!
Mak Smith
2021 Role on Union Board: Co-Director of Live From Bloomington
Major(s): Arts Management
School Year: Senior
How did you get involved in Union Board?
One of my best friends from high school was the Concerts director for the 109th board, and I was very interested in what she did. I then came to Indiana University and became friends with Andy Calderone, and he made me come to the first call out meeting for the 109th Board of Fall 2018 and I have been here ever since.
Prior to this year, have you been involved with Union Board?
Prior to this year I was a Concerts Committee member for the 109th and 110th boards, and for the 111th board I was the Assistant Director for Live from Bloomington.
What are your goals as a Union Board Director in 2021?
I want to be able to bring a lot of events that are safe, engaging, entertaining, and worth watching, especially in these uncertain times.
What is one of your favorite memories that involves Union Board?
One of my favorite memories was working Block Party 2019. I was able to watch some of my favorite people open for Kaskade! It was so incredible to experience them play in front of so many students.
What is your favorite ice cream flavor?
Rocky Road (If they had a non dairy version).
What is your favorite band/group?
Sleater-Kinney.
What’s your favorite thing about Bloomington?
The nature surrounding us.
What’s your favorite space in the IMU and why?
I love the UB office. I can spend hours up there and ever since day one I felt at home. Now that I have my own desk and space, it truly feels like a space for me.
Caroline Sultz
2021 Role on Union Board: Director of Mind and Body
Major(s): Marketing
Minor(s): Interior Design
School Year: Freshman
How did you get involved in Union Board?
I came into my freshman year with a strong interest in Union Board. My mom was on Union Board and so I already had a connection to Union Board. It also made such an impact on her time at IU, so I knew that this was something that I wanted to look into. I followed Union Board on Instagram and saw that there was an application for the 2021 board. I applied, but was unsure that a freshman would be considered. As you can see, I made it through, and I’m so excited to be a member of the 112th Union Board.
Prior to this year, have you been involved with Union Board?
I haven’t been, as I am a freshman, but I have heard about past events and how much the student body enjoyed these events.
What are your goals as a Union Board Director in 2021?
My goals as a Union Board director are to provide wellness to students during a pandemic, put on a variety of events, and create meaningful relationships within Union Board. With the pandemic, it is hard for students to get social interaction and to feel like they are their best selves. I really want the Mind and Body committee to provide events as an outlet for students who might need it. The committee also wants to plan a variety of events, from physical health to mental health to sexual health. I personally want to continue creating friendships with my fellow board members.
What is one of your favorite memories that involves Union Board?
One of my favorite memories with Union Board has been just getting to know everyone. On retreat, we would go into break out rooms and talk about a topic. And through this, I feel like I got to know each member, even if it was virtually.
What is your favorite ice cream flavor?
Mint chocolate chip.
What is your favorite band/group?
The Weeknd.
What’s your favorite thing about Bloomington?
How pretty this campus is!
What’s your favorite space in the IMU and why?
Sugar and Spice! Anyone who knows me knows that I LOVE Sugar and Spice and will go there anytime. I love the new renovation as it is such a bright and fun space.
Annie Terhune
2021 Role on Union Board: Co-Director of Social Impact
Major(s): Management, Policy Analysis
Minor(s): Spanish
School Year: Junior
How did you get involved in Union Board?
I decided to apply for Summer Board because my study abroads for this past summer got cancelled due to the pandemic, and I did not think I could cope during the summer without having something to do where I could make an impact. Teresa pushed me to apply to be a director, and I am glad she did because I have had a great time so far.
Prior to this year, have you been involved with Union Board?
I haven’t been.
What are your goals as a Union Board Director in 2021?
I want to make intentional programming that addresses the needs of all IU students.
What is one of your favorite memories that involves Union Board?
I have not had a lot, as it is my first year, but I have loved being able to get to know all of my other UB directors so far. We have had some great bonding experiences so far and I am excited to get to have more of these!
What is your favorite ice cream flavor?
Anything with peanut butter!
What is your favorite band/group?
Beyonce.
What’s your favorite thing about Bloomington?
The people.
What’s your favorite space in the IMU and why?
I like the entryway with all of the school flags because that is my first memory of the IMU from when I toured as a high schooler.
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