Elisabeth Melms
President
ubpres@iu.edu
Year: Junior
Major: Policy Analysis
Minor(s): Economics and Political Science
What is your favorite Bloomington restaurant? Anything on 4th St.
What is your favorite band/group? Fleetwood Mac
What is your favorite movie? Ratatouille
What’s your favorite place in the IMU and why? Depends…when the sun is shining, I love the natural light and openness of the Club Hub, I always see friends from other orgs or classes in there and it’s such a bright and collaborative space. If it’s raining or a late night, always the South Lounge, preferably right by the fireplace! And when it’s time to lock in and focus, I love hiding in the second floor of the bookstore by their fireplace in one of the armchairs!
How did you get involved in Union Board? Was it an event? A person who influenced you? A desire to get involved? Tell your origin story.
My roommate! I’ve lived with the same person for two years now, and would always hear of them running off to some fun event or to go hang out with her fellow directors. Indirectly, I would constantly be meeting UB people or hearing about what they were up to, after Pitbull came I knew I needed to see what all of the excitement was all about. Without even being in the organization I could see this was such a special community of some of the most passionate and dedicated people on campus, and I wanted to be a part of that! I applied on a whim to be a director for the 115th board, and UB has been my home ever since!
How have you previously been involved with Union Board?
I had sat in on a few committee meetings when my roommate was Concerts director for the 114th Board just to see what was up, but officially got involved as director of the Mind and Body committee for 2023–24. I expanded the committee to host 12 events throughout the year, featuring goat yoga, mediation and self defense classes, and the classic paint-a-pot events we’re known for! I also served on the Budgetary Affairs subcommittee during that time, learning not just how to program, but how to manage and operate our budget equitably and efficiently.
What are your goals as a Union Board Director in 2025?
As president, my goals are to amplify the expectations and vision that our board as a whole has, acting as the spokesperson and face of UB. This year, it’s a priority to make our mission and the mission of the IMU more transparent and understood across campus. We want students to know they are members of the Union, and emphasis the community and belonging that comes with being a part of that.
As we amp up our programming, we’re looking to focus on building large scale legacy programs and collaborating with as many student orgs as we can by growing our network of students supporting students. We’re building UB’s reputation across campus as the org for large-scale programming that unites the students from all backgrounds through shared experiences.
And, as always, for 2025 UB remains committed to being one of the largest channels for student voices on campus and being a space where students not only have fun, but are heard and feel like they have a legitimate role in shaping their experience at IU. The governance side of what we do is something we are always trying to emphasis and grow, making sure the Union remains for students, by students, and with students.
Clara Licklider
Vice President for Internal Affairs
ubvpia@iu.edu
Year: Junior
Major: Journalism with a concentration in News and Reporting
Minor(s): Law and Public Policy
What is your favorite Bloomington restaurant? Sunny Poke
What is your favorite band/group? Cage the Elephant
What is your favorite movie? Megamind or The Lobster
What’s your favorite place in the IMU and why? My most favoritest place in the IMU would unironically be the UB offices. I do enjoy a good game of ping pong, a relaxing space to study, and the overall bright and wonderful energy that comes with such a space filled with people who love what they do.
How did you get involved in Union Board? Was it an event? A person who influenced you? A desire to get involved? Tell your origin story.
The desire to stand on a stage and speak. I know it may sound funny, but I love a good stage presence—and though I would not tell him this or else it may give him a big head, Brayton (2022-2024 Lectures director) really sealed the deal on myself wanting to join UB. I had heard about it often from my best friend Elisabeth’s roommate Carley Mosby, as she is a very persistent member, but once I saw a live stage performance where Brayton got to look like a boss in front of thousands of students—I knew I wanted to be Lectures director some day. But alas, life has an interesting way of working. When the opportunity was nearly jumping down my throat, I chose to go for VPIA, because the board mentality inside me was expressing my talents elsewhere. I will always value my time on the Lectures committee (and most likely continue to help out there when I can), but I am excited for my new chapter.
How have you previously been involved with Union Board?
I have been a part of the Lectures committee for the past year and a half. I played major roles in the Hunter Schafer and Jesse Tyler-Ferguson lectures, along with being a valid member during Andrew Yang/Taryn Southern.
What are your goals as a Union Board Director in 2025?
I want to inspire others to really lean on one another and create close bonds. The way I have interpreted it, IA is a big HR job. I truly do believe that when people work together, beautiful things can be done. So I want to help lead a comfortable atmosphere with one another. When ideas are shared across a table, events are planned with more than one brain, and a structured system of support is laid out—a wonderful 116th can be seen glistening in the distance.
Salima Al Battashi
Vice President for Programs
ubvpprog@iu.edu
Year: Junior
Major: Finance
What is your favorite Bloomington restaurant? Samira
What is your favorite band/group? I’m old school, so maybe NSYNC.
What is your favorite movie? I love Titanic, love my old school Disney movies. Now I am in love with The Lion King, it’s so nostalgic.
What’s your favorite place in the IMU and why? The SILC. It is so modern, so clean, very close to Ballantine. Also, it is where we hang out. Love the IMU.
How did you get involved in Union Board? Was it an event? A person who influenced you? A desire to get involved? Tell your origin story.
I was the treasurer of MSA last year. Worked closely with UB to organize and make our events happen. We organized amazing events with amazing speakers. With UB we felt included, heard, and participated which is why I decided to join. I believe my experience has made my collaboration genuine to pay back what I experienced.
How have you previously been involved with Union Board?
I was not previously involved with Union Board.
What are your goals as a Union Board Director in 2025?
I believe my goal is to bring events to life and enjoy it. I believe every situation is a lesson and dealing with it positively leads to positive outcomes. I hope to achieve unionship and build a family.
Mickey Makai
Vice President for Relations
ubvprltn@iu.edu
Year: Sophomore
Major: Law & Public Policy
Minor(s): Environmental Management and Finance
What is your favorite Bloomington restaurant? Taste of India
What is your favorite band/group? The Beatles
What is your favorite movie? The Pursuit of Happyness
What’s your favorite place in the IMU and why? The destination of nine-year-old Mickey’s birthday bash, Bowling & Billiards!
How did you get involved in Union Board? Was it an event? A person who influenced you? A desire to get involved? Tell your origin story.
As a Bloomington native, I grew up roaming the halls of the Union and attending Union Board events. I re-discovered Union Board as a freshman when a friend introduced me to the Lectures committee. From there, I was able to see the incredible impact of Union Board events on the student body. The community, the friends, the fun, I was hooked.
How have you previously been involved with Union Board?
Last year I served on Lectures committee and “co-led” the Jesse Tyler-Ferguson lecture as part of the Speaking of Excellence lecture series.
What are your goals as a Union Board Director in 2025?
As Vice President of Relations, my goals are to facilitate successful partnerships between Union Board and other campus partners, solicit sponsorships that increase the size, impact and frequency of Union Board events and increase awareness of Union Board’s mission, events and student-led structure across campus.
Martha Abraham
Director of Canvas Creative Arts
canvas@iu.edu
Year: Sophomore
Major: Media Advertising
Minor: Human-Centered Computing
What is your favorite Bloomington restaurant? Yatagarasu
What is your favorite band/group? Arcade Fire, Arctic Monkeys, and Icona Pop
What is your favorite movie? Ladybird
What’s your favorite place in the IMU and why? I am probably the person most seen in the Union Board office—it’s a great space to do work, hang out with fellow Union Board members, and simply decompress! Besides the office, I also love the entrance to the IMU and watching people come in and out of the Union from the comfy chairs. The campus map is so fascinating to see how the campus has changed over the years, and Alma Mater and Herman B Wells coming up the staircase are a representation of the guiding principles that the Union was founded on and continue to inspire us today.
How did you get involved in Union Board? Was it an event? A person who influenced you? A desire to get involved? Tell your origin story.
Coming into college, I had a strong desire to be involved on campus, and I thought that Union Board would be a good way for me to have fun and do cool things on campus. The first event I ever volunteered at was the 2023 Homecoming Parade, and that was when I discovered and realized the community and impact that Union Board has cultivated both on campus and within the organization. That experience solidified that this was something that I wanted to continue, and here I am just over a year later!
How have you previously been involved with Union Board?
I started on Union Board as a member of the Lectures committee in Fall 2023 during 114. I then became an assistant director for Canvas Creative Arts for the 115th Board, mostly focusing on the IMU Art Initiative.
What are your goals as a Union Board Director in 2025?
My main goal is to ensure that Canvas can continue to serve as a dynamic and powerful platform to inspire, elevate, and showcase student creativity and expression across all skill levels and mediums, especially through the IMUG and the Canvas Creative Arts Magazine. Art has a unique and universal ability to bring people together of all backgrounds, fostering connections through shared and diverse experiences while also encouraging self-reflection and growth. I’m also excited to continue work on the art initiative, particularly in commissioning new artwork for the IMU this spring through funding we’ve received in the past year from JWS and the IU Foundation, and exploring ways that the IMU’s art collection can further be a representation of the values and ideals of current students. Overall, through events and opportunities that encourage students to create and engage with art, I hope that Canvas, Union Board, and the IMU can be a space on campus that fosters a vibrant, inclusive community, where everyone can feel a sense of belonging on campus.
Evan Buschman
Director of Films & Production
ubfilms@iu.edu
Year: Junior
Major(s): Media Management, Law & Policy
What is your favorite Bloomington restaurant? Gables Bagels
What is your favorite band/group? Dayglow
What is your favorite movie? Scott Pilgrim vs. the World
What’s your favorite place in the IMU and why? My favorite spot in the IMU is the Whittenberger Auditorium, because not only is that where the film series is, but it also encapsulates a beautiful history of the IMU. When you watch a movie in there or see an event in the Whittenberger, it feels like a classic movie theater, and it’s a very immersive experience.
How did you get involved in Union Board? Was it an event? A person who influenced you? A desire to get involved? Tell your origin story.
I first got involved in Union Board when I was hired as a film projectionist in 2023. Had I not been hired back then, I most likely would’ve transferred away from IU because of a rough freshman year. I learned so much through my job, and I fell in love with the film series, and the amazing film program Union Board offers. In 2024, I was promoted to the Lead Film Projectionist, where I was so happy to lead the team of the other talented projectionists, and start making positive change for the program. Then, after much consideration and pushes from people in my life, I figured that I should apply to be a director and advocate for the passion I have for film and Union Board.
How have you previously been involved with Union Board?
I was hired as a projectionist in 2023, and I was also on the films committee. Then, in 2024 I was promoted to Lead Film Projectionist.
What are your goals as a Union Board Director in 2025?
While I have so many, my main goal is to put the Films board in the minds of IU students. I want people to be excited about our events and our films, as am I. By the time I leave my position, I want people to see films as a safe, fun, and exciting program available to everyone.
Sofia Sanchez
Director of Global Connections
ubworld@iu.edu
Year: Sophomore
Major(s): Cybersecurity and Global Policy
What is your favorite Bloomington restaurant? 3 Amigos
What is your favorite band/group? The Marias
What is your favorite movie? Crazy Rich Asians
What’s your favorite place in the IMU and why? My favorite place is the prayer/interfaith room, it is where I feel the most at ease and peace. I think this is one of the coolest things the Union Board has done and it a great use of space that allows students to feel even more at home.
How did you get involved in Union Board? Was it an event? A person who influenced you? A desire to get involved? Tell your origin story.
I did not know exactly what Union Board was until I went through the interview and application process. I had gone to a few events my freshman year because of the marketing done, but I never knew the organization behind it. During the interview process, I had a lot of questions for the president of Union Board and she did such a good job at describing it to me, which made my desire to join this board grow even more. I received an email from one of the Luddy Organization Advisors saying we needed someone from Luddy to represent them and had all of the information on the flyer for it. Had I not been looking at my emails and had a desire for being more involved I would have missed out on this amazing opportunity! During the interview process, seeing a familiar face from the Groups Program also sparked my interest even more. It is hard sometimes to see familiar faces on the big campus especially at times when feeling underrepresented on this campus, and for it to be the person I would undergo the same director committee helped me feel even more comfortable.
How have you previously been involved with Union Board?
I have not previously been involved with Union Board.
What are your goals as a Union Board Director in 2025?
My goals are not to only help spread that message of belonging for the student committee but for other students to hear about us and want to know more about our involvement on campus. Being the cultural connections director, it is key to have relationships with the different groups of diversity or cultural groups on campus, for us to feel connected in some sort of way would be an end goal for all of us.
Reid Sprenkle
Director of Lectures
ubspeaks@iu.edu
Year: Sophomore
Major(s): Information Systems, Business Analytics, Sustainable Business
Minor: Spanish
What is your favorite Bloomington restaurant? Siam House
What is your favorite band/group? The Backseat Lovers
What is your favorite movie? Everything Everywhere All at Once
What’s your favorite place in the IMU and why? My favorite location in the IMU is the patio. All of my favorite events during my time in the Social Impact committee were held on the patio. So, I have some very found memories of my time there. I have also found it to be a very beautiful place to study, as it overlooks Dunn Meadow and is in a less trafficked part of the IMU.
How did you get involved in Union Board? Was it an event? A person who influenced you? A desire to get involved? Tell your origin story.
I got involved in Union Board in the spring of my freshman year. I was looking for a way to get involved in a truly meaningful organization where its members were extremely passionate about the work that they did. Joining Union Board did just that. Since then, I have found so many people who were extremely passionate about Union Board and loved everything it stood for. I found it easy to want to expand my responsibilities and find as many ways that I could help grow Union Board.
How have you previously been involved with Union Board?
Prior to this year, I was in the Social Impact committee for two semesters. It was in this committee that I fell in love with Union Board and programming. I’m extremely thankful that my committee director wanted to help me create my own events. I was able to begin to understand what it took to be a leader who was in charge of a programming role, and it inspired me to become a director.
What are your goals as a Union Board Director in 2025?
As the Director of Lectures, my goal is to create events that a large amount of students are excited about, and lectures that make an impact on the IU culture. Due to the scale of these events, it is important to ensure that the speaker will make a positive impact on the audience and bring a positive message that can inspire the IU community. I also want to help my committee members take on roles that excite them and help them engage with Union Board. I hope to help my committee members become as passionate about Union Board as I am, and give them the opportunities to help as much as they can.
Adin Monroe
Director of Live From Bloomington
lfb@iu.edu
Year: Sophomore
Major: Law & Public Policy
Minor: Media Law and Ethics
What is your favorite Bloomington restaurant? Z&C
What is your favorite band/group? Leon Bridges
What is your favorite movie? Jackie Brown
What’s your favorite place in the IMU and why? My favorite place in the IMU is the large foyer/study room next to the Starbucks on the east end of the building. It makes me think of pictures I have seen of buildings in Oxford and other such schools. It’s also always the perfect temperature in there somehow.
How did you get involved in Union Board? Was it an event? A person who influenced you? A desire to get involved? Tell your origin story.
One of my great friends and my freshman roommate pointed me in the direction of UB. Without his passion for it, I would have never reached out to apply for this position in the first place.
How have you previously been involved with Union Board?
I have never been involved with UB before.
What are your goals as a Union Board Director in 2025?
My main goal this year is to engage with the student body. We can say we represent the student body all we want but in reality, many students do not know what UB is or what we do. I want to change that.
Victoria Rowe
Director of Live From Bloomington
lfb@iu.edu
Year: First-year
Major(s): Media Advertising
What is your favorite Bloomington restaurant? Mother Bear’s
What is your favorite band/group? Third Eye Blind
What is your favorite movie? Fantastic Mr. Fox
What’s your favorite place in the IMU and why? My favorite place in the IMU is Sugar and Spice. I have an incredible sweet tooth and I love just stopping by to get a sweet treat after class.
How did you get involved in Union Board? Was it an event? A person who influenced you? A desire to get involved? Tell your origin story.
I got involved in Union Board by stumbling upon our booth at the Fall Involvement Fair. I stopped and they told me a little bit about what Union Board does and how they were looking for a marketing director, which led to me applying.
How have you previously been involved with Union Board?
I have not previously been involved with Union Board.
What are your goals as a Union Board Director in 2025?
My goals are to amplify student voices through music and student artists on campus. I also hope to use music and entertainment to bring students together to create a thriving community here on campus. LFB will continue to maintain its strong connection to the local Bloomington music scene, while also bringing in larger acts.
Henry Ratterman
Director of Marketing
ubmarket@iu.edu
Year: Sophomore
Major: Marketing
What is your favorite Bloomington restaurant? Mother Bear’s
What is your favorite band/group? Tame Impala
What is your favorite movie? The Shawshank Redemption
What’s your favorite place in the IMU and why? The Union Board office! It’s full of personality, from the posters of past events covering the walls, to the eclectic furniture, it’s a space where any UB member can belong and be reminded of the important work of our past and the immense potential of our future.
How did you get involved in Union Board? Was it an event? A person who influenced you? A desire to get involved? Tell your origin story.
I learned about Union Board at New Student Orientation and was immediately hooked. I joined Concerts committee as a freshman and fell in love with the work Union Board did and the events we put on, especially our concerts! The work UB does is so impactful on campus, and I can’t wait to deepen my impact as a director on the 116th board!
How have you previously been involved with Union Board?
I was a member of Concerts committee as a freshman, and I served as the Director of Marketing for the last few months of the 115th board.
What are your goals as a Union Board Director in 2025?
As the Director of Marketing, I want to grow the Union Board brand on campus and connect students to our incredible events through cohesive and engaging marketing.
Asha Meyer
Director of Mind & Body
ubbam@iu.edu
Year: Sophomore
Major: Psychology
Minor(s): Neuroscience
What is your favorite Bloomington restaurant? Siam House
What is your favorite band/group? South Arcade
What is your favorite movie? The Parent Trap
What’s your favorite place in the IMU and why? I really like to study at the tall tables just up the stairs and off to the left of the main entrance. It’s usually decently quiet so I am able to get work done and it is usually not too crazy busy. However, there are enough people walking by that I feel peer pressure to do my work and not use my phone.
How did you get involved in Union Board? Was it an event? A person who influenced you? A desire to get involved? Tell your origin story.
Freshman year I was on the council for my dorm floor, where we planned events for all the residents. I really enjoyed this and wanted to continue to be involved and plan events for students but I didn’t really know where to go. It was through talking to my RA that I found out about Union Board. He had been on Union Board before so he was telling me all about it. I then decided to go check it out. I really enjoyed being on the mind and body committee and my director at the time Elisabeth was the one who encouraged me to apply to be a director.
How have you previously been involved with Union Board?
For half of 2024 (fall semester), I was a committee member on Mind & Body.
What are your goals as a Union Board Director in 2025?
For Mind & Body specifically, I want to work on getting more people to our events and getting more people to join the committee. I also want to have a good balance of events meant to help with students’ mental health and physical health.
Nicole Liu
Director of Social Impact
ubimpact@iu.edu
Year: Sophomore
Major(s): Marketing and Business Analytics
Minor: Human-Computer Interaction
What’s your favorite Bloomington restaurant? Siam House (The spicy basil fried rice is the best!)
What is your favorite band/group? Boygenius
What is your favorite movie? Everything Everywhere All at Once
What’s your favorite place in the IMU and why? My favorite place in the IMU is the bookstore! It’s a great place to study especially with the tables on the second floor and the cozy fireplace. I also love checking out the books they have laid out!
How did you get involved in Union Board? Was it an event? A person who influenced you? A desire to get involved? Tell your origin story.
As a first-generation college student, I felt overwhelmed coming into college. I didn’t know how to find my place on campus or where to even begin to connect to the place I’ll spend the next four years at. When I got connected to my mentor, Jinal Kirani, the Director of Marketing for 114th, Union Board was the first thing she brought up. Her passion for the organization and way she spoke about immediately drew me to find out what Union Board is.
How have you previously been involved with Union Board?
I’ve been involved with Union Board and specifically with the Social Impact Committee since my first semester at college. I started out as a committee member in the fall semester of my freshman year before becoming Assistant Director of Social Impact.
What are your goals as a Union Board Director in 2025?
My goals as a Union Board Director in 2025 are first and foremost making sure that I am putting the student body first with every programming initiative I have. I aim to incorporate student feedback to create events as well as making sure the topics align what students are passionate about. I also hope to encourage students to learn something new. Especially being involved with social impact events, I hope to inspire students to see their voice as a tool for change and empower students to make a difference in the community.
Khushi Monga
Director of Spirit & Traditions
ubspirit@iu.edu
Year: Sophomore
Major(s): Finance, Business Analytics
What’s your favorite Bloomington restaurant?Uptown Cafe
What is your favorite band/group? My favorite singer is a Bollywood artist – Shreya Ghoshal!
What is your favorite movie? Favorite Bollywood movie – Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani (translates to: “This youth is crazy.”) I also love “The Devil Wears Prada.”
What’s your favorite place in the IMU and why?Now, my favorite place in the IMU is the Union Board Office in the Student Involvement & Leadership Center. I feel like a “student” due to the vibe of the office, but also someone with responsibility when I think we have our own office. It’s lovely to see students hang out, work, and collaborate. It’s also where I feel the most efficient as I’m working.
How did you get involved in Union Board? Was it an event? A person who influenced you? A desire to get involved? Tell your origin story.
Honestly, the one big event that I always knew Union Board did and is amazing was “Almost Midnight Breakfast.” There wasn’t really a bigger reason for me to want to be on Union Board, other than “I need to be a part of a community on campus and make my voice count.” I wanted to be on the backend of all amazing programs that Union Board facilitates. Until we went through our training workshops and installation, I really didn’t know the level of commitment I was getting into, but I knew I was excited and ready for it. Throughout these training processes I realized that Union Board is way bigger than I knew it as and I would take this as an opportunity to make each student of the campus aware of what we do and the power each student holds. It all started with wanting to conduct Almost Midnight Breakfast, and the best part, I’m the director of the committee that will be organizing this amazing, absolutely loved event this year, and I’m the most proud of myself for being able to work towards it.
How have you previously been involved with Union Board?
This is my first year of being involved with Union Board, and I’m certain it’s not the last. In the last one month, I’ve fallen in love with this organization and the impact we’re able to create and I love the feeling of being able to create that impact.
What are your goals as a Union Board Director in 2025?
As a director on board this year, one of my biggest goals is to make each student fall in love with IU Spirit. I also wish to weave Union Board in IU Spirit and not just spread the word about the university, but also about Union Board, its history, and its influence. I aim to make every student aware of what exactly Union Board is all about and why we are an integral element of IU Legacy.
Amalee Strupp
Director of STEM
ubstem@iu.edu
Year: Sophomore
Major(s): Biology with a concentration in Cellular Biology and Molecular Genetics, Biotechnology
Minor(s): Studio Art, History
What’s your favorite Bloomington restaurant? Yatagarasu
What is your favorite band/group? Paramore
What is your favorite movie? A Monster Calls
What’s your favorite place in the IMU and why? The Union Board offices—they are just so cozy and feel like home.
How did you get involved in Union Board? Was it an event? A person who influenced you? A desire to get involved? Tell your origin story.
I ran into several of Union Board’s events, including a lot of the CANVAS events and it helped me feel a lot more connected to campus and feel like I belonged here. I thought it was really cool that they could have that big of an impact and that there was such amazing events.
How have you previously been involved with Union Board?
I was assistant director for CANVAS.
What are your goals as a Union Board Director in 2025?
I want to demystify science for the student body and provide a platform for science majors to have fun, engaging, and meaningful conversations and events. I really want to give science a platform and voice that I feel has been lacking in Union Board.
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