ChemClub Elections!

Hey ChemClub!

Elections night is fast approaching and the candidate list has been finalized.  Come out Wednesday, April 3, at 8 PM, in ChB 115, and vote for your favourite candidates!  Here's a list of candidates and their personal statements:

President

Matt Vriesen

            My name is Matt Vriesen and I will be in my 4th undergraduate year in Honours Specialization Chemistry come fall 2013.  I would love to be next year's ChemClub president: throughout my time as VP Outreach this year, I have learned how the club functions and what it takes for everything to get done punctually and effectively.  The best thing about this club is that it’s not an academic club – it’s a social club – and because of that, it takes a willing and able exec team and other participants to operate.  With my leadership, I believe we will be able to grasp community attention, be wonderful first-year tutors, and enjoy each other’s company in the name of chemistry.

Susanna George

            Hi guys! My name is Susanna and I am a third year Chemical Biology student. I have loved Chemistry ever since it first got branched off in Grade 11. It’s amazing to learn about the different molecules you can synthesize and the cool colours some of them have. This past year I was the VP Records of the Chem Club and I loved every minute of it. I got to participate in several events that were hosted as well. I learned a lot about the way the club was run and the different events that were planned.  I also have a lot of experience with running a club from being VP Events for Western Young Tutors this year. I was also a LAMP science peer mentor so I’m aware of how to target first year students and help them out through the club as well. I hope you consider me as a choice for president of the club. 

VP Finance

Brooke Hofbauer

            Hello! My name is Brooke Hofbauer and I have been on the Chem Club's exec for the past 3 years. I began as a first year representative, and I currently hold the position of VP Finance. I would like to be re-elected as VP Finance for my third year in a row because I am dedicated to the position. Being responsible for the club's finances for the past 2 years, I have remained organized, I have kept up-to-date on all transactions, and I continuously update Chem Club's financial records with complete and detailed accounts. I am responsible, trustworthy, and have an avid interest in chemistry. As I am not in a chemistry program, I believe I have a unique outlook as an executive member and can contribute to other club decisions such as social events and collaborations with other clubs. You wouldn't want anyone else handling YOUR money for Chem Club 2013-2014! Vote BROOKE :)

VP Social

Britt Lewis

My name is Brit Lewis and I’m currently in my third year of the chemistry program.  Besides my love of chemistry, I’m also an avid skier and music junkie.  I think that it is imperative to have a balance between school and a social life and that is why I’m running for the VP Social position.  I think that I am an excellent candidate for the position because of my exceptional organizational skills as well as my positive attitude.  I am approachable and want to plan fun events for chemistry students! I have attended a whole slew of chem club events and I have some excellent ideas to bring to the table for next year!

VP Outreach

Jessica Pereira

            I had such a wonderful time as first year rep this year, and would love the opportunity to further my position as VP outreach next year. Through my volunteer work at the open houses, and also through my visit at a local high school to promote chemistry at Western, I’ve come to realize my enthusiasm and desire to spread the word about what our club has to offer. I feel that I could apply my organizational skills and love of helping others to plan exciting events such as National Chemistry Week and Autumn and Spring open houses. I would also promote our events to others as best I can, and be willing to extend my services towards the assistance of any other event as needed.

            I’m attractive.

            My energy has no limiting reagent.

            And I will work with the passion and intensity of a thousand thermite combustions.

            Vote Jessica Pereira for VP Outreach 2013/2014!

VP Academic

Emily LeSouder

            My name is Emily LeSouder. I was one of the first year reps for Chem Club this year. I was able to be a part of national chemistry week, Fall Preview Day and March Break open house. I really enjoyed the experience of being a part of Chem Club and being on exec this year and I would like to get the chance to be on exec again and help make Chem Club even better next year! I think that I would be a good candidate for the position of VP academic because I am currently in first year, and so I am very familiar with the first year course, which is important for organizing tutorials for this position. I was on the academic committee for SSC this year so I also have past academic planning experience. I am eager to get more involved in Chem Club, and would be ready take on any new challenges that come with the position. Also, being a part of exec this year gave me a good idea of what is involved in this position and how the club runs as a whole, which would help me in the coming year.

Natalie Thoman

            Hi there! My name is Natalie Thoman. I’m currently a first year Science student and an active member of the Chemistry Club. I am interested in the VP Academic position. I've attended the first year tutorials, and I feel that they are a great tool for students to prepare before midterms. Having fellow students answer homework questions and give advice on how to study was very beneficial. I would like to be a part of organizing these academic events, and others for first years in the future. I feel that I would be a great candidate for this position because I have personally attended these help sessions before, therefore I would be able to instill improvements or adjustments based on my own experiences. Also, as a student just finishing first year Chemistry, the curriculum would be fresh in my mind to offer answers and advice. I am a very organized individual, so I am confident that I would be able to plan and advertise an event efficiently and enthusiastically. I look forward to the possibility of being a Chemistry Club executive and working with others to ensure that next year’s events are as successful as this years’!

Meredith Allen

            My name is Meredith Allen and I would like to run for VP Academic for next year’s Chem Club. I have a strong interest in chemistry and I am looking forward to continuing my degree in the honours specialization in biochemistry program next year with a minor in pharmacology.

            I am organized, enthusiastic about chemistry and eager to help others learn and develop their interests in chemistry, which has had such an impact on my life.

            I am doing quite well academically in my first year, and I have thoroughly enjoyed the course. I have consistently helped those around me with the course content and I am quite confident in my abilities to encourage understanding.

            I would look forward to promoting student interest and learning in the chemistry department as VP Academic. I feel as though my commitment and enthusiasm would help for this task. I appreciate your consideration. 

VP Merchandise

Jordan Walwyn

            Hi! I’m currently interested in running for the VP merchandise position currently open in the Chemclub. I’m interested in returning as an executive member of the Chemclub because I would like to remain immersed within the chemical society at Western and feel that a position would help me reach this goal. By becoming the VP of merchandise, it would allow me to express myself and my creativity to attract students into chemistry and also maintain, and possibly improve upon, the current chemistry chemwear.

VP Sports

Jen Keir

            My name is Jen Keir, I'm in 3rd year chem and wish to run for VP sports.

            I graduated with a 3 year BHSc degree from here at Western and officially transferred into chemistry this September (woohoo!). I am very involved in sports in the Western community as I have been time keeping hockey and reffing flag football for intramurals for 3 years. Presently I'm the captain of the UWO women's powderpuff flag football team (which I encourage all ladies to try out for next year!). I’ve played flag football and soccer for nearly 10 years and (fun fact!) was skip of the girls curling team in high school (I was the girl that yelled HUURRRYYY). I'm a strong believer in the importance of exercise for relieving stress and giving your brain a break once in a while. We are so lucky at Western to have such a vast array of sports to choose from. I’m an organized and outgoing individual  so if elected, I hope to get a couple of chemistry teams going each semester so that everyone will be interested in at least one of the sports. Network, have a few laughs, keep yourself sane, and prepare your closet for a new purple shirt – it’s one of the best parts in university!

Tina Homayouni

             My name is Tina Homayouni, I am currently in first year, and I am running for the executive position of VP sports. I am a very enthusiastic and driven student who has been involved in sports since childhood. Although I enjoy all types of athletics ranging from track and field to basketball, soccer is my preference. I have been on the soccer team throughout all four years of high school while maintaining a high average along with multiple other extra-curricular activities. Through experience, I have held various leadership roles such as being Residence Representative for the Kidney Club as well as planning multiple charity events through clubs in high school.

             I would be a great candidate for this position mainly because I am an extremely athletic and outgoing individual, who is able to organize various tasks while accommodating others in a professional manner. I also recognize the importance of intramurals in the Western community as a chance to connect and network with people who have similar interests. The Chemistry club is a very large club filled with dedicated students that may not have a chance to connect with others solely through general meetings. Intramurals provide multiple opportunities to make new friends and stay active at the same time. I recognize the importance of this, which contributes to why I'd be an excellent candidate, and I'd also be extremely motivated and interested to make it all happen.

VP Communications

Nivin Nasri

              I’m Nivin Nasri and I would like to take charge as VP Communications for next year. As one of this year’s First Year Representatives, I had the opportunity to see what goes on behind the executive doors of the UWO Chemistry Club. After bonding with this year’s members and absorbing the processes that go into running the society, I realized that I had a high affinity for the experience and would like to continue working with the club. I have solid skills in promotion, advertising as well as organization and have the potential to yield many great ideas. I radiate with enthusiasm for chemistry and I hope you let me make the program here much more accessible to you as to what events are going on, where and when. What it boils down to is that I am positive I will be a great reagent to the team in making next year’s club pursuits a success.

               Some other things you should know about me: I’m good with computers, I believe Facebook is the Holy Grail of Communication so I would like to start a UWO Chem Club page and I also really hate baboons.

               Vote Nivin for VP Communications!

ChemClub Elections

The end of the school year is fast approaching, and that means the ChemClub will be holding elections for next year’s executive members.  These executive members are volunteers who plan and organise all the events for the club.  They also get to decide on the club’s annual t-shirt and merchandise.  This year, the elections will take place on Wednesday, April 3, at 8pm in ChB 115, which is also the last general meeting of the ChemClub for the winter semester.

If you are interested in running for an executive position, please send an email to the elections officer Bryan (brober43@uwo.ca) by Tuesday, March 26.  In this email, please include the position you’re running for, the current year you are in, and a personal statement (max. 200 words) about yourself and why you would be a good candidate for that position.  A list of duties and responsibilities can be found here.  One week prior to elections night, all the candidate names will be posted on the website along with each of the candidates’ personal statements.  On elections night, you will also be asked to give a short speech (1-2 minutes) in front of the club before voting takes place.  It should be noted that individuals doing an internship in the fall semester of 2013 or winter semester of 2014 cannot run for an executive position. 

For any inquiries regarding elections or positions, please email the elections officer.

Skating Event

ChemClub will be going to the Kinsmen Arena this Sunday (March10) from 3:30-4:45.  Come out for a fun public skate!  The arena is located here and the entrance fee will be covered by ChemClub.  If you don;t have skates, skate rentals will also be covered by ChemClub! Hope to see you there.

Back for another semester!

Hey ChemClub!

Hope everyone is having a great start to the semester.  Here’s a rundown of what happened and was announced at the meeting last Thursday.

The ChemClub has a volleyball team this semester.  We play Wednesday nights from 8:30-11:30 and action starts this Wednesday (January 23) at 8:30 in the Red Gym at the Rec Center.  If you’re interested, please email Steph (sbarbon@uwo.ca).

I’m sure many of you have received the email already, but just to mention it again, we are selling merchandise this semester.  We have a purple American Apparel zip-up, a black pullover sweater, a purple crewneck sweater, the ChemClub t-shirt for this year, and a travel mug.  We also have limited quantities of beers mugs with the ethanol MSDS warning label and shot glasses with “Caution: EtOH.”  Order forms can be found online (here)or by emailing Jordan (jwalwyn@uwo.ca), are due by January 25, and can be dropped off in the appropriate mailbox in the Resource area (where first years hand in their lab reports).

The Quaff with the Prof will be held Thursday, January 31, at 5:30 at the Grad Club.  This event is for second, third, and fourth year undergraduate students, and is definitely a great time to be had by both students and faculty.  Everyone will receive two free drink tickets and free food.

The first year tutorial will be held Thursday, February 28, from 6-8pm in WSC 55.  This is a great opportunity for first year students to get help before their midterm from some upper year chemistry students.

We are currently looking into having a skating event, and will have more information ASAP (we are looking into the night of Sunday, February 3).

Lastly, it was an intense rock paper scissors tie breaker, but congratulations to Greg for winning the trivia quiz at the last meeting.  I hope you get good use out of your beer mug!

If anyone has any questions, please don’t hesitate to email (brober43@uwo.ca).

Hey ChemClub!

We just want to update all of you on what was discussed at the general meeting yesterday.

The t-shirts will be coming in very soon!  The order has been sent and we’re just waiting for them to be ready.  We will email you when they come in and we’ll set a couple office hours in which you can come pick them up.  The ChemClub will also be selling Merchandise in the near future, so keep an eye on your inbox and the website for when the order forms become available.

We have a few social events coming up in the month of November.  For those in second year, there will be a mixer on Tuesday, November 6, at The Wave at 5:30.  It’s a great time to hang out and relax, and yes, there’s going to be free food!  We also plan to have a free bowling night on Thursday, November 15, at Fleetway, although we just have to solidify the plans (we’ll send out an email).  If you want to go bowling, we ask that you email Erica (etill@uwo.ca) just so we have a rough estimate of the number of people going (thanks!).  Lastly, the annual Holiday Mixer will be on Tuesday, November 27, at The Wave (date tentative), and we’ll update you on specifics once we figure it out.

Just like for the first midterm, the ChemClub will again be hosting a help session right before the first year midterm.  We have booked Middlesex College 110 again on Thursday, November 8, from 6-7:30.  For those who are unaware, the help session is run by some of the upper year chemistry students, so if you have any questions, we’ll try our best to answer them!

The Fall Preview Day is also coming up on Saturday, November 17, and ChemClub will be helping out by performing some fun experiments.  It will be very similar to what was done during National Chemistry Week at White Oaks (liquid nitrogen, dry ice, etc.) and is really a lot of fun!  If you’re interested in volunteering, email Matt (mvriesen@uwo.ca) and tell him what time you would be available to volunteer that day.

Lastly, if you guys have any questions at all, don’t be afraid to email us.

Have a great November!