Introducing the 2018- 2019 BACCHUS Initiatives Student Advisory Committee
May 2, 2018
Peer-to-peer education is a powerful tool that can create systemic change on college and university campuses. The BACCHUS Initiatives of NASPA provides support and resources to campus peer education advisors and students. This work is enhanced through a robust volunteer leadership team, comprising of both student affairs professionals and empowered student leaders.
The BACCHUS Initiatives of NASPA is proud to announce the 2018-2019 Student Advisory Committee (SAC) representing each of NASPA’s seven regions. The SAC serves as the voice of peer education on a national level. These students provide their perspective peer education topics, and contribute to the field by writing blogs, presenting peer education sessions at General Assembly, and aiding in the coordination of regional spring conferences.
In November, two SAC Directors were elected at the 2017 BACCHUS Initiatives of NASPA General Assembly in Denver, CO. As SAC directors-elect, two leaders have been preparing to lead a new cohort of SAC that were recently selected at the culmination of BACCHUS’s spring conferences. This year, the selection process was exceptionally competitive, and the BACCHUS Initiatives Staff is excited to work with them this coming year.
SAC Director: Samaya Byrd, Winston-Salem State University
Samaya is a rising senior at Winston-Salem State University, majoring in Clinical Laboratory Science. Samaya has been involved with Winston-Salem's Wellness Center for 2 years. During her time volunteering, she has helped initiate the campuses first suicide awareness walk. Samaya is a recognized student leader on campus and holds many leadership roles. We look forward to working with Samaya as she helps to lead the SAC!
SAC Director: Madeline Ocker, University of North Carolina Wilmington
Madeline “Mattie” Ocker is a rising senior at the University North Carolina Wilmington, majoring in Social Work. She holds the role as a Peer Coordinator for Program Development for her peer education organization CARE. Mattie volunteers with a variety of student organizations on campus including PRIDE, Kids Making It, and Feminist Student Alliance. We are very excited to work with Mattie this year!
Region I: Julianna Morrone, Sacred Heart University
Juliana will be a senior at Sacred Heart University where she is an honors student majoring in Exercise Science, with a focus on Pre-Occupational Therapy and a minor in psychology. Juliana volunteers on many committees and within many organizations. Juliana has been a peer educator with S.W.E.E.T for 2 years, and is program chair for the 2018-2019 school year.
Region II: Joelie Bennett, Millersville University of Pennsylvania
Joelie will be a junior at Millersville University of Pennsylvania this year. She is majoring in business management, and is very passionate about peer education. Joelie has been a peer educator for two years in the Health and Education Promotion Center at Millersville. Joelie is Co-project lead of Choices, their peer education program for athletes. Juliana hopes to strengthen communication with other universities in her region during her term on SAC.
Region III: Katherine Chiu, James Madison University
Katherine will be a senior at James Madison University next year where she is studying Public Health Education. She is an honor student, who is part of the Pre-Med program in Medical and Humanitarian Affairs. Katherine has a strong interest in global health. She has been a member of her peer education group REACH since her freshman year at JMU, where she has faciliated many programs on a variety of health topics to her peers.
Region IV-W: Lillian Germeroth, Missouri University of Science and Technology
Lillian “Lilly” Germeroth is a rising junior at Missouri University of Science and Technology where she is majoring in Biological Sciences. She has been a peer educator with Joe’s Peers for a year, and even stepped into a leadership role. When she is not working with Joe’s Peers she is utilizing her skills in biology to teach children all about the complex topic in a simplified form.
Region IV-E: Margaret Breitenstein, Luther College
Margaret “Maggie” Breitenstein is a student at Luther College in Iowa where she is majoring in Health and Fitness Promotion and minoring in Communication. Maggie really enjoys wellness, as she is a yoga and cycling instructor in addition to her role as a peer educator. Maggie has been a Wellness Ambassador on her campus for a year, and really enjoys providing resources for her fellow students.
Region V: Alyssa Espinoza, Weber State University
Alyssa Espinoza attends Weber State University in Utah where she is majoring in Marketing and Fashion Merchandising. Alyssa became at Peer Mentor in the fall of 2017, and is looking forward to expanding her passion for peer education as a member of the SAC. Alyssa also enjoys volunteering with youth in her community.
Region VI: Zane Landin, California State Polytechnic University, Pomona
Zane Landin is a sophomore at California State Polytechnic University, Pomona, where he is double majoring in Science, Technology, and Society in addition to Psychology. Zane is an honors student who maintains high grades, while staying involved on campus. Zane has a passion for Peer Education and is excited to represent the western region.
All of us with the BACCHUS Initiatives are excited to work with all nine students this year! And, if you are interested in taking on a national leadership role with the SAC, consider running for SAC Director during the 2018 BACCHUS General Assembly in Orlando, FL, or apply for a position on the SAC next spring.
As always, stay tuned with BACCHUS on social media, including Facebook, Twitter, the SAC Instagram Account, and the BACCHUS blog to see the great things they will accomplish.