Sandy Yanez Velasquez – President | Year: Junior

Major:  Psychology and Political Science

Organizations/Prior Experience:

Gamma Alpha Omega
OSG
SOL

Jesse Ramsey – Vice Pres. | Year: Junior

Major: Political Science

Organizations/Prior Experience:

OSG
SAC

Campaign Statement:

Our continuing involvement and commitment to OSG is a testament to our dedication to the student body and the backgrounds they represent. As the authors of the recent constitutional change, we seek to bring our experience and knowledge into the next administration. Our commitment to students continued on to the search and screen committee, where students were given the platform to ensure that the next chancellor keeps students always in mind. It would be our honor to continue to work for you, the students, and UW – Oshkosh.

Why are you running for OSG President and Vice President?

We are running in order to use our knowledge and experience on the OSG executive board to continue advocating for students to the best of our ability. We seek to expand the rights students currently have and to ensure their place on all levels of shared governance.

What do you believe are the major issues affecting students?

Currently, students lack a meaningful support system which in turn, drives down retention. These retention issues contributed to our universities budget crisis. Meaningful changes have to be made to increase student retention by involving students in the day-to-day runnings of the university.

What would you like to see changed at UW Oshkosh?

Our campaign will push for an official student bill of rights to ensure that students are protected both inside and outside of the classroom. In addition, we will push for more unified student governance in OSG, SAC, and seg fees in order to better advocate our interests.

How will you represent the entire student body?

We will represent our students’ interests by encouraging involvement in senate, organizations, and committees. By ensuring that these bodies are reflective of our student body, we will ensure all voices are heard. We encourage all students to work with us for the betterment of the whole university.

How do you feel your prior experiences have prepared you?

Our experiences on student government have seen us advocate for UW – Oshkosh students everywhere from faculty senate to the state and U.S. capital. We remain prepared to go the distance on behalf of our students, whoever they may be.

Bryce Rataczak – President | Year: Sophomore

Major: Political Science, minor: Philosophy 

Organizations/Prior Experience:

Turning Point USA (UWO Chapter)
Skills USA
High School Class President
Badger Boys State
Captain for Football and Baseball

Marco Marchiando – Vice Pres. | Year: Sophomore

Major: History and Political Science

Organizations/Prior Experience:

TPUSA at UWO
National Honor Society

Campaign Statement:

Our campaign consists of hosting events that students could use to improve preparation, physical, and focus skills. We would host fun events that would also potentially increase the enrollment of UW-Oshkosh by creating an exciting student body. Some of the events we are considering to host are performance showcases for music, sports tournaments, and art shows. These examples of events are just a few of several options that would happen if you vote us in for president. As President and Vice President, we would also ask people on campus about some other event options that we would consider to make sure every interest is taken into thought. These activities wouldn’t just give the students something to do, but would also help fundraise for the school. The winner of these events would get a prize, while some of the money would go towards the school. It’s a win-win for everyone. We could help create a fun and enjoyable student body that would make kids all over the state of Wisconsin want to choose University of Wisconsin – Oshkosh.

Why are you running for OSG President and Vice President?

We are running because we believe that UWO has several things that need to be improved. We need to improve the inclusivity of ALL students by creating things that will get everyone on campus excited and involved. We believe that there should be opportunities for every student to take advantage of the spark existing interests while also creating new interests. We believe that taking advantage of the amenities at UWO will create a strong student body that will help this beautiful campus grow and thrive.

What do you believe are the major issues affecting students?

Right now, UWO does not have enough of the various activities that could take place on campus. UWO has beautiful auditoriums, ballrooms, and gyms that don’t get utilized enough. We as the student body of UWO should take advantage of these places by hosting events that could help not only the students of UWO, but take care of the campus itself. Not only could the events take place to raise money for the campus, but we could also improve enrollment numbers by making UWO an opportunity based, healthy student body, and altogether fun campus.

What would you like to see changed at UW Oshkosh?

I would like to see the way people talk about the campus to be changed. Right now, 43 percent of the UWO population is dropping out. I feel as the student body we can change these numbers. I would like to create more opportunities that would make these 43 percent of students want to stay at UWO. We should not have a graduation rate of 57 percent at this campus. This campus has too much potential to be having these numbers. We need to create ways to help keep these students who are considering dropping out of UWO to stay.

How will you represent the entire student body?

We would represent the student body by taking ALL groups on campus opinions into consideration. We would like to unify the school instead of creating separation. As President and Vice President, we would like to try to make compromises with everyone to make all groups represented well. We would find ways to communicate with ALL students to get their opinions on events and activities that we plan to run, along with asking ALL people to give ideas for events that they would be interested in.

How do you feel your prior experiences have prepared you?

We believe that both of our leadership experiences from other several groups we have participated in has helped prepare our compromise skills. We strive to try and make everyone come to an agreement to benefit all groups. We believe doing this is the only way that a community can be successful.

Matt Caine – President | Year: Sophomore

Major:  Communication Studies

Organizations/Prior Experience:

SGA President Oshkosh – FDL campus
UW-FDL/Fox Cities club President
UW-FDL Jazz President
Bookstore employee

Alex Coleman – Vice Pres. | Year: Sophomore

Major: Criminal Justice/ Political Science

Organizations/Prior Experience:

SGA Executive Oshkosh – FDL campus
UW-FDL/ Fox Cities Executive

Campaign Statement:

Hello Titans! My name is Matthew Caine, and I am running for OSG President along with my Vice President Alex Coleman. My focus is on empowering the University of Wisconsin Oshkosh student body by increasing attendance in student government. As the former President of the University of Wisconsin Oshkosh – Fond du Lac Student Government Association, and the current president of the UW- Fond du Lac / Fox Club, I believe that I have the experience necessary to step up to this plate. As your president I pledge to adhere to these three pillars: 1. Restoring confidence that your ideas and opinions are being carefully and meticulously considered at every level of command. 2. I will keep the student body updated on important developments that affect them the most. 3. Most importantly, I will work to restore student involvement in shared governance so that YOU have a voice. Alex and I are committed to fostering an environment in OSG where excellence, teamwork, and inclusivity drive success for UWO. Join us in building a stronger, more student-focused campus. Vote Caine/Coleman on March 11th and 12th.

Why are you running for OSG President and Vice President?

Matt: I want to empower the student body to embrace shared governance once again. I also want to reintroduce transparency between OSG and the staff, chancellor, but most importantly the student body.
Alex: I want to become a mediator between the student body and the Oshkosh Student Government.

What do you believe are the major issues affecting students?

OSG is putting too much focus towards student events. More effort should go towards governing effectively while keeping the interest of the student body in mind. Communication between OSG and the student body needs to be transparent and viewed as more of their choices vs the interests of me as the candidate. Streamlining communication between the student body and UW Oshkosh executives. Lack of transparency regarding student body interests.

What would you like to see changed at UW Oshkosh?

A larger acceptance of shared governance once again. Help UWO students realize their power once again. Not all decisions made by the university are “under wraps” – students have the right to know. Create new initiatives and goals monthly to fill out the responsibilities of all executive members. Help the new chancellor understand that the student body’s ideas and interpretations must be considered before decisions are made.

How will you represent the entire student body?

Matt: I will use my own time on campus to gauge student interests and wants. Make students aware of developments they need to know at the proper times, as well as gauge students’ understanding of said developments by following up either by word of mouth or using email or polls.
Alex: I want to have meetings often with the chancellor to know what they are thinking, and keep students informed when the time’s right to share.

How do you feel your prior experiences have prepared you?

Being the student government president of the UWO – Fond du Lac campus for 6 months gave me the experience of working under pressure and bringing positive results to the student and staff bodies of that school. As well as being the former president of the UWO – FDL Jazz club, and the current president of the UW- Fond du Lac/ Fox club, I know the feelings involved in leading with integrity and vigor. I have heaps of public speaking experience, and I know that it is very important knowing how to communicate effectively.

Athena Dedow – President | Year: Junior

Major: Anthropology

Organizations/Prior Experience:

Anthropology Club President

Student Allocations Committee member

Nora Reljic – Vice Pres. | Year: Senior

Major: Anthropology

Organizations/Prior Experience:

Anthropology Club Vice President

Campaign Statement:

We are inspired to make differences on campus at UWO by helping student voices be heard, increasing transparency between OSG and the student body, and bringing silent issues to light. Budget cuts, policy changes, and generalized fear have plagued the student body (and staff) over the past few years, and we want to make sure that students feel comfortable both within their academic life and personal life. This is possible through our authentic and compassionate leadership and through examining issues relating to accessibility, inclusionary efforts, registered student organization funding, physical safety, poverty, and health. We are real students, wanting to take care of real issues, and make a real impact.

Why are you running for OSG President and Vice President?

We are running for President because we’re passionate about student engagement and to put it frankly, are tired about the lack of transparency between Oshkosh Student Government, faculty/staff, and the student body. We want student voices heard and to see beneficial changes within UWO’s student community. We genuinely care about the safety, wellbeing, and success of students at UWO, and want to see students not just get by during their time here, but truly thrive.

What do you believe are the major issues affecting students?

There are massive issues that need to be addressed. Student organizations need to be able to have access to streamlined information regarding their club budgets and how to apply for a variety of funds. This information changes sometimes without students being aware, and it needs to be effectively communicated, especially considering the changes made with reimbursements. More emphasis also needs to be placed and marketed about campus safe spaces and accessibility. Many programs were either defunded or shut down, such as the Student Success Center, the Women’s Center, the Multicultural Center, and the Testing Center. These resources are vital to ensure student wellbeing and maximizing productivity. There are also lots of silent issues that are taking place on campus that need to be addressed and tackled such as physical safety, food disparities, period poverty, and sexual health just to list a few that rarely are discussed. We hope to bring some of these more overlooked issues to light. Student engagement at UWO has also decreased over the past few years. If students are more active and engaged in campus life, they are often more motivated to do better in their classes and be more successful. Recently, many students have experienced feelings of loneliness and isolation. By finding ways to increase student involvement, hopefully we can increase student happiness, wellbeing, and satisfaction on campus.

What would you like to see changed at UW Oshkosh?

We would like to see more student involvement in the government here at UWO. Many students don’t fully know what groups such as OSG or the Student Allocations Committee do, so why would they be interested in participating? By informing the student body of actions taken by OSG and SAC, students will feel more comfortable knowing their issues are heard. We would also like to see our campus be more accessible, especially so it can help set our college apart from others. If we want to garner student interest in UWO, we need to make sure they have the resources they need for them to be successful in their personal lives, and academically. Focusing on areas where students are struggling and providing spaces for them to focus, is extremely important to ensure student success. While UWO has already made improvements towards a sustainable campus, we need to make sure that those improvements don’t stop and measures are continuing to be taken towards optimal sustainability, especially if we are shooting for carbon-neutrality at some point in the future.

How will you represent the entire student body?

We will send out monthly surveys asking student opinions on current issues and things they would like to see changed by OSG. This would be paired with a newsletter relaying OSG’s activities to UWO in order to increase transparency and communication between the student body and OSG. By doing this, we can help student voices be heard more consistently.

How do you feel your prior experiences have prepared you?

Collectively, we have both been involved in multiple leadership roles throughout our lives. Most recently, we have acted as President and Vice President of the Anthropology Club this past year. We have successfully and efficiently navigated challenges, including the budget restrictions and changes that were put in place over the past year, managing to still hold workshops and bring in guest speakers as well. Also, participation in other groups such as the Student Allocations Committee has provided insight into the funding of student organizations that is present on campus. Both of us have also willingly taken on a variety of other leadership roles in our communities and within our classes.

Ally Blattner – At-Large Senator

Year in school: Freshman

Major: Nursing

Student Organizations and Prior Experience:

At-Large Senator 2024-2025
UHSA board member
Evans Steward Programming Network
PR manager association for diversity in healthcare
UWO Food Committee

Campaign Statement:

As a senator I will work hard to become closer to the University System. Being a part of OSG will allow me to grow as a person whilst representing my peers. If elected I will use my position to represent the best interests of all students on this campus. I will do this by being present in all meetings and decisions made during OSG. Additionally, I will make sure to be an active participant on campus so that I can best represent the ideals of my peers.

Why are you running for the OSG Senate?

As an individual I aim to support concerns and enact positive changes on campus that will improve student engagement. Communication is a huge factor in student engagement and as a senator I plan on providing more focused communication with students and groups to work towards a more positive community across campus. As a group I will actively participate in meetings because I know how important it is to have many eyes helping to make important decisions.

What do you believe are the major issues affecting students?

From my short time here, I have noticed that budget cuts are greatly affecting the campus for a while. Interesting programs and some key classes have been cut from the UWO roster leading to lower morale among students and staff. This issue needs to be addressed, unfortunately, I understand that lower enrolment paired with a lower budget creates a decaying cycle for this university. However, something needs to be done, the low budget is placing roadblocks for students who are looking for resources to help them succeed. Some examples of this is in the lower budget for clubs and organizations that are feeling the effects of the decreased morale as they fight to get people excited for their events.

What would you like to see changed at UW Oshkosh?

I would like the students of University of Wisconsin Oshkosh to be more comfortable as a community. I want to see an increase in campus involvement. Often when I attend events I see low attendance rates and I want to be able to observe an increase in this area.

How will you represent UW Oshkosh students in your Senator role?

As an at-large senator I will do my best to represent the needs of the student body as a whole. In high school I was a house member in student government and felt like I was doing important work as I represent my peers. Furthermore, I know that there is generally decreased representation of freshmen in student organizations and I’m confident that I can bring a new perspective to issues that will bridge the divide between the student body and campus decisions.

How do you feel your prior experiences have prepared you?

Being a senator this year has prepared me to fill this role again this year. This year I have learned the workings of OSG, and I have come to understand the process.

Madeline Arndt – Fraternity & Sorority Life Advocacy Senator

Year in school: Sophomore

Major: Secondary Education, Natural Science

Student Organizations and Prior Experience:

Women’s Advocacy Senator, 24-25
Tri Sigma Sorority, 24-25
UHSA, 24-25
Association for Diversity in Healthcare, 24-25
Student Tutor, 24-25

Campaign Statement:

As a member of Sigma Sigma Sigma, and a student who appreciates the campus I want to see campus be successful and in addition Greek Life be successful. I want to make sure that the Greek Life community is fairly represented in the student senate, and that they are also well informed of the things that are happening in the senate, as most senate decisions will impact Greek Life.

Why are you running for the OSG Senate?

I want to help make an impact in my student community and make sure that the voices of my fellow students are heard. Not only do I want to make sure students are heard but I want to promote students hearing about things that will affect campus and their college experience.

What do you believe are the major issues affecting students?

I think a major issue affecting students right now is the programs. With cuts due to either finances or low enrollment in that program, some students are upset with their major, minor, or program being cut from the university.

What would you like to see changed at UW Oshkosh?

I would like to see a little more openness, when possible, from the administrative body of the university. Being a member currently in the senate I feel as though many things I learn about in senate meetings are not things the average student knows, and I feel more information about the campus should be more easily available to the general student body.

How will you represent UW Oshkosh students in your Senator role?

I will make sure that I get input from other students so that I can represent them fairly and keep their best interest in mind.

How do you feel your prior experiences have prepared you?

I feel prior experiences in senate this past year have helped me to be a voice for students and pass on the information I find out while in senate. I have learned how to better advocate for myself and others and will continue to do that in an even greater capacity if I am reelected for student senate. I also have experience in Greek Life so I feel I can better represent Greek Life since I am involved in it.

Somtoo Onwuasoanya – At-Large Senator

Year in school: Senior

Major: Biomedical Science/ Biomedical Engineering

Student Organizations and Prior Experience:

Fletcher Hall Council
Black Student Union

Campaign Statement:

As a non-traditional transfer student to UW-Oshkosh, I have seen many ups and downs. With me as a senator, I will do my best to listen to students, commit to students, and make sure that our experiences in the school are still a top priority.

Why are you running for the OSG Senate?

During this troubling time for the university, it is beneficial to see students that are looking to consistently improve and move towards a better future. I desire to be a part of the group that can make a major change for the better.

What do you believe are the major issues affecting students?

The lack of communication between students and staff
Decrease in resources available to students
Unknown timing for everything

What would you like to see changed at UW Oshkosh?

Better communication from both academic and non-academic staff towards students
Different options when it comes to meals/ adding more places to accept Titan Dollars
UWO Go changes, such as adding designated stops for students at certain locations

How will you represent UW Oshkosh students in your Senator role?

Through my participation on multiple committees, I intend to foster a level of communication that will include student voices. The more information that is available, the better things are for students.

How do you feel your prior experiences have prepared you?

I have had many conversations with different organizations since I graduated high school and always noticed that positive change can come about through different methods but the most efficient is conversation.

Vincent Winford – Non-Traditional Student Advocacy Senator

Year in school: Freshman

Major: Political Science

Student Organizations and Prior Experience:

N/A

Campaign Statement:

A Political Science major is a commendable choice. However, I believe that the most crucial aspect of politics is achieving victory. I am dedicated to success. The phrase “Right Here, Right Now” resonated with me as it exemplifies the necessary energy and drive for progress. We will not wait for change; we will actively create it. By listening to the people and taking decisive action, we will collaborate to make this campus the finest in the nation.

Why are you running for the OSG Senate?

As a young African American man from the south with a passion for political science, I’m running for OSG Senate to be a voice for change and progress on our campus. My lived experience and academic pursuits have given me a deep understanding of the issues facing marginalized communities, and I’m committed to using my platform to advocate for equity and justice for all students. I believe that my unique perspective and dedication to service will make me an effective representative for my peers in the OSG.

What do you believe are the major issues affecting students?

Due to recent budget cuts, I believe that essential funding for numerous resources and programs has been decreased, negatively impacting students.

What would you like to see changed at UW Oshkosh?

To better address the needs and shortcomings of our community, I believe that increased student involvement in student government would be beneficial.

How will you represent UW Oshkosh students in your Senator role?

I am committed to bringing my strong work ethic to ensure that every student, regardless of their background, has the opportunity to succeed. We will support one another, ensure that everyone’s voice is heard, and build a community where we all have a chance for a brighter future.

How do you feel your prior experiences have prepared you?

My experience working within the United Steelworkers Union has equipped me for such a responsibility, significantly influencing my capacity to understand the needs and concerns of our members, communicate effectively with groups, and advocate for meaningful changes.