Upper Iowa University Student Government president re-elected

Spring Valley, Illinois; Stevens Point, Wisconsin; Oskaloosa, Stanwood and Algona, Iowa, natives elected to UIU Student Government offices

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FAYETTE, IA (03/22/2018) A Spring Valley, Illinois, native has been re-elected Upper Iowa University (UIU) Student Government Association (SGA) president. Hayley Cessna, a junior chemistry major, was recently elected alongside four additional officers at UIU's Fayette Campus for the 2018-19 academic year.

"I wanted to seek re-election as Student Government President because I have enjoyed serving as president of Student Government at both the high school and college level," said Cessna, a graduate of Hall High School in Spring Valley. "I enjoy and want to continue being involved in my education and Campus life here. Student Government provides me the opportunity to make a difference for all of the students I represent. I would like to leave my personal imprint on this university before I graduate."

Cessna, who plans to attend a physician's assistant school following her UIU education, is a member of Gamma Delta Phi, Peacocks for Progress, Love Your Melon, Residence Life, Student Senate and Peer Mentors. She is also active in the University's Csomay Honors and Pre-Professional programs.

In addition to Cessna, the newly elected 2018-19 Upper Iowa University SGA officers are as follows:

Vice President Breyanna Hill previously served as SGA secretary. A sophomore elementary education major from Oskaloosa, Iowa, she is involved in Chi Alpha, Gamma Delta Phi, track and cross-country.

"I decided to run again for student government so I could remain more involved on Campus," said Hill. "I had the opportunity to serve on Student Council each of the four years I was in high school and I have always enjoyed devoting my time to student government activities and providing a voice for all students."

Secretary Sami Kay Shafranski is a junior from Stevens Point, Wisconsin. Majoring in biology and minoring in psychology at UIU, Shafranski plans to attend a physician's assistant school following graduation at the University. A UIU Student Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC) and Pre-Professional Club member, she is also an outfielder on the Peacock softball team.

"I wanted to run for student government to get more involved on Campus, meet new people and try something new," said Shafranski. "I had the opportunity in high school to be on a student advisory committee and I really enjoyed making improvements to a typical school day. I look forward to trying to do the same here at UIU alongside my fellow student government officers."

Treasurer Riley Braughton is a junior majoring in accounting and financial management at UIU. He is active in PEEPS (Peacock Experience: Encouraging a Positive Start), Chi Alpha and Peacock baseball. A native of Stanwood, Iowa, Braughton also serves as SGA Student Senate representative for some of the aforementioned organizations.

"I decided to run for Student Government because I wanted to get more involved and make a difference on Campus," said Braughton. "I also had experience in high school and was involved in Student Council. I feelI will excel at this position because I am a very organized person and I am good with numbers."

Extended University Officer Gabby Holmes is a sophomore from Algona, Iowa, majoring in biology. Following graduation from UIU she plans to attend a medical school. Holmes is a member of Kappa Zeta Tau, SAAC and UIU volleyball team.

"I wanted to run for extension officer to become more involved at UIU and help make changes that will most benefit the students," said Holmes. "I also want to become more informed with all of the ongoing events and other opportunities at the University. I am excited to be an officer and the opportunity to help Upper Iowa grow!"

SGA agendas are emailed to UIU students before every scheduled meeting. Unless otherwise notified, all meetings are currently held at 12:15 p.m. every other Monday in the Student Center Ballroom at Fayette Campus. For additional information, contact studentgovernment@uiu.edu.

About Upper Iowa University Founded in 1857, Upper Iowa University is a private, not-for-profit university providing undergraduate and graduate degree programs to about 5,800 students-nationally and internationally-at its Fayette, Iowa, campus, 25 U.S. education centers, as well as centers in Malaysia and Hong Kong. Upper Iowa University is a recognized innovator in offering accredited, quality programs through flexible, multiple delivery systems, including online and self-paced degree programs. With a focus on developing leaders and lifelong learners, UIU provides dual enrollment programs for high school students as well as continuing education and professional development opportunities for learners of any age. For more information, visit www.uiu.edu.