1. education
2. graduate school
3. college

Executive Ticket #1
President: Alberto Adame
Hello, my name is Alberto Adame and I am a junior majoring in economics and finance. I was born in the city of Monterrey,
Mexico. It was an honor and pleasure to serve as the president of the UTPA Student Government Association (SGA) for the
2014-2015 term. Prior to that, I served as a senator for the College of Business Administration during the 2013-2014 term.
During my time as president of SGA, I had the pleasure of working with the students of UTPA and UTB in several initiatives,
including the tuition and fee structure of UTRGV. The experience from my term has equipped me with pertinent knowledge
about the issues that we, the students, can experience on a daily basis at UTRGV. As we enter the first year of our new
university, we will maintain the concept of “empowering students” and hold it in high regard. If elected, the goal of my
administration would be to identify concerns and issues on the “go”, while encouraging the unification of the student body as
the “big picture” goal.
Vice President Brownsville: Denisse Molina
Denisse Molina is a junior majoring in Government at UTB. She is currently interning in the offices of Congressman Filemon
Vela, and also serves as an executive member of the National Society of Leadership and Success. In past years, Denisse has
held positions at IBC Bank and at Trojani Law Firm, where he performed key administrative tasks. Denisse loves volunteering
and giving back to the community of the Rio Grande Valley. She has all the administrative leadership and experience
necessary to run a successful student government. If elected, her primary goal would be to unify the student bodies of the
Edinburg and Brownsville campus. She will use her leadership experience to identify and solve key issues and concerns of
UTRGV students as we move into the first year of the new university.
Vice President Edinburg: Jorge Alejandro Gonzalez
My name Jorge Alejandro Gonzalez, born on April 20 1994 at the city of McAllen Texas, I am the second of three children in
my family. My older brother is a proud University of Texas Pan American graduate and living proof of a successful college
program. I am currently a junior completing my bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering. Currently I serve our university
as one of the senators for the college of science and engineering. As a senator of the college of science and engineering I have
accomplish many tasks others just simply looked away from. I can not only lead and give orders but also listen to others and
follow a plan. In the engineering community I have supported the president of engineering society TAU BETA PI recruiting and
conducting interviews for new members. Outside of school, I help my local church and lead the logistics of transporting
donations to communities in the southern region of the Mexican state of Tamaulipas. With the help of our entire student
body and student government association I believe we can achieve anything we set our minds on. United we would achieve
the impossible and overcome any obstacle that comes our way. Let’s make a change for a better tomorrow. Let’s work
together to a common goal and pull towards the same direction. With the power of your vote elect me as vice president for
the Pan-Am campus. If elected I will not only improve the quality of our campus but include the students in the decisions we
make in the senate and use all my resources available to achieve our goals. If elected I will also develop strategies with key
faculty members and the students of UTPA to unify our school and improve school spirit.
Executive Ticket #2
President: Shangir H. Siddique
Fellow Students, my name is Shangir Siddique. I am running for the 2015-2016 UTRGV SGA Presidency. I am a Junior, a Biology
Major with a Business Administration Minor, as well as a Biology Tutor and Laboratory Assistant for the Biology Department. I
have also participated in two UTRGV committees: the Constitutional Convention, and the Auxiliary and Housing Committee. I
have served in three SGA positions, V.P. of Historical Archives, V.P. of Public Relations, and currently, Vice President of
Administration, where I ensure that the students are properly represented in the Legislative Branch of the SGA by presiding
over the Senate Meetings. I plan on establishing more committees where students take more part in decision making for
UTRGV, and using SGA funds for student organizations to host events for various activities such as recruiting. My main priority
is to make sure that the students know their voice is always being heard and that UTRGV is truly for the students.Thank you
very much.
Vice President Brownsville: Jesus Lopez
My name is Jesus Lopez. I am a senior studying Finance and minoring in French. I've been in different leadership positions in
student organizations on campus. I've been vice-president of Toastmasters and the International Student Organization as well
as president and founder of the Coffee Party at UTB. I am currently employed as a business statistics tutor by the Learning
Enrichment department. If elected, I will be an advocate for the students from my campus and will fight to make sure our
university fosters an environment where young men and women can challenge tradition and cultural paradigms.
Vice President Edinburg: Sarahi Casas
my name is sarahi casas, i am a junior and i am majoring in chemistry. i am part of the ALPHA SIGMA TAU sorority, ive done
the border fest highway clean up, and PVA walking dogs. I am director of growth: in charge of meeting quota, organize
recruitment, do workshops, and fudraising.
Senator for College of Business and Entrepreneurship
Manuel Sequera
All, My name is Manuel "Manny" Sequera, I am currently a sophomore and aspiring to complete a major in Business Marketing
with a certificate in Entertainment Business. At an early age, I possessed an important skill that continues to keep me moving
forward. The skill to communicate effectively verbally/nonverbally with the ability to add a hint of southern hospitality allows
me to make the person feel at ease while getting the message across successfully. As Senator of the College of Business and
Entrepreneurship and an individual dedicated to excellence and achievement, I will emphasize in the growth of student social
networking on/off campus, and use the skills I have obtained in the workplace to create a team of benevolent leaders/mentors
for the benefit of my fellow peers. During the summer of 2014, I was granted a position at IDEA Public Schools HQ as the
school’s intern. As the school’s intern, I continued to grow as an individual working alongside the Founder and CEO, Tom
Torkelson, and Co-Founder, JoAnn Gama (former UTPA Alumni). The summer internship required me to take on responsibilities
that took place in the Rio Grande Valley and the city of San Antonio. When stationed at HQ, my role consisted of weekly selfevaluations, the use of Excel, Word, and PowerPoint as resources to better manage the presenter and their audience. Traveling
to the city of San Antonio, I took on the responsibility to make sure approximately 350 faculty members had a booked room at
the Hyatt Resort in San Antonio. During the time in San Antonio, I continuously sought out mentors and successfully made
myself known to create networks in the city of San Antonio. As I concluded the summer internship, I was able to personally
befriend my mentors, Torkleson and Gama, understand how to take on leadership roles, and create long lasting networks. If I
am not chosen for this position, I will keep my head high as it is NOT a sign of failure for I have empowered myself to
contribute to our university. My mantra is to "use the power of positive thinking as it will result in a healthier lifestyle in all
aspects; socially, economically, and spiritually.” Aside from school projects, many of my extracurricular activities include;
playing soccer, listening to music, eating great food, playing chess, reading, and actively socializing with others. Thank you
Senator for College of Education
Karen Carolina Ramos
My name is Karen Ramos, I am a senior of UTPA, my major is Education with a minor of Special Education. I am currently
treasure of SCEC (Student Council for Exceptional Children), in this organization we do a lot of volunteer work with special
education children. We go to a lot of events that encourage children with special needs to play, learn and go day by day as a
normal human being. I love spending time with children and plan to do as a living.
Senator for College of Engineering
Milagros Belmares
Milagros Belmares, Mechanical Engineer Major, Junior, Vice President for the Society of Women Engineers 2012-Present. ,
Secretary-American Society of Mechanical Engineers 2012-2013. Treasurer-Resident Housing Association. 2012-2013.
Resident Assistant 2012-2013. Internship-Consumer Product Safety Commission Summer 2013. Running for College of
Engineering Senator to be able to help Engineering organizations and be able to have a voice within the student body. With
the merge of the universities I want to help build the Student Government body by brining what I've learned throughout my
leadership experiences.
Andres Ruben Marroquin II
My name, is Andres Ruben Marroquin II, and I am a Sophomore at The University of Texas-Pan American, soon to be The
University of Texas- Rio Grande Valley. Perusing a bachelors in Mechanical Engineering, with a focus on Patent Law, I am
applying from the position as Senator on behalf of the College of Engineering. With grass roots in volunteering in the
organization SHPE (Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers), I have experience in what it means to communicate with the
student body, and represent their views, in a professional, reasonable way. Serving as SHPE's Recruiting Chair, I have first
hand experience in talking and representing organizations to the masses, while making sure the agenda at the time, is
fulfilled. Hopefully, if elected as Senator for the College of Engineering, I'll be able to apply my experience in representation,
not only for the College of Engineering, but for all of the Student Body. Focusing on decision making, from a strict Utilitarian
perspective, I personally hold no place for bias or personal gains, so if elected into the SGA as a Senator, I will apply myself
fully to promote and fight for the interest of the Student Body, in a professional ethical manor.
Justin Rey Osorio
My name is Justin Osorio. I am a junior in the mechanical engineering program at UTPA. I am running for an engineering
senatorial position in the SGA. If elected I plan to represent the engineering department in a positive manner and I plan to use
my position to inform engineering students of all educational opportunities offered to them.
Senator for College of Engineering
Cristina Rodriguez
Hello my name is Cristina Rodriguez. I am currently a Freshman. My major is Computer Science, I am currently Co-Head
Fundraising of the ACM-W organization. I currently have no experience in student government but that is why I am trying to
run for a Senator position, but I do have experience with running a store. I am a P.I.C.(person in charge) at Panda Express
Restaurant. That has taught me a lot about myself that I can be a leader. My plans are to really make a difference within the
Engineering College. Since I do not have a lot of experience with student government I just want to soke up everything and
learn as much as I can and be a leader.
Eric Anthony Silva
My name is Eric A. Silva and I am a Sophomore Computer Science Major at the Brownsville campus. My leadership skills
include: Serving on South Texas Independent School District’s Educational Improvement Council and Strategic Planning
Committee; as well as being designated as a Blackboard MVP. I am a candidate for Senator representing the College of
Engineering and Computer Science. If elected, my platform will include working with fellow student government members to
improve information sharing practices with the student body.
Senator for College of Health Affairs
Florentino Saenz
I am Florentino Saenz, a sophomore who is currently getting their BS in Biomedicine. During the 2014-2015 year I served as
the Senator of the College of Biomedical Sciences and Health Professions at the University of Texas at Brownsville. My duties
included representing and aiding the student body with any problems regarding the College of Biomedical Sciences and Health
Professions while also serving as a conduit to the dean of my respective college if any grievances arose within the student
body. I also partook in the Student Health Committee within SGA whose sole goal was to reach out to the student body to
teach and raise awareness on known health issues and on maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Aside from SGA I have also
participated in various community service activities that have ranged from teaching elementary students basic human
anatomy to more physical projects such as helping in the building of the Biomedical department's herbal garden. While I have
done plenty for both my community and my respective college in the time I served as the Senator of the College of Biomedical
Sciences and Health Professions, I believe I will be able to do a lot more to serve the students of UTRGV if I am given the
opportunity to serve as a Senator for the College of Health Affairs. As a Senator of the College of Health Affairs I will adopt
similar goals and duties from my previous position, my priority being to get involved with the student body while also
ensuring that the student body is properly educated on the subject of a healthy lifestyle. I realize I have my faults but I believe
I am capable of both learning and adapting to make the most out of any situation, I honestly believe that it is completely
within the power of the student body to create both a better future and a better UTRGV
Senator for College of Liberal Arts
Veronica Higareda
Veronica Higareda is a junior at The University of Texas - RGV pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in Philosophy and MexicanAmerican studies with a minor in Religious Studies. After completing her undergraduate degree, she aspires to attend law
school. Veronica has held numerous leadership positions such as being president of the Texas Freedom Network, where she
has lobbied Congress for issues such as civil rights, strengthening Mexican-American studies in public education and
reproductive rights. She also organized and promoted a semester-long campaign focused on defeating initiatives backed by
the religious right in Texas such as textbook censorship in the Texas State Board of Education. Veronica is also an advocate for
the rights of undocumented women by being a part of the fundraising committee of Advocates for Youth. She has
collaborated in DACA trainings offered by RGV community dreamers, and hopes to one day become an immigration lawyer.
During the summers of her undergraduate studies, she has traveled to India, Ecuador, and Mexico to volunteer teaching
English and tutoring, as well as providing educational support and instilling confidence in children. Veronica is running for
Senator for the College of Liberal Arts. With the new UT-RGV merge she believes it is crucial that the student body have a
strong and effective representation throughout all of the changes being done in our University. If you have an issue, academic
or otherwise that you would like to see SGA deal with, I will see that your problem is addressed in the proper committee. That
will be my duty as your senator.
Janelie Marie Ramos
My name is Janelie Ramos and I am currently a freshman. Because I do not have any government experience, I am still
interested in taking the chance into applying as a Liberal Arts candidate for the university. My passion for criminal justice has
led me to do community service within a legal office as well as an internship within our local courthouse. With these
experiences and my ability to catch on rather quickly, I believe I am well certified to run for this position. If granted this
spectacular opportunity, I will take full advantage of it and transform it into ways of improving our student government within
this college. I am also very trustworthy and an open listener. This will help me listenm to students' personal concerns and
voice their opinions to fully represent the College of Liberal Arts here at UTPA.
Senator for College of Liberal Arts
Marc Sherwin Roque
We, The Students of The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley, will usher in a new era of excellence that will truly effect South
Texas. As we transition into this new university, we need young, bright, and reliable student leaders who will lead us on a path
of responsibility and prosperity. I, Marc Roque, will be that leader who will guide you and the student body of UTRGV, into a
path that will surely lead us to a successful future. Therefore, I ask my fellow colleagues of the College of Liberal Arts of
UTRGV, to elect me, as their Senator. If elected Senator of the College of Liberal Arts, I will do my best to make sure our
college will be #1 and that our voices will be heard and listened to. It is the responsibility of a Senator to be voice for the
people and to make sure that they are well represented. Currently, I am a sophomore who is majoring in Political Science and
minoring in Communications and Legal Studies. I feel that I am qualified for this position, because I am currently a member of
The Political Science Association of UTPA, The National Society of Collegiate Scholars of UTPA, and The Gelman Constitutional
Scholars. Therefore, I would like to ask you, to consider voting for me as one of your future Senators. Once again, I will
faithfully execute this office effectively and efficiently during the inaugural year of our new university, UTRGV.
Senator for College of Science
Mohammad Imran Murtuza
My name is Mohammad Imran Murtuza and I am a freshman Biomedicine major. I have extensive leadership experience
dating back to my sophomore year in high school. I have been treasurer for Junior World Affairs Council and ECoppell in high
school. I am currently running for treasurer for Gorgas Science Society at UTB and was Secretary for this year. I have also been
President for Junior World Affairs Council my senior year. Moreover, I have experience representing a part of a school since I
was the representative for the International Baccaleureate Program at my high school. I want to bring this leadership
experience to UTRGV in order to represent it in a professional manner. Furthermore, I intend to oversee and advocate on
behalf of the College of Science as well as playing any role required of me to better this institution.
Graduate Senator (Edinburg)
Armando Galvan-Cruces
Mr. Armando Galvan-Cruces currently serves as Graduate Senator for Student Government Association at The University of
Texas-Pan American (UTPA) and CFO for the Master in Business Administration Association (MBAA) at UTPA. He received his
Bachelors in Business Administration (Finance) in 2013 from UTPA. In 2014 Mr. Galvan-Cruces began his Master’s in Business
Administration expecting to complete his graduate studies in May 2016. He has vast experience in leadership positions, which
allowed him to become Vice President of the Hispanic Business Student Association (HBSA) at UTPA in 2009, Vice President of
the Association of Latinos Professionals in Finance and Accounting (ALPFA) at UTPA in 2010, and Professional Development
Director for ALPFA at UTPA in 2013. He started his professional career working in the Office of Outreach and Community
Partnerships for the Vice Presidents of Business and Academic Affairs at The University of Texas-Pan American in 2013
focusing efforts on campus wide community engagement assessment. Early 2014 the Office of Outreach and Community
Partnerships(OCP) developed the first institutional engagement report with Mr. Galvan-Cruces collaboration and late April
2015 will launch the Engaging Communities report (http://issuu.com/utpapartnerships). Theseefforts allowed him to be part
of several committees such as Martin Luther King’s Day of service (January 2015) and Mental Health Conference (April 2015).
Also Mr. Galvan-Cruces has work with HESTEC research studies, and multiple institutional events. Mr. Galvan-Cruces takes
pride of his commitment with our community and his family core values.
Ngoc Bich Pham
I am Cindy Pham, a second year PhD student in Marketing at UTPA. I love outdoor activities, traveling, and animals. I am
applying for the position of Graduate Senator-Edinburg. I strongly believe I am suitable for this position because I am a
graduate student, I have leadership experience with student associations, and I recognize the support that graduate students
need. Currently, I am a PhD student at UTPA and received my MBA from UHV. I therefore clearly understand what a graduate
student is expecting from the SGA. Previously, I have held a leadership position as Director of External Affairs of the SGA
(2012-2013) at UHV. In this role, I was instrumental in the initiation of the MBA Student Association (2011-2013), in which I
served as Vice-President for two years. Additionally, I am a member of Sigma Alpha Pi, a leadership honor society that selects
students on the basis of their academic accomplishments and leadership potential. Also influencing my decision to apply for
this position is my recent experience in a difficult situation of discrimination and harassment. I realized that the SGA does not
provide the necessary support for graduate students. My intention therefore is to provide that necessary support for UTRGV
graduate students.
Senator at Large (Brownsville)
Alondra Lisset Galvan
Hello my name is Alondra L. Galvan. I am a Freshman and my major is Business Finance. In the Fall 2014 and Spring 2015
semester, I had the privilege of serving as one of the University's Freshmen Senators. Throughout my High School years I was
in many clubs and organizations were I had different officer positions. This being my first year in college, I have been an active
student in many clubs/organizations, American Criminal Justice Association, Roadtorac Club, and UTB SGA, that have helped
me gain more knowledge on gaining various leaderships skills. The position I am running for is Senator At- Large. If elected, I
would like to see the Student Government Association interact more with the clubs and organizations. Since our duties as an
SGA member is to help, serve, lead, and represent the student body, there are many ways on how the Student Government
can aid the clubs and organizations. By doing so, the students will feel more connected to the Student Government
Association.
Senator at Large (Edinburg)
Adesuwa Ida Ewere
My name is Adesuwa Ewere and I am a second-year senior at the Edinburg campus. I am a member of the A-PRIME TIME
program’s pilot cohort and the Guerra Honors Program, and I plan to graduate with a degree in Pre-Medical Biology and a
minor in Medical Humanities in Spring 2016. Currently, I am involved in Eta Omicron Nu, River of Life Fellowship, the Student
Leadership Academy, and I am a Science tutor at the Learning Assistance Center at UTPA. I also serve in the Student
Government Association as a Senator for the College of Science and Mathematics and as the Sergeant-At-Arms. This past
term, I was very involved in serving students with my caucus, the Public Relations committee, and the UTRGV and It’s Studies
Ad-Hoc Committee. My caucus has been extremely successful in obtaining student concerns - we obtained over 500 survey
responses during two tablings! My biggest goal is to improve student access to resources – information, study areas, healthy
food options, among others. I plan to do so by working closely with administrators and students and by helping to bridge the
gap between the two parties.
Rodrigo Benjamin Gonzalez
Born in Mexico City on February 6th,1993. Currently studying Civil Engineering, I have lived in many places of Mexico, spent
most of my childhood in Oaxaca, teenage years in Veracruz, and graduate from highschool in Tamaulipas. My family has
belonged to the UT system for three generations now. I´ve also been initiated into Masonry since September 2014 and I´m an
active memeber of Hidalgo Lodge 1036 in Edinburg, Texas. Recently I've been hired as an Orientation Leader in the Admissions
Department where I will be working this summer welcoming new students to our brand new University.
Senator at Large (Edinburg)
Sidney Charm De Guzman Reyes
I am Sidney Charm D. Reyes – a passionate, fun, friendly and slightly eccentric student. Born in the beautiful Islands of the
Philippines, my family and I immigrated to the US over a decade ago. I was raised upholding the saying that: No matter what
crisis we go through in life, we should always be willing to help other people. This is a big reason why I am is pursuing the
career of a Physician through the accelerated medical program, A PRIME TIME. Currently, I am a Junior in the Guerra Honors
Program, pursuing a major in Pre-Med Bio and a Minor in Medical Humanities and Chemistry. I’m the type of person that stays
committed to anything I decide to do, and doesn't half ass the work that is given to me. In high school, I was a violinist in the
Varsity Orchestra with a Division I ratings in UIL Solo and Ensemble, I was also a member of the UIL team and was the District
Champion in Science. I was also the treasurer of the Tri Music Honor Society, the Secretary of the Science National Honor
Society, and the parliamentarian of the Mu Alpha Theta. While doing all of this, I graduated as the Valedictorian of my senior
class. Through my experiences juggling academics, life and different officer positions, I’ve learned the meaning of
responsibility and time management. I know that with everything that is thrown at us in life, we always want to have a place
to relax and enjoy life. I am running for the position Senator At Large, and if I am elected I will do my best to make Campus life
more enjoyable for students.
Jennifer Marie Troncoso
Hello, my name is Jennifer Troncoso. My major is political science doubling minors in sociology and legal studies. I am a
member of the pre-law society. I do a variety of volunteer work to help our community. I have interned with three attorneys. I
am running for the senator at large. This will be my first term as student senate. I know I will make an excellent candidate for
this position because I will input in the decision-making processes at the University. Overall I would like to bring a strong voice
of the student body to student government. I am driven, well organized and have great people skills. As UTRGV, we are the
heart of this institution and deserve to have an excellent student government. You will not regret voting for me!