In addition to the presidential elections for the Oakland University Student Congress (OUSC), students can also run for the position of legislator.
The Oakland Post reached out to the candidates for comment to share their campaign initiatives and background information. Voting will start on March 31 and run until April 4. Here are the legislative tickets, listed alphabetically.
Meghan Bareis
Bareis is a freshman majoring in political science. She is a member of Model UN and is a political reporter for The Oakland Post.
“With a divided world, I would like to see the student body more connected with OUSC. Sometimes it feels that our campus is not together, and I think it’s incredibly important to get students involved with OUSC events and also have a chance to learn about the current events within the university and the broader world. By establishing this connection, we can create a stronger, more unified community that is informed and actively engaged in creating a better future,” Bareis said.
“Government and politics have always been a passion of mine, and being able to contribute that passion with OU students is something that would allow my experience to contribute beneficially,” Bareis said. “Applying my love and passion for social science fields would be mutually rewarding for both myself and the students here at OU, fostering an environment of growth and community engagement.”
Adrian Ivezaj
Ivezaj has not responded to The Oakland Post’s request for comment.
Ethan Lehman-Pace
Lehman-Pace is a senior majoring in psychology with minors in political science and LGBTQ studies. He has been involved with OUSC for three years and has served in roles including the director of executive platform, community engagement and legislator. He is the vice president of OUYDSA, the secretary of SAGE and the president of Model UN.
“I want to ensure that OUSC’s election programs remain in place, and I want to begin a pressure campaign to get the university to fund some of the offices such as the CMI, GSC, and DSS, among others,” Lehman-Pace said.
“Students should vote for me because I have a proven track record of success in a variety of roles. I’ve been voted on before, and I think that my record speaks for itself. I’ve fought for them my whole time at Oakland, and by not voting for me they will lose a lion fighting for them every day. I have the dedication, the experience, and the energy to continue in the legislature,” Lehman-Pace said.
Michael Makuch
Makuch is a sophomore majoring in social studies for educators. He is a teacher’s assistant for HC1000 and a member of the Euchre Club.
“For Oakland University’s government to be truly representative, students must be well-informed,” Makuch said. “I believe that Student Congress should post on its Instagram story each week outlining the legislation being considered. These posts should be followed by Instagram polls asking students to provide their input. I also believe that OUSC should place flyers around Oakland Center with QR codes allowing students to vote online to share their perspectives on congressional legislation. As a result, legislators would be better suited to vote with the interests of OU students in mind.”
“I also believe that Student Congress should adopt a more active role in supporting charities. In particular, I believe OUSC should create a fundraising committee to sell raffle tickets at OU events. Then, I believe it should donate the profits to an effective local or international charity,” Makuch said.
Lance Markowitz
Markowitz is a senior obtaining a dual degree in business management and Spanish language and literature. He is a former legislator and currently serves as the commuter support chair. Additionally, he is the vice president and assistant captain of D1 Club Hockey, the treasurer for the table tennis club and a student representative for the Center for Excellence in Teaching and Learning (CETL).
“Since I joined student Congress in 2022, my goal has been to facilitate student and faculty collaborations to help make classes more impactful and experiential,” Markowitz said. “I have a track record of addressing a lack of student engagement in the classroom, a topic which the vast majority of students are affected by but often don’t realize the impact that individual students can have on this issue.”
Markowitz’s legislation to make student engagement a key component of Oakland University’s strategic plan was passed by the university senate, which eventually led to student engagement being included in the new master plan.
Asia Mays
“This past academic year, I was able to see how many improvements and resources OUSC was able to put out around campus for the benefit of students,” Mays said. “I was also able to see the barrier of communication that made it challenging for all students to find out about the resources available to them. That is why my overall goal is to improve the communication between OUSC and the student body to address more student concerns and more accurately represent the student’s best interest.”
Specific goals include, “assisting with supporting DEI initiatives and groups while navigating the Trump Administration,” and “achieving more clear and consistent communication between OUSC and Student Organizations.”
“I intend to improve their college experience by improving OUSC’s communication with students and student organizations on campus. This will help make sure that Student Congress can more accurately represent the best interests of students on campus and will lead to a more effective way for students to be able to voice out their concerns,” Mays said.
Daniela Meson De La Fuente
Fuente is a junior majoring in bioengineering with a minor in mechanical engineering. She is a member of the Honors College, BeGolden Fashion Magazine and the Society of Women Engineers. She is also the president of the Engineering in Medicine and Biology Society and an engineering intern at IEE Sensing, located in Auburn Hills. She has been involved with OUSC since 2022.
“My goal is to obtain feedback from the student body for where they wish to see their tuition money going towards. I want to plan for events that make college more fun and stress free for students, through improving mental health and increasing networking opportunities,” she said.
“I am running for the legislature because I have always been passionate about improving student life and making sure that every voice on campus is heard. My approach to the change I want to make on campus is student-centered and based on real issues that need to be addressed,” she said.
Alexandra Nichol
Nichol is a freshman pre-business student hoping to become a finance major with a specialization in wealth management. This is her first time running for OUSC. She is a member of DECA, the Honors College and is the assistant director of finance and director of philanthropy for the Alpha Sigma Tau Sorority.
“I have goals specifically regarding mental health among college students and have to say that is by far what I am most passionate about,” Nichol said. “I would also like to work within the commuter space, I would like to work towards an environment where commuters feel driven to be a part of campus activities.”
“I decided to run for legislator due to my passion for change as well as promotion of advocacy, and even more specifically my determination to stand up for others. I have always found it extremely important to take into account what would be best for all of us, rather than for just one of us,” Nichol said.
Mario Prisciandaro
Prisciandaro has not responded to The Oakland Post’s request for comment.
Kaylah Snell
Snell is a senior majoring in journalism with a specialization in broadcasting and a minor in political science with a specialization in Courts, Justice and Politics. She works as a scribe and reader for disability support services and is the treasurer for Echo Cognito.
“One of the most ambitious goals that I want to achieve is higher transparency — and for me, that means pulling things from “Congress speak,” and putting them into simple language that anyone, regardless of political experience or background, can understand,” Snell said. “As such, I want to make infographics for every bill that goes up to student vote, explaining not just what they do, but why it matters to you as a student.”
“I’ve always been passionate about helping students. And I find that while I can do a lot from outside of student congress, I want to have a position within to help make a longer-term impact, alongside helping with a more formalized structure for smaller goals,” Snell said.
Carolina Valdes
In OUSC, Valdes has served as a legislator and steering chair and has been a member of the marketing and judiciary committees.
“I want to prioritize achievable, student-driven projects that boost OU life, particularly in areas like job preparedness, financial literacy, and direct student involvement. Since many graduates lack a solid understanding of budgeting, credit, or wage negotiation, I will push for active financial planning courses that provide students with useful information,” Valdes said. “I aim to increase career development opportunities by expanding student-alumni mentorship programs, allowing students to connect with OU graduates in their fields and gain real industry insights before they enter the workforce.”
“I want to continue pushing for real change that makes a difference in students’ everyday experiences,” Valdes said. “As someone born in Michigan but raised in Mexico, I bring a fresh perspective and understand the importance of community, representation, and action. I want to ensure every student feels heard and supported and has access to the resources they need to succeed.”
Jack Waters
Waters has been a member of OUSC for around six months.
“Of my goals and initiatives, I would like to put on another event for our international students. I’d also like to assist with events for our LGBT+ students by working with the GSC,” Waters said.
“I believe students should vote for my platform because l have worked for the student body and will continue to do so if you elect me. I will work for LGBT+ students to ensure that OUSC works for all students,” Waters said.
Matthew Wiegand
Wiegand has not responded to The Oakland Post’s request for comment.
