Juniors Jack Bracher and Gianna Russi. (Peter Julian)
Their first day in office isn鈥檛 until May 2, but their work has already begun, according to the new heads of the Undergraduate Government of Boston College.
Both juniors in the Morrissey College of Arts and Sciences, President Jack Bracher and Vice President Gianna Russi鈥攚ho won last month鈥檚 UG蝌蚪直播 election鈥攕ay their administration is centered around student voices.
The duo plans to work toward change that directly addresses student concerns, and to facilitate dialogue, collaborate with student groups to amplify and support their initiatives, and create coalitions to attain results.
鈥淲e will work tirelessly alongside our peers and other student leaders to ensure [student concerns] are addressed and tangible solutions are discussed with the administration,鈥� Russi said. 鈥淲e will continue to work 鈥楩or Eagles, With Eagles鈥� as president and vice president of UG蝌蚪直播, and we will act as a mouthpiece for students.鈥� 聽
She cites the recent creation of the Environmental Sustainability Division within UG蝌蚪直播 as an example: 鈥淲e plan to use this division as a vehicle to centralize advocacy and foster a space for students from all parts of campus to come together in their work.鈥�
Bracher said he and his vice president 鈥渁re looking forward to working with students and administrators to ensure effective communication between the administration and the student body in preparation for next year, both from a safety and community standpoint. 聽 聽
聽鈥淭he present circumstances have highlighted the importance of community in our daily lives. Feelings of isolation are not uncommon when students attend class in a Zoom room as opposed to a classroom. Faculty, staff, administrators, and students have worked incredibly hard over the past year to ensure that we have the opportunity to be on campus this academic year.鈥�
Bracher鈥攕on of Courage to Know Director Elizabeth Bracher鈥攊s a graduate of Boston College High School. 鈥淲hen I came to 蝌蚪直播, I unknowingly joined student government not realizing a program I applied to was a division of UG蝌蚪直播,鈥� said the political science and Perspectives major, who is minoring in ancient civilizations.
鈥淚鈥檝e since had the privilege to serve in different capacities across multiple divisions. UG蝌蚪直播 for me became defined by the relationships I formed with students and faculty. It is an incredible honor to bring these relationships to the work that Gianna and I will take on in the highest office of UG蝌蚪直播.鈥�
Bracher serves on the executive board of 蝌蚪直播鈥檚 Ignatian Society and participated in the Jamaica Magis and Bowman Advocates programs.
Russi, a double major in political science and history, also has been active in various UG蝌蚪直播 roles, including as a Class of 2022 student assembly representative and as secretary; her activities include the Student Admission Program and the 蝌蚪直播 Alzheimer鈥檚 Buddies campus chapter.
鈥淛ack and I share a common vision, and we hope students feel like they have solid advocates by their side.鈥�
Rosanne Pellegrini | University Communications | April 2021