TJ Bard: Presidential Candidate

Basic Information:

Sophomore from Greencastle, PA; double majoring in Economics and Political Science, a licensed real estate agent.

What Organizations are you involved in here at Penn State?

Beta Theta Pi, Phi Beta Lambda, Presidential Leadership Academy, and UPUA.

What is your political background?

In high school, I became the first student member of the School Board. When I came to Penn State, I ran for and won the position of Off Campus Representative. I also helped run current UPUA President Christian Ragland’s campaign last year.

How did you come to be involved in UPUA?

Coming into Penn State as a political science major, I wanted to get involved in the student government as soon as possible. During my freshman year, I applied for the position of Freshman Representative against a huge number of other students, and was fortunately chosen as one of the two representatives. After serving that position for the year, I then applied for the position of Off Campus Representative, which I won, and then became the Government Affairs Chair.

Why have you chosen to run for president of UPUA?

I believe there is a need for strong leadership. The students and university are now facing a number of large issues, and I believe Courtney and I are the strongest candidates. We can provide the voice for the students. With the large changes coming to the university, it is crucial that the desires of the students are advocated, and we will go to whatever limits to make sure they are heard.
As a sophomore, I thought about waiting another year to run for president, but both Courtney and I have the experience. We cannot grow much more in the roles that we are currently in. By running for president and vice president now, if we are elected, it is possible that we can be re-elected, therefore permitting us to further grow and expand our abilities in those positions.

Courtney Lennartz: Vice Presidential Candidate

Basic Information:

Sophomore from Waldorf, MD; majoring in Health Policy and Administration; certified nursing assistant

What Organizations are you involved in here at Penn State?

Pollock Halls Residence Association (PHRA), Board of Education, UPUA

What is your political background?

In high school, I was a member of the student council. I was also the captain of my school’s cheerleading team, and a captain for my gymnastics team. Then, when I came to Penn State, I became the treasurer of PHRA.

How did you come to be involved in UPUA?

As a member, and the treasurer, of PHRA, I was in constant connection with the Association of Residence Hall Students (ARHS). Having to attend their meetings, I was informed at one that the position of Agricultural Sciences Representative was available, and encouraged to apply for it. I assumed that role, and later became the Academic Affairs Committee Chair.

Why have you chosen to run for vice president of UPUA?

I, along with TJ, want to make sure that the student voice is heard at all levels, which isn’t necessarily happening right now. As a member of the Board of Education, I want to make sure that students are getting as much as possible from their education here at Penn State.