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people
movers and shakers
GETTING INVOLVED
Inspiring people that make KU tick. Learn from fellow students how they got involved.
Lindsey Gold/Kansan
Vivacious and driven are two words that describe our Off Campus Student Senator. Jayme Aschemeyer, Aurora, Colo., senior, says she aims to please, and intends to do her job with the best of her ability. "My aim is to work towards the benefit of the students in my constituency," Aschemeyer says. Her duties include writing bills regarding funding for student organizations, recommending changes in rules and regulations of the University of Kansas and supporting the platforms and arguments of Student Senate. Because Student Senate covers a broad base of student interest, there are many opportunities for the members to be involved. This allows for variety in their daily tasks, she says. Aschemeyer holds the position of secretary of the University Affairs Committee. She attends meetings, takes attendance and takes the minutes of each meeting. Through Student Senate, Aschemeyer participates in the Student Lecture Series Board that works with Student Union Activities to get speakers for the University.
One big project that Senate and Aschemeyer are working on is Jaywalk. Aschemeyer, a member of the Campus Safety Board, says the program provides student-escorts to walk you wherever you need to go on campus after dark, another measure taken to ensure the safety of students at the University. This is one of the Safety Board's prime issues.
—Lauren Karp
ENCOURAGING ACTION
The door to room 423 in the Kansas Union is plastered with fliers various shades of red, blue, yellow and other rainbow colors. Behind the fliers and pamphlets encouraging action, support and wisdom, Patrick Ross, Topeka sophomore, finishes up his office hours.
As director of Queers and Allies, Ross represents the organization to the University of Kansas' administration. He also interacts with other campus and community organizations to increase the visibility and popularity of Queers and Allies. But, he says, the real credit goes to the people he works with who volunteer their time to the organization. "We've had some great compliments about Q&A, and I think that's due to the fact that all of us have been with the organization for almost a year and a half," Ross says. "Consistency breeds great things sometimes."
While he enjoys the opportunity to make a difference with Queers and Allies, Ross says the job isn't without its stresses. "I've had to learn to manage my time and not over commit," he says. Although he has the stresses, Ross says he likes the satisfaction he gets when he completes a project or gains praise from others for the work he does.
- Ross is also involved in other areas of campus life. He's a cosite leader for Alternative
Winter Breaks and also a member of the Student Rights committee, a standing Student Senate committee, and also has strong interest in national politics. "I'm a staunch opponent of our President," he says. In addition to his campus activities, Ross remembers that it's important to take time for himself and to do the things he loves. "I enjoy being myself," he says. "I'm kind of stereotypical in that I love to dance."
—Amanda Wolfe
John Nowak/Kansan
18 jayplay
thursday, november 13. 2003
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